30th Annual St. Croix Coral Reef Swims Event

The St. Croix Coral Reef Swim attracts fitness swimmers competing for fun, as well as world-class open water athletes. Swimmers as young as 11 years old and as senior as 75 years old are among the race contestants. The 2026 30th anniversary Coral Reef Swim is Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The event includes a one mile, 2.4-mile and a five-mile race through turquoise water and colorful coral reefs, both ending at The Buccaneer’s palm-lined beach where a steel band and refreshments await. The one-mile and the two-mile race follow the shoreline of St. Croix’s east end, and the five-mile race begins at Buck Island, a living coral reef designated an underwater park by the U.S. National Park Service. With three distances to choose from, the Coral Reef Swims offer an experience for all level of swimmers

Please see swimrace.com for specific race rules including age and time limits and escort requirements for minor swimmers prior to registering for the race.

Traveling participants need to arrive in St. Croix by 11 AM the day before the race.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Event details and schedule

All swimmers should plan on being available for Mandatory Race Check in by 11 AM on Saturday, November 7th.

Sample Schedule: Will be updated on our website closer to the race:

Key Details & Schedule of Events:

RACE CHECK IN & COURSE TALK

Race check will be available in The Buccaneer Lobby during the following times:(make sure to sign up ahead of time so your race bag is available. We will not have your race bag there if you show up at a different time). Race bags will be available on Saturday for anyone who does not sign up.

Friday, November 6th: 7:30-9:30 AM or 4-5:30 PM

Saturday, November 7th : 8:30-11 AM

PRIOR TO ATTENDING CHECK IN, YOU MUST REVIEW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: (YOU WILL BE SIGNING OFF THAT YOU HAVE)

1 MILE 2.4 MILE 5 MILE

RACE RULES & SAFETY PLAN

GOOGLE EARTH COURSE WALK THROUGH

THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO IN PERSON COURSE TALKS AVAILABLE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH AT 1:30 PM OR 3:30 PM.

WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE ANYONE NEW TO THE RACE TO ATTEND ONE OF THESE COURSE TALKS IN PERSON. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS OF OUR RACE DIRECTORS.

New to Open Water Swimming Chat: Join Alex Kostich on Saturday morning for helpful hints for open water swimming. Alex will be available at the Open -Air Mermaid Restaurant of The Buccaneer on Saturday, November 7th at 8 AM.

2026 Coral Reef Swim Race Schedule

(Make sure you attend one of the mandatory check in times above):

Saturday, November 7th, 2026

• 8-9 AM New to Open Water Swimming Chat: Join Alex Kostich on Saturday morning for helpful hints for open water swimming. Alex will be available at the Open -Air Mermaid Restaurant of The Buccaneer.

• 1:30 PM or 3:30 PM: Members of the Race Committee will present the course talk live as well as answer any questions at the Brass Parrott off the Buccaneer Lobby.

• 5 PM-6 PM: Join fellow racers at The Buccaneer Sugar Mill for a cocktail party.

• 5:30 PM-8:30 PM: Pre- Race Swim dinner. Cost is $60 per person and reservations must be made in advanced by contacting [email protected]

Sunday, November 8th, 2026:

• 6 AM at The Buccaneer Lobby or in front of the Mermaid Restaurant: Taxi’s begin to leave to bring swimmers to race marking at Green Cay

• 6:15 AM at Green Cay Marina: Five Mile Race marking begins. Swimmers should arrive no later than 6:20 AM if arriving on their own.

• 7:30 AM at Buck Island: Five Mile Race Start: The Five Mile race will start from Buck Island.

• 8 AM at the Mermaid Restaurant: Two Mile swimmers Race Marking: Two Mile swimmers will meet at the Mermaid Restaurant for race marking. Taxis will leave for the race start at approx. 8:15.

• 8:30 AM at the Mermaid Restaurant: One Mile swimmers Race Marking: One Mile swimmers will meet at the Mermaid Restaurant for race marking. Taxis will leave for the race start at approx. 8:45. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP BEFORE 8:25 so that there is no confusion between one and two mile swimmers.

• 8:45 AM at Pull Point: Two Mile Race Start: The Two Mile race will start from Pull Point

• 9:00 AM at Shoys Beach: One Mile Race Start: The One Mile race will start from Shoys Beach.

• 9:15 AM at Mermaid Beach: Swimmers in all three races begin finishing the race.

• 10:30 AM at the Mermaid Restaurant: Barbeque lunch opens at the Mermaid Restaurant. Make sure to bring your coupon.

• 12:45 PM Race Celebration @ The Mermaid. Awards need to be picked up by 1:30 PM