6hs de Porto Belo

The journey to Porto Belo is a descent into the coastal character of Santa Catarina. As the road winds toward the sea, the landscape shifts from the dense green of the Atlantic Forest to the jagged, saline-scented peninsula, eventually revealing the sheltered waters of the central bay. It is here, where the Azorean settlers first established their foothold in 1817, that the 6hs de Porto Belo unfolds, drawing on a legacy of maritime resilience that still defines the community.

Swimming in these waters is a direct encounter with the protected marine life that prompted the region’s official designation as the Capital of Ecological Diving. The course, organized by the Correr E Nadar team, is a strategic 1000-meter loop designed to keep participants within the calm, controlled environment of the inner bay. Swimmers navigate this stretch parallel to the coastline, where the transition from the sandy shore to the deep blue mirrors the transition from the bustling beach to the silence of the Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve. This reserve acts as a massive natural sanctuary for marine biodiversity, and while you swim, the ecological health of the site is palpable in the clarity of the water.

Race day logistics

Logistics are tailored to the endurance format, with the electronic timing chip serving as the vital link during the six-hour window. The event is an exercise in management; you are free to step out of the water to hydrate or eat at the beach tent, provided you hit the sensor at the end of each lap. This flexibility is essential, as the race is prone to the unpredictable shifts in wind and tide common to the Santa Catarina coast. The quota, ranging between 30 and 42 EUR, reflects the infrastructure required to maintain this level of control in an open-water setting, including the timing systems and safety protocols. For those who prefer a shorter commitment, distances from 600m to 10km are available, yet all share the same protected, loop-based course. As you pace your effort, the nearby presence of the Bombinhas peninsula stands as a constant, rugged landmark, its steep cliffs and rocky headlands contrasting sharply with the flat, accessible waters of the race track. Whether you are aiming for a podium in the long-distance categories or focusing on the relay efficiency, the experience is anchored in the same ocean that shaped the local history of the Vila de Nova Ericeira.