Swim for Alligator Lighthouse

“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. The Fighting Manatees presented the Inaugural Swim for Alligator Lighthouse in 2013. It’s here to stay!

Proceeds from the swim benefit the Friends of the Pool in Islamorada, providing scholarships for high school students. They also supports investments towards the preservation of Alligator Light. The Swim brings awareness to treasured Historic Lighthouses on Florida’s Coastal Waterways. Friends of the Pool is an all volunteer 501c3 organization.

Race Overview 

The Swim for Alligator Lighthouse is an 8-mile open water swim. The Swim starts at the host hotel, Amara Cay Resort. Participants swim 4 miles, circle Alligator Lighthouse, and swim 4 miles back to Amara Cay Resort.  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/