St. Croix Coral Reef Swim Announces Exciting New 5-Mile Course for 2025

 

For Immediate Release

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, November 2025 - The St. Croix Coral Reef Swim is proud to announce an exciting new five-mile course for the 2025 race, highlighting the island’s stunning east-end coastline and coral ecosystems. Due to the Government shut down the National Park Service was not able to issue a permit and so the race will not include the start at Buck Island. 

For the first time, swimmers will begin their race from Kite Beach on St. Croix’s east end. Five-mile swimmers will still depart by boat from Green Cay Marina and head directly to the new starting point. The race will begin from the sand at approximately 7:30 AM, with swimmers heading towards Buck Island and a large buoy before making a turn and joining the traditional course towards Pull Point and the finish at the Mermaid Beach.

New Green Cay Loop

A highlight of this year’s course is the addition of a clockwise loop around the island of Green Cay, giving swimmers a closer view of one of St. Croix’s most picturesque coastal preserves. In addition to schools of reef fish, sea turtles and a variety of corals, Green Cay boasts a snowy egret rookery and nests of the Great Frigatebird.

  • Swimmers will first round the south-tip buoy and then proceed clockwise around the island of Green Cay.

  • After completing the loop by rounding the south buoy a second time, swimmers head towards The Buccaneer’s Mermaid Beach finish line along the traditional 5 mile course.

This scenic extension maintains the event’s hallmark five-mile distance while offering an engaging new challenge.

Logistics Remain Largely Unchanged

All race-morning logistics remain consistent with previous years.  Swimmers will meet at The Buccaneer for taxi transport to Green Cay Marina, where body marking and boarding will take place.  Support boats, kayakers, and safety personnel will line the course as usual, and water will be available from stationary boats throughout the race.

The finish line remains at The Mermaid Beach, where swimmers will be greeted by cheering crowds, refreshments, and finisher medals.  The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 12:45 PM.

A Tradition of Adventure and Beauty

Now entering its 29th year, the St. Croix Coral Reef Swim continues to draw open-water swimmers from around the world to experience the beauty and challenge of St. Croix’s crystal-clear Caribbean waters.  The race is supported by The Buccaneer and the Virgin Islands community, and it emphasizes ocean safety and environmental stewardship.

Important Reminder

All swimmers must follow the official transport schedule from Green Cay Marina.  No private arrangements will be permitted for the start.  Swimmers are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen and to clearly label personal belongings.

contact

St. Croix Coral Reef Swim Race Committee
Email: info@stcroixcoralreefswim.com
Website: www.stcroixcoralreefswim.com