Desafio 4 Ilhas 2026 — Paraty

In 1555, French admiral Nicolas Durand de Villegaignon established his short-lived colony on an island in Guanabara Bay, a maneuver that triggered decades of colonial friction. This legacy of maritime struggle is etched into the coastline, where remnants of fortifications like the colonial powder house at Forte Defensor still command the harbor. Today, the water that once saw these naval clashes hosts the Desafio 4 Ilhas, a series of open water races that draw swimmers to the very channels once navigated by colonial ships and later haunted by pirates raiding the gold-laden ships of the 18th century.

The local waters

As you begin your stroke, you are crossing the same currents that brought the Brazilian Mullet into the estuaries of the Perequê-Açu. The Tupi people identified this fish as the namesake of the town, and they remain a common sight beneath the surface as they return to spawn in these protected bays. The Bay of Ilha Grande provides a warm, stable marine environment throughout the season, allowing swimmers to focus on their technique rather than the cold. Local tradition often speaks of the Capela da Generosa, a small chapel erected in memory of a fisherman, serving as a reminder to respect the local sea conditions during your swim.

Race day logistics

The Desafio 4 Ilhas, organized by A3 Sport, challenges participants across distances ranging from 2km to 12km. This is a logistical feat supported by a fleet of kayaks and vessels that pace the field, ensuring safety and regular hydration every 2km. The race is built for individual pacing, and those seeking to pair this event with a different regional challenge often look toward the Aloha Spirit — Paraty for a varying coastal experience later in the year. Whether you are navigating past the boulder-perched Church of Nossa Senhora da Penha or crossing the historic waters near the Valongo Wharf, the course is designed to keep you in touch with both the natural beauty and the deep history of the Rio de Janeiro coast.