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Located in Ubatuba, the Island of Selinha draws attention for its diminutive size and preserved natural beauty. Now, the destination tries to conquer an international title and officially enter the Guinness World Records.
Located in Ubatuba, on the northern coast of São Paulo, the Island of Selinha houses a strip of sand approximately 40 meters long and 5 meters wide, a proportion that may place it among the smallest beaches in the world.
The city hall is preparing documentation to register the site with the Guinness World Records, in search of official recognition that could increase the visibility of the tourist destination.
Where It Is and Why It Draws Attention
The island is situated a few kilometers off the coast and is known for being divided into two rocky parts connected by a narrow strip of sand, which explains its popular nickname Rachada Island.
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The environment is surrounded by typical Atlantic Forest vegetation, with clear waters and rock formations that reinforce the preserved natural landscape.
According to biologists working in the area, the site maintains a high degree of conservation due to the absence of construction or allowed landings.
Dimensions and Global Comparisons
The most recent measurements indicate about 40 meters in length and 5 meters in width, figures that vary according to tide levels.
The main competitor for the title of smallest beach in the world is Gulpiyuri, located in the Asturias region of Spain, which measures between 40 and 50 meters, according to records in tourist guides and local publications.
Guinness evaluates records based on technical criteria, such as the stability of the sand strip and measurement frequency, factors that are still being documented by the city hall.
Candidacy to Guinness
The City Hall of Ubatuba confirmed it is studying to formalize the candidacy of the Island of Selinha to the record book.
According to the municipal administration, the process involves sending aerial images, official measurements, and environmental information.
The expectation is that the recognition will help to increase Ubatuba’s visibility in sustainable tourism, without compromising the protection of the ecosystem.
Environmental Protection and Visitation Rules
Due to being a small and sensitive area, landing on the island is prohibited by environmental regulation.
According to local technicians, human trampling could accelerate erosion processes and affect coastal fauna.
Still, the island is part of boat tour itineraries, which allow visitors to observe the site from a distance, take photos, and learn its history.
The vessels operate under environmental guidance and adhere to proximity limits determined by the Port Authority and the municipality.
Tourism and Conservation
Authorities and tour operators advocate that the promotion of the island should emphasize environmental preservation, avoiding the overexposure typical of destinations that gain sudden fame.
The city hall reported that it is working on environmental education initiatives and nautical signaling to reinforce good practices among visitors and tourism companies.
The challenge, according to public managers and environmentalists, is to value the natural attraction without generating impacts that may alter its characteristics.
What Defines a “Beach” for Guinness
Guinness World Records adopts technical parameters to homologate records, including measurable length of the sand strip, permanence throughout the year, and direct access to the sea.
Coastal geography experts consulted by local media affirm that the Island of Selinha meets these definitions, although it presents seasonal variations due to tides.
In contrast, Gulpiyuri, in Spain, is an inland beach, formed by a sinkhole that receives seawater through underground tunnels — a characteristic that may generate debate about comparability between the cases.
Scientific Value and Monitoring
Researchers studying the coastal dynamics of Ubatuba point out that the Island of Selinha is an interesting environment for micro-scale analysis, as it allows observation of how wave and wind action alters such a narrow strip of sand.
This type of observation, according to them, may help understand erosion and sedimentation phenomena in small areas, which reinforces the importance of constant monitoring.
There is an expectation that the candidacy process will generate useful scientific data for the conservation of the region.
Visitor Experience
The tourist routes that include the island allow only viewing and photographic recording, without stopping on the sand.
Local guides inform that visibility is better on calm sea days when the strip appears clearer.
The operators usually instruct passengers on environmental conduct, such as avoiding waste disposal and respecting safety distances.
The municipality emphasizes that the activity is monitored and seeks to balance tourist interest with the need for protection.
Recognition and Planning
Although the title has yet to be granted, the possibility of Brazil hosting the smallest beach in the world is already attracting national and international attention.
Tourism and environmental experts assess that the certification, if it occurs, should be accompanied by rigorous planning to control the number of visitors and maintain ecological balance.
The city hall stated that the candidacy will follow the official steps of Guinness and that the main focus will continue to be the conservation of the area.
Path to Official Recognition as the Smallest Beach in the World
The candidacy process should include technical reports, georeferenced measurements, and photographic documentation, required by Guinness for record validation.
The analysis may take months, depending on the volume of evidence presented and the review by international reviewers.
While awaiting the outcome, Ubatuba intends to use the initiative as a responsible tool for promoting its natural heritage.
If the title is confirmed, the Island of Selinha could become the smallest officially recognized beach in the world, but also an example of how to preserve an environment of such small dimensions.
que linda!!!