9ª Travessia Itaparica-Salvador (Ultramaratona 3ª)

In 1510, the French ship Le Petit Diable ran aground off the coast of Bahia, leaving only a handful of survivors among the wreckage. One of these men, Diogo Álvares, eventually became known as Caramuru, forging a life among the local tribes and living near the very shores that today define the exit of the 12km Bay of All Saints ultramarathon. Swimmers embarking on this crossing follow a trajectory that links the quiet shores of Itaparica Island to the bustling horizon of Salvador, tracing the same maritime gateway where European presence in the region first took root.

Navigating the Bay

As the shoreline of Salvador emerges, the city’s distinct geography becomes a primary navigational reference. The metropolis is vertically split: the Cidade Alta holds the historical seats of power atop a steep escarpment, while the Cidade Baixa hugs the water, home to the port and commercial district. From the vantage of a swimmer, the skyline is dominated by the stark contrast between these two levels. Near the finish, the Comércio district reveals the Sobrado Azulejado, a late 19th-century structure entirely clad in Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic tiles, standing as a landmark against the more modern architectural sprawl.

Those who prefer a shorter challenge earlier in the season may look toward the Oceanman Salvador, though the ultramarathon distance remains the true test for those seeking the full length of the bay. While the 1549 foundation of the city by Tomé de Sousa at Praia do Porto da Barra is marked by a stone monument, the route offers a different perspective on the city's growth. The proximity to the coast also brings fleeting glimpses of the Lacerda Elevator and the Cruz Caída monument, reminders of the 1933 demolition of the original cathedral. Participants should remain aware that the currents within the bay are influenced by the shifting tides of the Atlantic, necessitating a steady rhythm through the final kilometers as the water deepens approaching the Búzio beach. The 9th Travessia Itaparica-Salvador is scheduled for November 14, 2026, offering a late-season opportunity to traverse these historic waters.