Swim for Alligator Lighthouse
- Date
- September 12, 2026
- Distance
- Solo Swimmer & Support Kayaker · 2 Person Relay · 3 Person Relay & more
From the Organizer
“The 8-mile swim to Alligator Lighthouse is a challenge. It’s not for the faint of heart"
How it started
When World Renowned Artist, Lighthouse Larry decided to swim, in his native town of Islamorada, to Alligator Lighthouse and back, alone and self-supported, his friends thought he was crazy. When he then said out loud “every open water swimmer should experience this,” Larry became the anchor to the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse.
The Fighting Manatee Swim Club, the Masters swim club of Islamorada, accepted the challenge to present a world class open water swim event in the Florida Keys to help raise awareness and funds to Save Alligator Lighthouse. The Fighting Manatees presented the Inaugural Swim for Alligator Lighthouse in 2013. It’s here to stay!
Race Overview
The Swim for Alligator Lighthouse is an 8-mile open water swim. Participants swim 4 miles, circle Alligator Lighthouse, and swim 4 miles back. The event is open to solo swimmers, 2 person, 3 person and 4 person teams. Every solo or relay team requires a support kayak. Solo swimmers will need to enlist a kayaker to accompany them the entire race, while relay groups will alternate kayaking with swimming.
Full Event Details can be found at https://www.swimalligatorlight.com/
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
89°
Typical Low
79°
Chance of Rain
39%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Islamorada, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Islamorada, FL
Population
7,042
as of 2023
Nearest Airport
MIA
Miami International Airport · 64 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
96
Days to train
- Race
- Swim for Alligator Lighthouse
- Date
- September 12, 2026
Coming Up
More Swimming races near Islamorada, FL
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662 miles away
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158 miles away
2026 Swim Across the Bay
658 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Swimming events drop you into something that demands navigation, feel, and focus all at once. It's a sport that rewards the quietly competitive — the ones who do the work in the water before anyone's watching.
Open Water Swimming
Open water races from 1 mile to marathon distance. Just you, the water, and whatever you've got left.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse?
- Swim for Alligator Lighthouse is a swimming race held in Islamorada, Florida on September 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more swimming races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse?
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Islamorada, Florida at 80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Swim for Alligator Lighthouse
Sep 12, 2026