Lagoa dos Barros is a shallow, calm freshwater lagoon located in the Litoral Norte of Rio Grande do Sul, situated between the municipalities of Osório and Santo Antônio da Patrulha, approximately 140 kilometers from Porto Alegre. Its coordinates place it at roughly 29°55'S, 50°22'W. The lagoon is characterized by warm, shallow water and a generally quiet atmosphere with relatively little tourist activity, making it well-suited for paddlers who prefer uncrowded conditions.

Access is available via the BR-101 highway, with multiple entry points along the shoreline. The lagoon can be reached in approximately one and a half hours from Porto Alegre. Some access points are directly off the highway, though road conditions to certain marginal areas should be verified before visiting, as some approaches involve unpaved tracks. Facilities along the shore are minimal — there are no established bars or restaurants at the water's edge, and commercial services are sparse in the immediate vicinity, so paddlers should plan to be self-sufficient with food, water, and supplies.

The water is warm and shallow, which reduces the consequences of capsize but also means paddlers should be aware of submerged vegetation, particularly reed beds (junco), which are present in parts of the lagoon. Both bank-based and boat-based access are used by anglers, suggesting the shoreline offers workable launch points at multiple locations. The lagoon supports populations of native fish including traíra, jundiá, and tainha, and wildlife associated with freshwater wetland environments. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, particularly at dusk, so insect repellent is advisable.

The lagoon is accessible year-round. Water temperatures are warm enough to be comfortable for recreational use, consistent with the subtropical climate of the region. Sunsets over the lagoon are notable features of the experience. The overall character is one of a quiet, low-infrastructure natural environment with calm water and flat surroundings typical of the coastal lagoon system of southern Brazil's northern shore.

There are no paddling-specific restrictions noted, though visitors are generally encouraged to respect the natural environment and local residents, and to practice leave-no-trace principles.