[1] It lies in the municipalities of Bombinhas, Florianópolis and Governador Celso Ramos of the state of Santa Catarina.

The archipelago lies over the continental platform and is characterized by the presence of Precambrian crystalline rock shorelines.

The rocky habitat is characterized by many cavities formed by large boulders and medium-small sized pebbles covered with seaweed.

The reserve is administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.

[2] Protected species include the Starfish species Asterina stellifera, Astropecten brasiliensis, Astropecten marginatus, Coscinasterias tenuispina, Narcissia trigonaria and Oreaster reticulatus, loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), La Plata dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), narrownose smooth-hound (Mustelus schmitti), Tube-dwelling anemone Cerianthomorphe brasiliensis, neon goby Elacatinus figaro, slate pencil urchin Eucidaris tribuloides, sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus, decapod Minyocerus angustus, sea urchin Paracentrotus gaimardi, white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis), Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) and black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris).