Start of Cross Channel Swim at Oualie Beach
NEVIS, April 1, 2025 - Source: Nevis Tourism Autorithy The 2025 Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim saw an impressive turnout on March 29, 2025, as swimmers from around the world took on the challenging open-water race. The event featured a record-breaking 479 registered participants, beginning at Oualie Beach on Nevis and concluding at Cockleshell Bay, St. Kitts. A total of 425 swimmers crossed the starting line, with 396 successfully reaching the finish. Among them, 389 completed the course in under three hours, demonstrating remarkable endurance and determination. Unfortunately, 29 swimmers were unable to complete the race. In addition to the athletes, at least 250 spectators traveled to the islands to witness the event. Of these visitors, 50% stayed in Nevis, choosing accommodations at Oualie Beach Resort, Mount Nevis Hotel, Paradise Beach, and Four Seasons Resort Nevis, while the remainder stayed on St. Kitts. The 2025 Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim continues to grow in prestige, attracting international athletes and adventure seekers to the twin-island federation. With its combination of athletic challenge, stunning scenery, and vibrant community spirit, the event remains a highlight on the Caribbean sporting calendar. The annual event invites swimmers of all abilities to take on the exhilarating challenge, spanning 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) across the picturesque 'Narrows' between the sister islands. The race provides a truly unique and rewarding experience, drawing elite open-water swimmers from around the globe while also welcoming non-competitive swimmers who use fins and snorkels for assistance. With warm, inviting waters and local marine life accompanying swimmers on their journey, the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim is a dream come true for open-water enthusiasts. Expressing gratitude, race director Jane Hanson said, "Despite challenging weather conditions, we successfully delivered a safe and well-executed event, with many swimmers already vowing to return next year to improve their 2025 times. We made significant investments to ensure the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim operates at the highest global standard. The introduction of chip timing, tailored participant communications, a dedicated safety crew, and enhanced international marketing initiatives have propelled the event forward, attracting swimmers from as far as Australia and New Zealand, as well as new markets like Eastern Europe. Beyond the race itself, many participants took the opportunity to fully experience Nevis hiking Nevis Peak, exploring the island’s diverse dining scene, and immersing themselves in the beauty of the ocean. It is truly rewarding to see the swim serve as a gateway for visitors to discover Nevis in its entirety." Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley remarked, "The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim has become a bucket list global sporting event. It continues to be a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of our people. This year's record-breaking participation underscores the growing international appeal of this prestigious event. We are proud to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world to experience not only this challenging swim but also the warmth and hospitality of our islands. Congratulations to all participants, and we look forward to an even greater event in the years ahead." The swimmers' journey across the channel not only showcased their athletic prowess but also highlighted the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean seascape, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved. The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local authorities, sponsors, volunteers, and participants in promoting sports tourism and showcasing the region’s natural splendor. The competition featured outstanding performances across all categories. The top three overall finishers were: 1st Place: Robert Margalis – 00:58:55 2nd Place: Ricardo Valdivia – 01:00:20 3rd Place: Pepijn Vriezen – 01:03:11 The event also recognized remarkable individual achievements. Eleven-year-old Greyson Burrel received the Youngest Swimmer Award, while 82-year-old Mervyn Goldbas was honored as the Oldest Participant. This year’s participants represented a diverse global audience, with swimmers traveling from: United States: 65% United Kingdom: 13% Canada: 3% St. Kitts & Nevis: 11% Other CARICOM nations: 4% Netherlands: 1% Mark your calendars! The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim returns on March 28, 2026. Registrations: www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com
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