Travessia do Porto de Santos 2026

In December 1531, the navigator Martim Afonso de Sousa dropped anchor off the Praia do Góis, marking the beginning of formal Portuguese colonization on the island. This expedition transformed the bay from an uncharted inlet into a strategic maritime hub, a legacy still palpable as you navigate these waters during the 1500-meter crossing. The passage from the initial exploration to the modern race line captures the evolution of a port that once held a darker reputation. Throughout the 19th century, this area was feared as the 'port of death' due to recurring yellow fever outbreaks, a status that discouraged merchant vessels until extensive sanitation works were completed in the 1890s. Today, the water is a clean arena for the annual event hosted by Ana Marcela Esportes, held on January 31, 2026.

The waterfront landscape

As you swim, the shoreline reveals a distinct urban geography. You pass the historic Outeiro de Santa Catarina, the site of the original 1546 settlement, which remains a focal point of the city's central district. Beyond the urban core, the bay opens toward the Praia do Sangava, a primitive stretch accessible only by sea, where the landscape shifts from developed port infrastructure to natural rock pools and native vegetation. The sheer scale of the coastline is defined by 7 kilometers of gardens, a Guinness World Record-holding strip that provides a constant frame of reference for your navigation. For those seeking additional challenges in the same maritime environment, the 28th SOAMAR Canal Swimming Crossing offers a different tactical approach to the currents of this historic passage, while the Martim Afonso Crossing 2026 remains a primary option for swimmers looking to revisit the landing zones of the 16th-century explorers just days before this event.

Historical markers in the current

The coastal defense, including the Andradas Fort, serves as a reminder of the 20th-century strategic importance of these waters, with its hidden tunnels and heavy guns integrated into the cliffside. Local legends often recall the 1591 pirate raid by Thomas Cavendish, a period of turmoil that saw the city's population seek refuge on the heights of Monte Serrat, an event now etched into the local identity. Even the shipwreck of the British barque Kestrel, uncovered by storms in 2017, adds a layer of maritime history beneath the surface of the bay. Whether navigating the main channel or skirting the edges of the port, the race provides a direct connection to the vessels and explorers that defined this coastline.