Travessia de Verão de Bombinhas 2026

The rhythmic stroke of your arms breaks the surface, revealing a submerged world where the light filters through layers of emerald green. Beneath you, the seabed shifts from fine white sand to rocky outcrops that serve as natural nurseries for the local marine life. You are swimming within the influence of the Arvoredo Marine Reserve, a protected stretch of ocean where biodiversity remains undisturbed by the mainland sprawl. As you navigate the coastline, the geography reveals the rugged nature of the peninsula, characterized by steep cliffs that plunge directly into the sea and small, secluded coves only reachable by those willing to swim the distance. This is the setting for the Travessia de Verão de Bombinhas, a mid-January event that draws swimmers to a municipality with thirty-nine distinct beaches, each offering a different challenge in terms of swell and water density.

A landscape shaped by the sea

Navigating these waters means constant interaction with the unique topography of the Santa Catarina coast. While the Desafio Costa Esmeralda 30K tests endurance across a wider range of the region, the Travessia de Verão focuses on the intimate connection between the swimmer and the environment. You might spot remnants of the local history, such as the sites frequented by the Carijós people long before the 1817 arrival of Azorean settlers who defined the current maritime culture. The water here stays in the 20 °C range, though summer conditions can shift quickly; the organization relies on strict safety protocols and kayak support to manage the open-sea sections. Bombinhas earned its designation as the 'Capital of Ecological Diving' in 2013, and the clarity you experience while swimming is the same that draws divers to these depths year-round. Whether you are aiming for the main event or preparing for other local circuits, the water remains the primary focus of every stroke.