Open Water Thanksgiving Championships

The Open Water Thanksgiving Championships take place on November 22, 2026, at Rodgers Beach, Aruba, offering 1000m and 3000m distances. This annual event utilizes the sheltered waters of the southeastern coast, a location shaped by decades of industrial history. Swimmers entering the sea here move through an environment where the seabed holds remnants of maritime conflict; in 1770, the Spanish pirate ship St Charlos, commanded by a skipper named Mediasabel, ran aground in these shallows, and divers have recovered ancient cannons from the sand in the decades since the 1950s.

Historical surroundings and marine life

Navigating the course, participants swim within sight of the Juwana Morto artillery battery. Built in 1940 to secure the nearby oil infrastructure, the site features three BL 7.5-inch Mk VI naval guns that were intended to counter German activity in the Caribbean, though they were never deployed in combat. The surrounding landscape reflects the era of the Lago Colony, a community established in 1924 to support one of the world's largest oil refineries, which drew a diverse workforce of tanker officers from across the British Isles. The industrial legacy here is layered, with the earlier Colorado Guano Mine, which operated from 1878 until 1914, predating the refinery era.

Conditions in the lagoon

The course stays within the calm, shallow lagoon, which is highly productive. Swimmers often encounter local marine life, including parrot fish, squid, and barracuda, particularly near the inlet. Beyond the shore, the San Nicolas Bay Reef Islands are visible; these five coral boulder islets serve as a protected breeding ground for terns and noddies, and are home to the native Aruban whiptail lizard. These islets are covered in salt-resistant vegetation like buttonwood and sea purslane, marking the transition from the man-altered coastline to the protected natural zones of the island. Swimmers interested in staying nearby will find options in our lodging section, while those looking to explore the area further can consult our activities guide.