the rei e rainha do mar desafio (king and queen of the sea challenge) takes place on copacabana beach every march, june and december and is broadcast live on television throughout the country.

the race is open to both amateurs and professionals, who must swim two and seven kilometers respectively, with over 2000 people entering each year. there is a festival atmosphere surrounding the event, with live music and dancing on the shoreline, greeting the competitors as they finish the race.  as a result it is one of rio de janeiro's most exciting open water swimming occasions.