It is 25 kilometres from the mainland, and is free of malaria-carrying mosquitos, because it lacks surface water. It is located 1,800 kilometres northeast of Maputo, in the centre of the Indian Ocean migration route for majestic whales. Its two kilometres of circumferencing sandy beach is a breeding ground for several species of cherished sea turtles. Ilha do Fogo forms part of an archipelago of a few small islands, among underwater cliffs and canyons left behind by the great rift.