Zimbros — Maratona Aquática

Along the sheltered coast of Bombinhas in Santa Catarina, the sea at Praia de Zimbros provides the setting for Zimbros — Maratona Aquática, an open water swimming race held in calm Brazilian coastal waters. Baía de Zimbros is largely occupied by local residents and vacation homes, creating an inviting coastal setting where swimmers encounter exceptionally gentle sea conditions. The beach features light-colored sand and sheltered water that resembles an expansive natural swimming pool. Swimmers wading in from the shore find an aquatic environment free of turbulent surf, allowing everyone to settle into a steady, uninterrupted open water stroke. Praia de Zimbros is widely known for its peaceful, bucolic atmosphere, which remains tranquil throughout the morning and afternoon.

As the day comes to a close, the bay offers one of the finest vantage points in the region to watch the sunset over the sea. Extending across a length of 700 meters, that beach features strong, clear waters certified by the international Blue Flag program.

Maratona Aquática de Zimbros: course distances and coastal routes

The Zimbros swimming marathon is organized by Correr E Nadar and is scheduled during the month of April. Open water competitors can choose between three distinct distances designed for varying experience levels: a 600-meter sprint, a middle-distance 1,500-meter race, and a 3,000-meter marathon swim. The competition is held directly at Praia de Zimbros, where the use of neoprene wetsuits is officially permitted for all participants. Swimmers start directly from the beach into the calm sea, following a route laid out parallel to the coastline. The race course takes competitors along the shore and features a loop around a small nearshore island located near the coastal trail. As swimmers navigate around the island, the surrounding mountain landscape frames the bay, creating a striking backdrop visible during every sighting stroke across the water.

Course routes in earlier editions have also featured unique logistical arrangements across the surrounding headlands. In past editions, participants in the 1,500-meter and 3,000-meter races performed a traditional walk along the trail from the corner of Praia de Zimbros to reach an alternate start point at Praia do Cardoso before swimming back. The area has also welcomed demanding endurance events, including a SwimRun race consisting of seven sea entries and seven running sections without transitions. Alongside the racing, participants are requested to bring non-perishable food items to support local community charities.

Zimbros Bay: traditional fishing colony and marine farms

Beyond its sporting appeal, Praia de Zimbros preserves the living character and quiet daily rhythm of an authentic Brazilian artisanal fishing colony. The area maintains deep connections with traditional coastal fishing practices. Marine aquaculture farms are anchored in the calm waters at both ends of the bay. These working marine facilities allow visitors and swimmers to purchase fresh fish and shellfish harvested directly from the bay's protected sea. Alongside finfish, the marine farms in the bay cultivate shellfish, which are aquatic invertebrates that primarily live in saltwater environments, though some species inhabit freshwater. Shellfish occupy a low position on the food chain, feeding by filtering phytoplankton and zooplankton from the sea. The working seafood trade in Zimbros Bay blends harmoniously with permanent residents and vacationers.

Praia de Zimbros seafront: sunset kiosks and seaside villas

The shoreline along Baía de Zimbros is developed almost entirely with high-standard private houses and beachfront lodging options. Visiting swimmers enjoy immediate access to the water, walking out from seaside accommodations onto the calm bay. This residential layout gives the waterfront an intimate and tranquil character, offering a restful setting for athletes unwinding after their swim in the sea. Most of the beach bars, kiosks, and restaurants are clustered at the right-hand end of Praia de Zimbros, close to the coastal forest. During the day, these beachfront kiosks serve snacks and drinks to swimmers coming off the sand. As evening settles over the bay, the waterfront becomes more lively, hosting seaside luaus and musical performances under the open sky. These gatherings bring athletes and locals together right on the shore, celebrating the sport as the calm waters of the bay gently lap the beach.