9ª Travessia da Volta da Ilha do Macuco

The Travessia do Macuco takes place on November 8, 2026, featuring five distinct race distances: 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and an 8000m long-distance event. Held in the sea at Praia da Conceição, the venue sits on a peninsula defined by a rugged topography of rocky headlands and abrupt escarpments. Swimmers competing in the longer distances will track along a coastline where the terrestrial environment remains largely untouched, owing to the preservation of native Mariscal restinga vegetation along the shore.

Historical and ecological context

This stretch of the Atlantic coast has been defined by its maritime heritage since Azorean settlers established the early foundations of the region in 1817. Today, the water quality is strictly maintained through its inclusion in the Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve, a protected zone spanning over 17,000 hectares that ensures a high level of biodiversity for the swimming course. The area earned the official designation of 'Capital of Ecological Diving' in 2013, a status that reflects the depth of the local commitment to marine conservation. While this November event focuses on the endurance of the 8km swim, those seeking a higher frequency of competitions in the area can look to the Travessia de Verão de Bombinhas, which occurs earlier in the year. The deep-rooted connection between the local community and the ocean is further evidenced by institutions like the Marine Aquarium Museum, which has served as a center for oceanographic study in the municipality since 1999. Participants should expect typical late-spring sea conditions, navigating a course that transitions between sheltered coves and the more exposed, clear waters characteristic of the reserve.