Whether you are an active ocean swimmer or simply enjoy watching displays of athleticism, Grand Cayman’s annual Flowers Sea Swim event is for you. Now in its 27th year, the island’s premier sporting event occurs on Saturday, June 15th and includes a 1K race, with 3K and 10K swims happening the following Monday. Participants range in age from 8 to 80, and last year’s race featured over 1,000 swimmers.

One Mile Sea Swim

The clear blue, sparkling, flat waters surrounding the Cayman Islands provide the perfect setting for swim-tastic races. The One Mile Sea Swim race begins at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman and ends at the Royal Palms Beach Bar; however, starting and end points may be reversed depending on the currents. Check-in is between 12 pm and 1:45 pm, and the race starts at 2 pm. Swimmers of all ages and capabilities participate in this exciting race, including local brothers and Olympics swimmers Shaune and Brett Fraser. A prize of US$10,000 is awarded to the participant who breaks the world record of “fastest ocean swam mile.”

3K & 10K Races

In addition to this exciting one-mile race, Grand Cayman hosts 3K and 10K ocean races on Monday, June 17th. These grueling races include male and female winners who receive thousands of dollars in cash and prizes, including free round-trip airfare from North America to the Flowers Sea Swim, rental cars, and one-week hotel accommodations. Everyone who finishes the race receives a goody bag full of treasures as well as medals. These races are among the world’s richest and include random prize giveaways that have previously included iPads, airline tickets, and hotel stays.

Walk & Watch

If ocean racing isn’t for you but you don’t want to miss the spectacular visuals this race always provides, secure a “Walk & Watch” ticket where you walk along the pristine coastline cheering on your favorite swimmers. Purchasing a ticket also means entry into fabulous prize drawings.

Entry Fees

Entry for the Flower Mile Race is either CI$50 or US$60, while tickets for the Walk & Watch are CI$20 or US$25. Entry for the race is limited to 1,000. Registration for the 3K and 10K races is CI$64 or US$80. All proceeds from these incredible events benefit the Special Olympics Cayman Islands.

If you don’t want to miss a second of the action, book your stay at the South Beach Bay Club today!