Volta de Penha

The Volta de Penha is an open-water swimming competition held in the sea at Penha, located along the coast of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. Organised by Correr e Nadar, the meeting represents a key stage of the regional Mandala circuit, a series comprising seven open-water swimming fixtures. Swimmers gather on the sand of Praia da Armação to read the Atlantic swell, adjusting their goggles and timing the rolling sets before wading into the surf. The competition takes place during the warm late-summer season. Swimmers can choose from four distinct courses spanning distances of 200 metres, 600 metres, 1.5 kilometres, and 3 kilometres. The 200-metre event includes a dedicated Kids race, allowing younger athletes to test their strokes in an accessible coastal format.

Across all adult events, the challenge is kept strictly traditional: neoprene wetsuits are completely prohibited. Swimmers must enter the sea in standard swimsuits, feeling the raw embrace of the Atlantic water and relying entirely on their own stamina and rhythm. Every swimmer who crosses the timing line receives a finisher medal. Heading off the sand into the water, competitors quickly adapt to the salt and the swell, sighting on the offshore buoys that define the race course across the bay.

Race day at Praia da Armação: meeting point, podiums and temperatures

The meeting point is on the sand of Praia da Armação, at the Quiosque do Mario on Rua João Mateus (no. 30). The race site on Praia da Armação has support facilities, partner guesthouses, restaurants nearby and parking on the streets parallel to the event. Trophies go to the top five overall, men and women, in the 3 km, 1.5 km, 600 m and 200 m, and to the top three in each age category. The event page records water temperatures of 29 °C (84 °F) on 8 March 2026, 25 °C (77 °F) on 6 April 2025 and 27 °C (3677-81 °F) on 17 March 2024. Earlier readings were 30 °C (86 °F) on 17 March 2023, 19 °C (66 °F) on 26 June 2022 and 25.7 °C (3672-78 °F) on 24 January 2021. Swimmers who bring their own kayak or SUP escort must register that person with the organisation, whatever the distance.

Armação do Itapocorói: from Carijós stone walls to whaling outpost

The shores around Praia da Armação carried a rich maritime identity long before swimmers began lining up along its surf line. The region was originally settled by the Carijós indigenous people. In the 18th century, Portuguese settlers arriving from the Azores transformed this natural harbor into Armação do Itapocoroy, establishing one of southern Brazil's largest whaling stations. The operations targeted migratory whales, which are fully aquatic mammals living in the open ocean where they carry out all of their life activities. These marine animals vary remarkably in size across species, ranging from the small dwarf sperm whale to the magnificent blue whale, the largest creature known to have ever lived.

While whales are distributed across the globe, most species prefer colder polar or temperate feeding grounds, migrating toward the equator to breed and give birth. Several species are noted for extreme diving endurance, including the sperm whale, which can remain submerged for up to 90 minutes while hunting in deep abysses. High above the bay, Ponta da Vigia stands as the highest point in the city, serving as a natural observation point for fishermen watching the surrounding sea. By the 19th century, industrial whaling collapsed and was replaced by sustainable artisanal fishing, returning tranquility to the coastal village.

Praia do Cascalho: turtle sanctuaries along Penha's coastline

Beyond the sheltered curve of Praia da Armação, the municipality of Penha stretches across 31 kilometres of coastline featuring 19 separate beaches. Among these coastal gems is Praia do Cascalho, an inlet distinctive for its shore covered in pebbles, stones, and seashells rather than fine sand. This rocky cove has become celebrated as a protected sanctuary for wild sea turtles, which frequent the quiet shallows to rest and browse along the bottom. Sea turtles vary greatly in size according to their species, with the giant leatherback reaching lengths of up to 1.8 metres. Depending on the species and maturity, the diet of sea turtles focuses on marine sponges, crustaceans, coastal seagrasses, and floating jellyfish.

Penha's seafront: Azorean heritage, mariculture, and beach life

The early Azorean colonization of the 18th century left an indelible mark on the culture, vernacular architecture, and coastal cuisine of Penha. Today, the city is widely recognized as Brazil's national capital of shellfish, supported by a strong tradition of nearshore mariculture and artisanal net fishing. At nearby Praia de São Miguel, a traditional fishing village carries on these centuries-old customs. Brightly painted wooden boats remain anchored along the shoreline, where fishermen sell fresh seafood directly to visitors and local markets. Along Penha, artisanal fishing operates on a peaceful, human scale. At Praia da Armação do Itapocorói, the shoreline is famous for its pier, which serves as a popular gathering spot for fishing and jumping straight into the sea.

Further down the coast, Praia da Saudade is lined with stately residential mansions facing the waves, earning its enduring title as the Aristocratic Beach. As the sun begins to dip and the day's racing concludes, swimmers congregate along the central waterfront in town. Here, bustling beach kiosks, pubs, and open-air choperias offer fresh draft beer and local shellfish.