18ª Travessia de Zimbros

The waters of Praia de Zimbros are defined by a gentle, sheltered arc that shields swimmers from the heavy swells characteristic of the more exposed Atlantic coastline. Experienced locals often describe the bay as a natural basin, where the water maintains a distinct, calm clarity that shifts from deep teal to a pale, translucent turquoise near the shoreline. This stability in the water column is what allows for the precise, rhythmic stroke required for long-distance swimming, as the absence of aggressive surf creates a predictable environment for both training and competition. Beneath the surface, the sea floor remains largely sandy and gradual, providing a reassuring depth that is consistent across the central sections of the bay.

A Protected Marine Environment

Swimming in this part of the Bombinhas peninsula means traversing a territory where ecological preservation dictates the rhythm of the sea. The area is integral to the Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve, a massive protected zone that has restricted commercial fishing and industrial activity since 1990. This status directly influences the water quality that participants encounter during the annual Travessia de Zimbros. The high biodiversity is a result of these strict environmental policies, which prevent the degradation typically seen near urbanized coastal centers. It is common for swimmers to observe the diverse marine life in the clear, undisturbed water, reflecting the status of the municipality as a designated center for ecological diving. Those looking for different conditions in the same region often head to Desafio Costa Esmeralda 30K, which utilizes the broader, more variable waters of the surrounding area.

Race Logistics and Heritage

Since its inception, the event has attracted a community of swimmers who prioritize the technical challenge of open water navigation over the spectacle of crowded tourist beaches. The organization, managed by Acqua Travessias Bombinhas, focuses on the inherent safety of the Zimbros bay, which serves as a natural harbor for the event. The race day atmosphere reflects the local culture, which is still anchored in the traditions of the 19th-century Azorean migration. While the town has modernized, the connection to the sea remains the focal point, documented by the local marine museums that preserve the heritage of those who made their living from these tides. The event avoids the high-rise density found elsewhere in Santa Catarina, maintaining a visual continuity with the rugged, rocky headlands that frame the bay. Participants should anticipate a standard, well-supported open water format that relies on the natural, calm dynamics of the Zimbros bay rather than complex tide-based navigation.