11ª Travessia Canal Faial–Pico — Carlos Silva & Filho

Swimming the 8km between Faial and Pico requires an acute awareness of the Atlantic currents that funnel through this narrow strait. The water temperature in early August typically hovers in a range that allows for comfortable skin-swimming, though the channel acts as a natural venturi, accelerating tidal flows that can shift significantly depending on the moon phase. Swimmers must navigate these water movements with a steady stroke, as the crossing is defined by the depth of the channel and the presence of geological features like the Baixa do Sul reef, which lies 8 meters below the surface. This submerged caldera creates complex water patterns that you will feel beneath you as you navigate toward the Pico coastline.

A landscape of fire and blue

As you sight your path, the horizon is anchored by the 2,351-meter bulk of Mount Pico, a presence that dictates the scale of the entire channel. Looking back toward the west, the coastline of Faial—known locally as the 'Ilha Azul' due to the dense hydrangea hedges that color the landscape in mid-summer—provides a vivid contrast to the volcanic dark basalt of the eastern shore. Your orientation is guided by the Espalamaca promontory, historically known as 'The Needle' by Flemish settlers who sought to mark the bay’s northern boundary. The sea here is a protected habitat where encounters with loggerhead sea turtles and common dolphins remain a possibility during the transit.

A corridor of maritime history

This stretch of water has long been a witness to global movement. Beneath the waves, the seafloor is scarred by 'giants' holes'—abrasive calderas formed by centuries of boulder erosion—while the surface reflects a history of intense maritime conflict. In 1594, the Portuguese carrack Cinco Chagas, laden with immense wealth from the East Indies, was engaged in battle here; its final struggle ended when the ship caught fire and sank just off the coast. Centuries later, Horta itself evolved into a primary node for the global submarine cable network, a legacy that once brought telegraph operators from across the world to the city’s gardens. For those looking to experience the region’s maritime culture further, the Horta Open Water Swim offers a complementary perspective on these waters in October. Participation in this 11th edition of the crossing remains limited to ensure safety, with the Clube Naval da Horta coordinating the logistical support required to manage the channel’s unpredictable currents.