Three Open Water Swims to Complete in the Florida Keys
Open Water swims take place weekly all across the United States. From lakes to oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, open water swimming offers an outlet for retired swimmers, current swimmers, and serious competitors alike. Florida – particularly the Florida Keys, a hub for many swimmers – is home to several bucket-list open water events.
1. Swim For Alligator Lighthouse
The Swim for Alligator Lighthouse takes place in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The eight-mile swim consists of a route out to Alligator Lighthouse and back – four miles each way.
According to the event website, this swim is a challenge and “not for the faint of heart.” Organizers say participants continue to return for the “epic adventure and deep sense of community.” The event usually takes place in early September.
The swim is capped at 490 participants, with options to compete solo or as part of a two-, three-, or four-person team. Each team must be accompanied by a support kayak throughout the swim.
Despite its name, Alligator Lighthouse is not known for actual alligators. However, the waters are known to host large groups of jellyfish, especially in September and October.
The event began when world-renowned artist and Islamorada local “Lighthouse Larry” Herlth swam alone to Alligator Lighthouse and back. After completing the eight-mile trek, Herlth reportedly said: “Every open water swimmer should experience this.” That solo swim ultimately inspired the race known by many Florida swimmers today.
Islamorada’s Masters swim club, the Fighting Manatees, officially launched the event in 2013.
Since then, it has helped raise awareness and funds to save Alligator Lighthouse and five other nearby lighthouses – all of which are around 150 years old.
Over the years, the swim has drawn thousands of open water athletes from across the country and continues to grow. Registration is currently open for 2025.
2. Swim Around Key West
Another notable open water event in the Florida Keys is the annual Swim Around Key West. It is a 12.5-mile, clockwise race around the island of Key West that typically begins at Higgs Beach. According to the event website, the date and start time vary each year, primarily determined by the tides around the island. However, the race is generally held in mid to late June.
Participants can compete solo or as part of a two- or three-person relay team. All swimmers are required to be accompanied by a support kayaker.
The event was founded in 1977 by Anna Fugina, who began swimming as a form of therapy to recover from injuries sustained in a car accident. That same year, on July 4, Fugina entered the water off of Mallory Square in Key West Harbor and completed the swim around the island in 12 hours and 59 minutes. A year later, with the tide in her favor, she finished the swim in just eight hours.
Fugina went on to become the event’s organizer and primary contact. Since then, the race has hosted hundreds of swimmers and remains one of the Florida Keys’ most recognized open water events. According to the event website, all profits are donated to the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter
3. Swim Across America: Florida Keys Open Water Swim
Swim Across America is a well-known nonprofit that hosts charity swims nationwide and raises money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment. Since its founding in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million.
The Florida Keys Open Water Swim, established in 2022, recently held its fourth annual event at Founders Park in Islamorada in April. The event raises money for the Miami Cancer Institute and offers options to compete in 0.5-mile, one-mile and two-mile swims. Although relatively new, the event has already raised more than $280,000 for cancer research and patient care.
Participants 18 and older are asked to raise a minimum of $500, while those under 18 must raise at least $200. The event includes options to swim solo or as part of a team.
The Florida Keys offer several challenging and scenic open water swims. Attracting athletes of all levels, these events raise awareness and funds for a range of causes. As open water swimming continues to grow, the Keys remain a bucket-list destination for open water swimmers looking for adventure, gorgeous sights and good competition.
