The Coral Reef Swim is a race between Buck Island and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is open to swimmers of all levels and offers three distances: one mile, two miles, and five miles. The race is held on November 12, 2023, and the entry fee is $125 per swimmer ($85 for the one-mile). The fee includes pre-race events, course previews and race talks, a cocktail party, a t-shirt, a swim cap, a taxi to the marina, a boat ride to the race start, and an awards luncheon.

The Coral Reef Swim was founded by Elizabeth Armstrong, owner of The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, and fellow swimmer Kim Sanford. The event is designed to raise awareness of the importance of coral reefs and to support marine conservation efforts. The race attracts fitness swimmers competing for fun, as well as world-class, open-water athletes. Participants as young as 11 years old and seniors as old as 75 are among this year’s contestants.

Here are some additional details:

• The Coral Reef Swim is a 27-year-old event.
• The race starts at Buck Island, a living coral reef designated an underwater park by the U.S. National Park Service.
• The race finishes at The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, which is located on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• The race is a fundraiser for marine conservation efforts.