the event has its roots  in 2008, in the leme - pontal challenge, which was a race from the leme beach  to pontal beach, a 35 km stretch.

Luiz Lima was the victor of the day and he is still referred to as the King of the Sea, despite other competitors winning later editions.

The rei e rainha do mar started getting national attention, and by 2009 two levels were introduced - Travessia (crossing) and Desafio (challenge), the first being for amateur athletes and the second one, for professionals.

The competition took place starting from posto 6 along copacabana beach, and it was recognized by Swimming World magazine as one of the best swimming competitions in the world.