Fuga da Ilha de Porto Belo

In 1817, Azorean settlers established the Vila de Nova Ericeira, a maritime outpost that would eventually evolve into the modern municipality of Porto Belo. These early colonists relied on the shelter of the local bay for their survival, creating a deep-rooted cultural identity that remains tied to the currents of this coastline. Today, swimmers arrive at these same protected waters to compete in the Fuga da Ilha, retracing the maritime legacy of the region while navigating the very bay that defined its early development.

Ecological preservation and the swim

Environmental protection dictates the character of this event, as the route sits within the reach of the Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve. Established in 1990, this 17,104-hectare sanctuary shields the marine ecosystem from industrial expansion, ensuring a clarity that earned the neighboring peninsula the official title of 'Capital of Ecological Diving' in 2013. Participants frequently encounter this biodiversity, as the calm, sheltered waters of the Porto Belo bay provide a transparent window into the protected habitats below. While the adjacent Travessia de Verão de Bombinhas offers a different seasonal perspective on these waters, this event utilizes the island as a natural starting point, requiring a boat transport for all athletes to reach the line.

Race logistics and safety

Scheduled for September 27, 2026, the race centers on a 2000m course, with registration fees ranging from 38 to 45 EUR depending on the enrollment window. Wetsuits are permitted, a standard consideration given the water temperatures which have fluctuated between 23°C and 31°C in previous years. Because the event coincides with the 12km Volta do Estaleiro, the organization enforces strict safety protocols; swimmers must be present at the mandatory pre-race briefing to receive final instructions on the buoy-marked path. Electronic timing chips are provided as bracelets, and should a swimmer lose the device, a penalty fee of 100 BRL is applied at the finish line to cover replacement costs. If you are seeking additional challenges, the Travessia Noturna de Bombinhas happens in the same maritime vicinity, though it operates under different light and safety conditions compared to this daytime crossing.