Travessia de Inverno — São Francisco do Sul

The water feels cool against your skin as you find your rhythm near the eastern edge of the bay, where the sea meets the shelter of the headlands. Far in the distance, the Ilha da Paz lighthouse stands as a silent guide for those navigating these coastal reaches, a landmark that defines the horizon for anyone pushing through the 2km course. You are competing in the Travessia de Inverno, a seasonal challenge held annually in São Francisco do Sul, which invites swimmers to test their conditioning in the protected waters of Praia da Enseada. This specific stretch of the coastline carries the weight of 1504, the year the French navigator Binot Paulmier de Gonneville anchored his expedition in the Babitonga Bay after six months at sea. Historians note that he and his crew, with the guidance of the local Carijó chief Arosca, erected a 35-foot wooden cross on a nearby hill to commemorate their arrival and formalize a pact with the indigenous inhabitants. While the depth of the bay remains a manageable 6 meters for most of your swim, the connection channel to the sea plunges to 28 meters to accommodate larger maritime traffic, a stark reminder of the depth hidden beneath your stroke.

Race logistics and environment

Navigating these waters requires constant awareness of your surroundings, both for safety and for the fleeting chance to spot the rare toninha dolphin. These small cetaceans are native to this bay and are currently the focus of conservation efforts due to the pressures of coastal development. The event organizers emphasize the necessity of the official race cap for visibility, as the water is shared with support vessels. If you are participating in the 600m or 2km distance, note that the start times are subject to adjustments of up to 25 minutes depending on the conditions and the progress of the preceding heat. For those looking for a different seasonal experience in the same bay, the Semana da Marinha offers a distinct calendar option later in the year. The entry fee of 220 BRL covers your timing chip, cap, and finisher medal, while wetsuits are permitted for all participants. If you prefer to train in these same waters during a different season, you might also consider the Enseada São Francisco do Sul event held in April. The registration process separates entries into long and short distance categories, though all participants are timed and awarded within the same 2km classification on race day.