Rei e Rainha do Mar 2026 — Saquarema (Travessia)

The swell of the Atlantic lifts you, and as you crest, the white walls of the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora de Nazareth emerge above the horizon, anchored to the Morro de Saquarema. This 17th-century landmark serves as your primary navigational beacon, standing firm while you navigate the push and pull of the coastal currents. You are participating in the Rei e Rainha do Mar, an event that brings the tradition of competitive open water swimming to the shoreline of Rio de Janeiro.

A surfing legacy in the water

As you adjust your line, the seabed shifts beneath you, mirroring the power of the offshore breaks. You are swimming along the perimeter of Itaúna Beach, a stretch of coastline known as the Maracanã of Brazilian surfing. Since the 1970s, this area has defined the local water culture, and the energy of the waves here remains a constant companion for those who take to the sea. The intensity of the water is balanced by the historical weight of the region, where the Tamoio people once established settlements before the 1575 military expedition by Governor António Salema altered the local landscape.

Historical echoes and race logistics

Beyond the surf, the coastline holds remnants of a different era. The proximity to the site of the former Convento de Santo Alberto, established by Carmelite friars in 1594, reminds you of the deep colonial roots that run through the sand and cliffs of Ipitangas. Swimmers should prepare for the specific conditions of this January date; the Atlantic currents here require a steady, rhythmic stroke to manage the variable drifts. The organization behind the Rei e Rainha do Mar ensures safety through designated support, allowing participants to focus on their pace rather than the logistical complexities of the maritime traffic. For those looking for more time in the regional waters, you might consider the upcoming Rainha do Mar in March or the challenges posed by the Aloha Spirit event. Saquarema remains a place where the memory of the 1976 Som, Sol & Surf festival and the legacy of figures like Serguei still influence the coastal atmosphere.