A St. Croix Tradition:
The 29th Annual Coral Reef Swim Race
Each November, the Coral Reef Swim Race makes waves off the shores of St. Croix, as swimmers from around the world gather at The Buccaneer Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Now in its 29th year, the event stands as one of the Caribbean’s most enduring open-water traditions, a celebration of endurance, community, and the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
First organized nearly three decades ago by Elizabeth Armstrong, third-generation owner of The Buccaneer, and fellow ocean enthusiast Kim Sanford, the Coral Reef Swim Race promotes marine conservation and awareness of threatened reefs. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are invited to take on the unique experience over turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Participants can choose from three distances, 1 Mile, 2.4 Miles, and 5 Miles – offering swimmers with different abilities an opportunity to shine. The iconic 5-mile course begins at Buck Island, a Biosphere Reserve in the Caribbean Sea, and ends on the inviting sands of Mermaid Beach shaded by swaying palms at The Buccaneer Resort.
The Coral Reef Swim Race is a true community effort, supported by numerous local sponsors, volunteers, and island organizations. The event not only celebrates athletic achievement but also highlights the natural beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands and promotes marine conservation and tourism across the islands.
Guests and participants enjoy a welcome reception on Saturday evening with the hotel owner, Elizabeth Armstrong, at the historic Sugar Mill, a beach bbq after the race, and a pre race course talk with open water guru Alex Kostich, the record holder for the fastest solo crossing of Lake Tahoe’s true width. Alex has been participating in the race since 1999 and has won the race over 15 times.
The finish is a celebration, with steel drums playing and cheers from hotel guests, family, friends, and St. Croix residents welcoming swimmers ashore. It’s a moment that captures the heart of St. Croix – spirited, supportive, and filled with island pride.
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November 9, 2025 | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
A St. Croix Tradition:
The 29th Annual Coral Reef Swim Race
Each November, the Coral Reef Swim Race makes waves off the shores of St. Croix, as swimmers from around the world gather at The Buccaneer Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Now in its 29th year, the event stands as one of the Caribbean’s most enduring open-water traditions, a celebration of endurance, community, and the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
First organized nearly three decades ago by Elizabeth Armstrong, third-generation owner of The Buccaneer, and fellow ocean enthusiast Kim Sanford, the Coral Reef Swim Race promotes marine conservation and awareness of threatened reefs. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are invited to take on the unique experience over turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Participants can choose from three distances, 1 Mile, 2.4 Miles, and 5 Miles – offering swimmers with different abilities an opportunity to shine. The iconic 5-mile course begins at Buck Island, a Biosphere Reserve in the Caribbean Sea, and ends on the inviting sands of Mermaid Beach shaded by swaying palms at The Buccaneer Resort.
The Coral Reef Swim Race is a true community effort, supported by numerous local sponsors, volunteers, and island organizations. The event not only celebrates athletic achievement but also highlights the natural beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands and promotes marine conservation and tourism across the islands.
Guests and participants enjoy a welcome reception on Saturday evening with the hotel owner, Elizabeth Armstrong, at the historic Sugar Mill, a beach bbq after the race, and a pre race course talk with open water guru Alex Kostich, the record holder for the fastest solo crossing of Lake Tahoe’s true width. Alex has been participating in the race since 1999 and has won the race over 15 times.
The finish is a celebration, with steel drums playing and cheers from hotel guests, family, friends, and St. Croix residents welcoming swimmers ashore. It’s a moment that captures the heart of St. Croix – spirited, supportive, and filled with island pride.
Share This