Rei e Rainha do Mar — Etapa Arraial do Cabo

The Rei e Rainha do Mar stage at Arraial do Cabo takes place in the Atlantic waters surrounding the Praia dos Anjos, a historic location where Amerigo Vespucci landed in 1503. During this expedition, the explorer established the first Portuguese feitoria in Brazil and constructed a fortification whose remnants remain accessible via a coastal trail between Prainha and Praia do Forno. Competitors navigate an environment defined by the local resurgence phenomenon, an oceanographic process that pulls nutrient-rich, chilled deep-sea currents to the surface. This mechanism is primarily responsible for the water’s notable clarity and the density of marine biodiversity, including frequent sightings of sea turtles, rays, and groupers near areas like the Gruta Azul and Ilha do Farol.

Coastal landmarks and biodiversity

Coastal topography dominates the swimmer's perspective, particularly the dramatic rock formations at Pontal do Atalaia. Rising to an altitude of 180 meters, these cliffs provide a vantage point for one of the few sunsets in Brazil that descends directly into the ocean. Beyond the immediate shoreline, the race passes near the Massambaba Restinga, a narrow geological formation separating the Atlantic from the Araruama Lagoon. This protected strip serves as a habitat for rare orchid species and the endemic 'com-com-da-restinga' bird, a species currently under environmental monitoring due to habitat fragility. Participants should anticipate varying water temperatures driven by the active resurgence cycles, which maintain the ecological health of the bay but require adaptation during long-distance efforts.