Circuito Mares 2026 — Caraguatatuba (fevereiro)

The swim at Praia Martim de Sá is defined by the interaction between the open sea and the specific geography of the North Coast. You will encounter a 'praia de tombo', a term used locally to describe a seabed that transitions from shallow to deep in a very short distance. This steep drop-off creates a dynamic water environment where currents can shift rapidly, making navigation and sighting critical for maintaining your line. Expect varied conditions; while the Atlantic breeze typically influences the surface, the primary challenge remains the constant movement of water along the shoreline, which requires a deliberate and consistent stroke to manage the lateral pull. The water, warm by late summer, remains a constant companion as you navigate the course.

Historical context of the coast

As you sight the landmarks along the shore, you are effectively swimming past a region with a somber history. The area surrounding these beaches was once known as the 'vila que desertou' following the 1693 smallpox outbreak. This epidemic, locally remembered as the 'bexigas', forced the original settlers to abandon their homes and migrate toward Ubatuba and São Sebastião, leaving the coast largely empty for generations. Today, this history is mirrored in the preserved Atlantic Forest that frames the beach, offering a dense, green backdrop to the swim. The landscape remains largely untouched, providing a stark contrast to the infrastructure of modern coastal towns. For those interested in the broader season, swimmers often transition from these events to the relay challenges that test endurance in the same coastal waters, or explore other coastal routes later in the year.

Race day logistics

The Circuito Mares in Caraguatatuba attracts a wide range of participants across its 500m, 1000m, 2500m, and 5000m distances. The event is structured to support individual athletes, with safety kayakers monitoring the course to account for the natural currents inherent to this stretch of the coast. While the 1967 floods left a permanent mark on the city's development and landscape, the modern event is organized with a focus on safety and local environmental awareness. Participants should be prepared for the technical nature of the 'tombo' beach entry, where the water depth changes significantly underfoot just meters from the sand. The event includes competitive categories and is supported by a robust logistical framework, including timing services and water-based safety protocols, to manage the variable ocean conditions.