Lake Paranoá was created in 1959 by damming the Paranoá river — a deliberate piece of the Pilot Plan, both to soften Brasília's dry climate and to provide a recreational waterfront. The lake wraps around three sides of the central plan and is 80 metres deep in places, making it popular for sailing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddle, and scuba diving (yes, really — there is a sunken city of model concrete buildings on the bed).
The Pontão do Lago Sul is the prettiest stretch of shore for sunset, with a row of bars and restaurants directly on the water. The Yacht Club and Naval Centre run sailing lessons. Tour boats leave from Pontão for hour-long lake circuits.