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The military ship High-Seas Tug Tritão of the Brazilian Navy will be open for free visits on April 11, 12, and 15 at the port of São Francisco do Sul, with access requiring prior registration to get a close look at a vessel measuring 53.5 meters with armament, radars, and a capacity for 45 days at sea.
A real military ship that performs rescues at sea and patrols the Brazilian coast will be open for public and free visitation at the port of São Francisco do Sul, in the Northern Coast of Santa Catarina. The High-Seas Tug Tritão (R21), of the Brazilian Navy, can be visited on April 11, 12, and 15, 2026, at two times: from 9 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2 PM to 4:30 PM. Access will be allowed with prior registration on an online form, and spots are expected to fill up quickly.
The presence of the military ship is part of the commemorative program for the 368th anniversary of the founding of São Francisco do Sul and the 179th anniversary of its elevation to city status. The Tritão is not a decorative vessel; it is an actively operating ship that engages in the rescue and saving of vessels in danger, patrolling Brazilian waters, and combating illegal activities at sea. For those who have never stepped inside a military ship, it is a rare opportunity to see up close how a vessel operates on real missions.
What is the military ship Tritão and what does it do on the Brazilian coast
image: City Hall of São Francisco do Sul
According to information from the portal ndmais, the Tritão is a High-Seas Tug incorporated into the Brazilian Navy in 1987. It was built in Manaus by the Estaleiro da Amazônia S/A and is the second military ship of the Navy to bear this name inspired by the mythological figure Triton, son of Poseidon. Currently, it operates under the command of the Naval Group of the South, with missions focused on the coasts of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul.
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The functions of the military ship are varied and all related to maritime security. The main one is the rescue and saving of vessels in danger, from fishing boats to cargo ships facing mechanical problems or adverse weather conditions.
The Tritão also conducts patrols of Brazilian jurisdictional waters and combats illegal activities, such as predatory fishing and trafficking. It is the type of vessel that works behind the scenes of maritime security without appearing in the news, but is always present whenever someone needs rescue at sea.
The impressive numbers of the military ship you can visit
The structure of the Tritão is robust for a tugboat. The military ship is 53.5 meters long, equivalent to half a football field, and has a displacement of up to 1,680 tons.
The autonomy is up to 45 days at sea, which means that the Tritão can operate for more than a month without needing to return to port for refueling. The crew consists of 35 military personnel who live and work on board during missions.
The equipment includes two navigation radars, armament with Oerlikon 20 mm machine guns, and a towing capacity of 23.5 tons, strong enough to tow large vessels in emergency situations.
For visitors, the chance to see this equipment up close and understand how a military ship operates on a daily basis is what makes the visitation special it is not a static museum; it is a vessel that will set sail again after the celebrations are over.
How to visit the military ship in São Francisco do Sul
Visitation to the military ship is free, but requires prior registration on an online form. The available dates are April 11, 12, and 15, 2026, with two visitation shifts: from 9 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2 PM to 4:30 PM.
To enter the Tritão, it is mandatory to present an official photo ID, including for minors, and to wear closed shoes and light clothing.
Some restrictions have been defined to ensure safety on board the military ship. Entry is not allowed with swimwear, clothing with political propaganda, pets, or unaccompanied children.
The rules make sense: it is a military vessel in operation, with steep stairs, confined spaces, and equipment that requires care. Those planning to visit should register in advance; the experience of stepping inside a military ship of the Brazilian Navy is not something that happens every day.
Why São Francisco do Sul is the perfect setting for this visitation
São Francisco do Sul is the oldest municipality in Santa Catarina and one of the oldest in Brazil, completing 368 years of foundation this month. The city has one of the most important ports in the South of the country and a deep historical relationship with the sea.
The presence of a military ship from the Navy at the port during the anniversary celebrations is not just an attraction; it is a celebration of the maritime identity that has defined the city since its founding.
In the first two months of 2026, Paraná and Santa Catarina were among the top five entry points for foreigners into Brazil, and the Northern Coast of Santa Catarina is one of the fastest-growing regions in tourism.
The visitation of the military ship during the anniversary of São Francisco do Sul is expected to attract both local residents and tourists who are in the region and for those with children or teenagers interested in history, engineering, or military careers, the experience can be unforgettable.
Are you going to visit the military ship Tritão in São Francisco do Sul? Have you ever been inside a Navy vessel?
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