Ponta de São Lourenço is a peninsula classified as a Partial Natural Reserve, and the islet of Desembarcadouro as an Integral Natural Reserve, both integrated into the Madeira Natural Park and on the list of Sites of Community Interest in the Natura 2000 Network. It consists of some volcanic hills of recent origin and steep and very high rocky cliffs that fall steeply into the sea, featuring some caves and pebble coves. Along the coast there are two main islets: Desembarcadouro and Farol. There are some endemic plants and protected animal species such as the sea lion.