Circuito Mares 2026 — Caraguatatuba (junho)

On the morning of the race, the promenade along Praia Martim de Sá hums with a distinct energy. Local families and visiting athletes share the sidewalk as the sun rises over the Atlantic, a scene that has become a staple for the community of Caraguatatuba. The Circuito Mares, which organises this event, has transformed this stretch of the North Coast into a familiar ground for those who return year after year, drawn by the technical demand of the waters and the reliability of the organisation. When you step onto the sand, you are treading on a coast with a complex, often heavy history. The area was once known as the 'vila que desertou' (the village that deserted) after a devastating 1693 smallpox epidemic, locally called 'bexigas', forced survivors to flee to Ubatuba and São Sebastião. This deep-rooted connection to the sea, forged through survival and migration, remains a quiet undercurrent for those who dive into these waters today.

The water and the memory of the land

As you navigate the course, the landscape tells its own story. The coastline is shaped by the memory of the 1967 catastrophic flood, a tragic event that redefined the topography and the resilience of the local population. While you focus on your stroke, you may pass the remnants of the old plantations like the Fazenda dos Ingleses, established in 1927, which once brought a wave of international influence to the local banana and citrus trade. The environment here demands respect; the coastal geography is notorious for its steep underwater drop-offs at nearby Massaguaçu, a 'praia de tombo', where the seabed plummets rapidly. Similarly, the shell-shaped isolation of Praia Brava, framed by the dense, preserved Atlantic Forest, presents strong currents that test even the most experienced swimmers. The Martim de Sá beach itself is no exception, frequently presenting rip currents that require swimmers to stay alert to the changing conditions of the day.

For those looking to balance their season, the region offers a variety of challenges, such as the Circuito Paulista de Maratonas Aquáticas taking place just a week later. The event typically includes distances suitable for various abilities, with entry fees reflecting the necessary logistics for safety, including dedicated support kayaks and maritime traffic control. You will receive a standard race pack featuring a swimming cap, timing chip, and a finisher medal upon completion. Whether you are tackling the open sea for the first time or returning to improve your pacing, the water remains the primary focus, indifferent to the history that lines its shores.