With Just 40 Meters, Selinha Island Aims to Be Recognized as the Smallest Beach in the World and Boost Ecotourism in Ubatuba
A small strip of sand on the north coast of São Paulo is attracting international attention. Located in Ubatuba, Selinha Island aims to enter the Guinness Book as the smallest beach in the world. With just 40 meters in length and about 5 meters in width, the place has become a symbol of curiosity and tourist attraction.
The beach is also known by other names: Ilha Rachada and Ilhas Gêmeas. Surrounded by the Atlantic Forest and with crystal-clear waters, the place has started to receive visitors interested in experiencing its unique geography.
The idea to officially register the record emerged as a way to attract more tourists and enhance the region’s tourism.
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Natural and Preserved Tourist Spot
Being in a protected area free from urban interference, the beach maintains native vegetation and an ideal setting for diving and observing marine life.
The beauty of the site has caught the attention of authorities and locals, who see the candidacy for the Guinness as a way to unite nature and sustainable development.
In addition to its small size, the candidacy depends on technical criteria defined by the Guinness World Records.
To be accepted, the responsible team must prove the authenticity of the measurements and ensure the international visibility of the beach. The location must also be accessible to the public, which is already being arranged.
Tight Competition with Spanish Beach
The main competitor in the race is Gulpiyuri Beach in Spain, which is about 50 meters long. This makes it slightly larger than the Brazilian beach, which strengthens Selinha Island’s candidacy.
However, the process requires rigorous measurements. The team has hired specialists in geomorphology to ensure the accuracy of the data. Videos and photos are being used as evidence for the approval process.
Some other smaller beaches have already been listed with lengths of up to 20 meters, but not all have met the criteria for registration. The expectation is that Selinha Island will gather all the necessary documentation for its candidacy.
Expectations for the Local Economy
If the title is confirmed, the impact on the regional economy could be significant. An increase in tourist flow could stimulate investments in accommodation, transportation, and dining.
The visibility may also put Ubatuba on new international travel routes, with a special focus on ecotourism and nature tourism.
The proposal also includes hosting cultural and sports events that take advantage of the island’s natural scenery. The intention is to value not only the landscape but also the local culture.
Sustainability Plan in Progress
To handle the potential increase in visitors, a sustainable tourism plan is being developed.
The focus is on preserving the environment, avoiding negative impacts on the ecosystem. The proposal includes creating educational programs and controlling the number of tourists per day. With this, the region hopes to maintain a balance between tourism and environmental preservation.
Final Steps in the Process
The official recognition by Guinness may take some time. In the meantime, the beach’s fame continues to grow. Residents, merchants, and visitors have already shown excitement about the buzz. Even if the title has not yet been confirmed, the initiative has already changed the local dynamics.
Selinha Island, with its small strip of sand, has become a symbol of regional identity. More than a possible record, the site now represents the strength of conscious tourism and the appreciation of Brazil’s natural beauty.
With information from Correio Brasiliense.

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