Volta do Estaleiro — Porto Belo

The morning air at Praia do Centro carries a distinct energy, a mix of salt spray and the quiet focus of swimmers gathering near the tourist pier. By 7:00 AM, the beach is already buzzing as participants from the 'Correr e Nadar' circuit check their timing chips, a ritual shared by those who return each year to this specific stretch of the Costa Esmeralda. Whether preparing for the full 12km solo or the 6km relay, the crowd is unified by the challenge of navigating these sheltered, calm waters that run parallel to the coastal mountains.

The ecological heritage

As you begin your stroke, the environment reveals why this region earned its 2013 designation as the Capital of Ecological Diving. The clarity of the water is not merely aesthetic; it is a direct consequence of the area's stringent protection efforts. Swimming through this part of the coast, you are navigating the fringes of the Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve, a massive sanctuary established in 1990 to guard marine biodiversity. This commitment to conservation provides a pristine backdrop, free from the high-rise sprawl that dominates other coastlines, as the natural restinga vegetation remains largely untouched along the shore. The route requires careful pacing, with hydration points at km 4, 6, and 8, ensuring that solo swimmers maintain their rhythm while relay teams manage their transitions near the sand. The rugged peninsula geography, marked by steep cliffs and rocky headlands, serves as a constant, dramatic visual guide throughout the swim.

A legacy in the water

The path you follow traces the maritime history of the region. Porto Belo was founded in 1817 as the Vila de Nova Ericeira, established by Azorean settlers who saw the potential in these protected bays. Their influence remains a cornerstone of the local identity, visible in the community's deep-rooted connection to the ocean. If you seek more context on this bond, the area features specialized institutions like the local marine aquarium and the House of the Man of the Sea. For those planning a season of long-distance challenges, this event serves as a central anchor, though many also look to the shorter, intense sessions provided by the Bombinhas Summer Crossing held earlier in the year. With the water temperature typically hovering between 23°C and 28°C in late September, the conditions favor a steady, long-distance effort, allowing you to focus on the technical execution of your stroke while passing through some of the most protected marine corridors in Santa Catarina.