Cancun-Isla Mujeres Open Water Swim to Draw Over 1,600 Athletes From 21 Countries

Cancun, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Caribbean is set to host the 21st edition of the Cancun-Isla Mujeres Open Water Swim, one of the most important open water events in Mexico and Latin America, on May 16-17. Organizers said 1,637 swimmers from 21 countries have registered.

The competition begins Saturday, May 16, with the Half Iron Swim (1.9 kilometers) and Iron Swim (3.8 kilometers), both starting and finishing at Playa Caracol. On Sunday, May 17, the main 10-kilometer race, called “El Cruce Completo,” will start at Playa Caracol and finish on Isla Mujeres. All races begin at 7 a.m.

The event includes categories for children, youth, masters, fins, and athletes with disabilities, making it an inclusive competition with international reach.

Among the notable participants is Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal, a three-time Olympic medalist and world champion, who will serve as honorary ambassador. Mexican swimmer David Olvera, who recently set a national ultra-distance record by swimming 85 kilometers from Cozumel to Cancun in nearly 17 hours, will also compete. Spanish athlete Alberto Llorente, known for combining sports challenges with environmental awareness campaigns, is another special guest.