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Coral Reef Swim Race

This five mile open water swim is one of America's most successful swim competitions and features swimmers from all over the United States and even former Olympians. The Coral Reef Swim Race begins on Buck Island and ends at the main beach of The Buccaneer, where swimmers are greeted by a steel pan band along with friends and family. The Buccaneer’s general manager, Elizabeth Armstrong, is the event’s creator and organizer. Net proceeds from the Swim will be donated to The Nature Conservancy, which has been instrumental in establishing the East End Marine Park surrounding St. Croix. The Swim Race takes place every October. Check our calendar for this year's date. Please click on the thumbnails below to enlage images from the Coral Reef Swim Race.

  • Participants line up at Green Cay Marina to get their race number.
  • Individual race numbers are marked on each athlete's arm and correspond to what heat they are in.
  • Participants await their boat ride to Buck Island, where the race begins.
  • 6:30 am, boats leave Green Cay Marina and you must be on board!
  • St. Croix's water temperature is expected to be between 78 and 81 degrees F. Wetsuits are not allowed. Bring lots of sunscreen!
  • The Coral Reef Swim race allows for a 3 person relay team. Transitions takes place in the water.
  • Beginning from the shore of Buck Island, you swim through two miles of crystal clear water before reaching St. Croix's shore. The swim continues parallel along the coastline and ends at the main beach of The Buccaneer.
  • Competitive swimmers, swim coaches and swim enthusiasts from all over the United States and St. Croix will compete for the top spot.
  • The Coral Reef Swimmers navigate the waters of the sensitive East End Marine Park, which will receive the profits from the race.
  • The Coral Reef Swim race includes nine categories that accommodate swimmers of varying abilities, from teenagers to seniors.
  • St. Croix's weather is very warm, so please remember to keep hydrated, even during the swim. Water is available from boats at designated spots.
  • The finish line is marked appropiately with palm frawns.
  • Supporters encourage participants as they come out of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Bouys and boats help guide swimmers through the course.
  • Swim caps must be worn during the race, but can be removed once you are out of the water.
  • Don't forget your sunscreen, goggles, caps and if you are a fin swimmer, both fins.
  • Once you have finished the swim, head for the drinks and refreshments that are waiting on shore!
  • Support the other swimmers as they are coming out of the water.
  • Hang in there, you're almost done! Great Job!
  • At the end of the Swim Race, take a refreshing dip after all your hard work.
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