Travessia Aquática Gaivotas — Canto do Indaiá

The approach to Canto do Indaiá unfolds along the winding coastal roads of São Paulo, where the dense Atlantic rainforest gradually gives way to the open sea. As the morning mist lifts, the horizon reveals a coastline defined by a mix of historical significance and preserved wilderness. This area, known to the Tupi people as a place of the muriqui or perhaps the white fish, serves as the stage for this annual gathering of swimmers. The race is anchored by the Restinga de Bertioga State Park, a vast protected expanse of mangroves and coastal vegetation that dictates the character of the surrounding environment, creating a buffer between the urban landscape and the open ocean.

The historical backdrop

While you prepare for the start, the depth of the region’s history is present in every direction. This coastline was once a focal point for the Tamoio resistance, where indigenous groups organized canoe raids against colonial outposts, a legacy that remains etched into the local narrative. In the 18th century, the economy shifted toward the whale oil industry, with massive tanks built to supply the streetlights of major hubs like Santos and Rio de Janeiro. Nearby, the Forte de São João stands as a silent witness to centuries of maritime defense, a site where the German mercenary Hans Staden was once held captive. The area is also marked by the presence of the remote Vila de Itatinga, a settlement accessible only by a historic tramway, highlighting the region's isolated, rugged charm.

Race day logistics

Organized by Gaivotas Eventos, this competition invites swimmers to navigate waters that have seen significant meteorological extremes, including the record-breaking rainfall of 2023 which forever altered the local coastal currents. The event, scheduled for September 19, 2026, requires careful attention to the briefing provided by the organizers, as the interaction between the Bertioga Canal and the open sea can create dynamic shifts in water movement. The race series itself is a established fixture in the region, with many participants often returning to the coast for the first stage of the TH5 circuit held earlier in the year. The logistics are managed with precision to ensure safety in these historical waters, where the silhouette of the Morro da Senhorinha remains a constant landmark for those navigating the course.