Key West Events: Annual Swim Around Key West

Whether you are an athlete looking for a new challenge, want to pull out a kayak and be a part of something incredible, or want to witness athletes push their skills to the limits, this is one of the most unique Key West events of the summer. The Annual Swim Around Key West is an extreme event that is not for the faint of hearts, and you won’t want to miss it! Stay with us at 1800 Atlantic and discover this annual test of strength and stamina for an exciting visit to our beautiful island home.

When and Where

The race will start and finish on the shores just south of the Key West International Airport. A mandatory pre-race is held on May 31st for all swimmers to get a feel for the waters they will be tackling the next morning. On June 1st, the race will begin at 6:15 a.m. for the first wave and 6:30 a.m. for the second wave. There are two beginnings to the race so that slower swimmers can use the tide to their advantage at the first wave while more avid swimmers will set out on the second wave for even more of a challenge as the tides change during the swims.

Challenging Key West Events

The waters tend to be calm and an average of 80° F around the island, and you can see the bottom for most of the route. Though the waters can change suddenly as weather patterns morph, but with support kayaks and safety precautions, swimmers can be confident that they will enjoy the rush of the waters as they swim for the finish line. Whether you are a solo swimmer or want to enter as a relay team, you can register ahead of time and find the best way to participate for the best experience and a successful race.

Support Kayaks

If you aren’t a swimmer but want to experience it up-close and be a part of the action, you can sign up to be one of the support kayaks. You can register the day of and take your kayak alongside the swimmers to make sure everyone is safe and happy. Support kayakers will receive a guaranteed honorarium of $110 after the race, and you can celebrate as racers cross the finish line to share their moments of success.

Stay, Play, Experience

There is always an array of Key West events throughout the year that you can experience during your stays with us at 1800 Atlantic. Discover your ideal Key West vacation rentals and enjoy all of the exciting things to do nearby your accommodations. Kick off this summer with the Annual Swim Around Key West for a unique competition that you will never forget!