Florida Keys Open Water Swim

The Florida Keys Open Water Swim returns to Founders Park in Islamorada on April 18, 2026, offering courses of 804m, 1609m, and 3218m. This charity event, organized by Swim Across America to benefit the Miami Cancer Institute, utilizes a rolling start system beginning at 9:30 AM. Participants must adhere to a two-hour time limit, after which water safety personnel may assist swimmers in exiting the course. Registration fees vary based on timing, and all participants are required to meet specific fundraising minimums. Detailed equipment and wetsuit regulations are maintained by the organizers to ensure compliance with event safety standards.

The waters of the Florida Keys

Swimming in these waters offers a unique perspective on the geological and historical layers of the archipelago. As you progress along the course near Windley Key, you navigate alongside ancient fossilized coral formations, which were once quarried to provide the 'Keystone' used in the construction of the historic Overseas Railroad. The route provides a clear view of the surrounding marine landscape, where the confluence of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico supports diverse species, including the large tarpon often found congregating near local structures like Robbie's Marina.

Throughout the swim, landmarks serve as navigation points that ground the experience in the local culture. You will likely sight the 'Betsy the Lobster' sculpture, a fiberglass tribute that has become one of the most recognized landmarks in the region. Further along the coastline, the path brings you into proximity with the Snake Creek drawbridge, the only remaining operating bascule bridge in the Keys, which stands as a functional link between Plantation Key and Windley Key. For those concerned about navigating these open waters, the organizers provide an 'angel swimmer' program, allowing participants to pair with experienced guides for added support during the event.