Maratona Aquática de Porto Belo

In 1817, Azorean settlers arrived on these shores to establish the Vila de Nova Ericeira, a name that would eventually give way to the modern municipality of Porto Belo. They navigated these coastal waters with the same focus that today’s competitors bring to the starting line, driven by the search for safe passage and a place to cast their nets. That historical determination persists in the local culture, where the deep connection to the ocean is preserved in institutions like the House of the Man of the Sea. When you stand on the beach before the 2027 race, you are looking out at a landscape shaped by these early maritime pioneers, whose legacy remains etched into the rugged geography of the coastline.

The marine environment

As you begin your swim, you are entering a protected corridor that extends far beyond the race course. The area is integral to the Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve, a massive 17,104-hectare sanctuary established in 1990 to shield the local marine life from disruption. This status, combined with the region’s designation as the 'Capital of Ecological Diving' since 2013, ensures that the water remains a clear, undisturbed domain for the duration of the event. While navigating the course, you will pass by the Mariscal restinga vegetation, a 4 km stretch of native coastal flora that has been shielded from the high-rise concrete sprawl common in other parts of the Santa Catarina coast. The dramatic contrast between the steep, rocky headlands and the sheltered coves provides a natural rhythm to the stroke, keeping the geography of the peninsula in constant view.

Event details

Organized by Correr E Nadar, the Maratona Aquática de Porto Belo returns on January 17, 2027, offering a variety of distances including 200m, 600m, 1500m, and 3000m. The logistics are designed to leverage the natural shelter of the bay, allowing swimmers to test their speed in a protected marine environment. For those building their season, the event shares the same regional waters as the Travessia de Verão de Bombinhas, which takes place just one day later on January 18, 2026. Whether you are aiming for the full 3000m or the shorter sprints, the experience is defined by the same currents and horizons that the original Azorean settlers encountered two centuries ago.