UltraMaratour — Itaparica–Mutá

On November 1st, 1501, the explorer Amerigo Vespucci navigated into the vast expanse of the Baía de Todos os Santos, naming the waters after the holy day of his arrival. Today, the bay serves as a challenging arena for the UltraMaratour, a 16km test of endurance that spans the coastal geography of Itaparica. This marathon swim connects the island’s historic atmosphere to the shores of Mutá, drawing on the same waters that once supported a thriving whaling industry until the mid-19th century.

The island's aquatic landscape

As you navigate this stretch, the environment shifts beneath you. The island's eastern flank is dominated by the Reefs of Itaparica, a 15-kilometer chain that creates calm, sheltered pools easily spotted from the water. In contrast, the western coast is lined with dense mangrove forests, essential for local biodiversity and a defining feature of the island's silhouette. The Bay of All Saints is remarkably shallow—averaging just 9.8 meters—providing a unique, constant proximity to the seabed that contrasts with the open-sea feel of longer marathon events. You might feel the weight of the past here; the island was the site of a pivotal battle during the Independence of Bahia (1821-1823), where local forces fought to secure regional sovereignty.

Race day logistics

Scheduled for September 20th, 2026, the UltraMaratour is organized by Maratour, a group that has been facilitating swimming events in these regions since 2011. The 16km distance is a significant step up from shorter formats, such as the Maratour Village Itaparica held just the day before. The event features both individual and relay categories, reflecting the cooperative spirit often found in the long-standing 12km Itaparica-Salvador crossing, an event with a rich tradition dating back to 1955. While the swim requires high physical preparation, the logistics are managed to ensure safety across the large bay. The, often, higher registration fees for such ultra-distance events cover essential support: dedicated kayak escorts and the necessary coordination to clear the route through these active, historically significant waters. Whether you are navigating the reef lines or passing the site of the ancient colonial naval shipyards, the swim offers a profound connection to the maritime heritage of Bahia.