Enseada São Francisco do Sul

On the morning of April 18, 2027, the sands of Praia da Enseada will stir with the familiar hum of the Correr E Nadar circuit. Local training groups and athletes from across the state gather here, turning the shoreline into an extension of their weekend routine. Every August 11th, São Francisco do Sul—the oldest city in Santa Catarina—receives the state’s administrative seat for a single symbolic day, a tradition that mirrors the pride locals take in hosting this annual open water event. For those looking to test their endurance throughout the season, this race serves as a core stop, often paired with the competitive atmosphere found at Travessia de Inverno.

The coastal wilderness

As you push off from the sand for the 1500m or 3000m distances, you are swimming through waters that have seen centuries of movement. Just beyond the breaking waves, the Acaraí State Park preserves over 6,600 hectares of Atlantic Forest, providing a lush, green backdrop that remains visible as you navigate the buoys. The bay is an extension of the Babitonga mangrove complex, the largest estuarine system in the state. Historically, these waters were the site of complex exchanges; in 1504, the explorer Binot Paulmier de Gonneville arrived here, eventually taking a local indigenous youth named Essomeric back to France with the promise of education. While you focus on your stroke, you are effectively tracing the same currents that facilitated these early, often turbulent, colonial encounters. The region’s history is dense, marked by the presence of Carijó, Kaingang, and Guarani groups who thrived here long before the arrival of European ships.

Race day logistics

This event is strictly non-wetsuit, requiring athletes to rely on their own buoyancy and technique. The course is set in a sheltered zone at the right corner of the beach, a strategic choice to manage the coastal conditions typical of the area. Participants must wear the official race cap and utilize the electronic timing bracelet provided in the kit. If you have personal support, such as a kayak or SUP, you must register their details during packet pickup; the organization provides no official escort, and failure to document your support will lead to disqualification. With entry fees ranging from 150 to 250 BRL, the event prioritizes safety and community-led competition, ensuring that even as you navigate the swim, you remain within the oversight of the local support team.