14 January 2026
Charlestown, Nevis — This March, the warm turquoise embrace of the Caribbean Sea will welcome one of Great Britain’s most inspiring swimmers as Olympian Alice Dearing heads to the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis to take part in one of the region’s most iconic open‑water endurance events: the Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim on March 28, 2026.
For over two decades the 4.1‑kilometre (2.5‑mile) crossing across the fabled Narrows — the strait where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic — has drawn competitive athletes and adventure seekers from around the globe. With its warm waters, stunning volcanic backdrops and palm‑lined shores, the swim is as much a celebration of Caribbean beauty as it is a test of stamina and spirit.
A Trailblazer in Open Water
Alice Dearing’s participation adds a new level of excitement and inspiration to this year’s event. A former marathon swimmer and Team GB open‑water athlete, Dearing made history as the first Black woman to represent Great Britain in Olympic swimming, competing at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Since stepping back from elite competition, she has emerged as a powerful voice for diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in swimming and outdoor sport.
In a message shared during the event announcement, Dearing captured the essence of what draws so many to open water:
“I love swims that feel like a real journey, and it doesn’t get more special than crossing between two islands in a place as beautiful as Nevis and St Kitts. Warm water, incredible scenery and that sense of adventure are what open water swimming is all about. This is a bucket‑list swim for so many people and I’m really excited to be part of it.”
A Caribbean Sporting Tradition
More than just a race, the Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim has become a cultural touchstone in the Caribbean sporting calendar. Held each spring, the swim starts at Oualie Beach on Nevis and finishes at the idyllic Cockleshell Bay on St Kitts, offering participants an unforgettable journey through warm blue seas where turtles and rays are often spotted alongside the swimmers.
Local leaders have highlighted the event’s significance for both sport and tourism. Andia Ravariere, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority, calls it “a bold statement about where Nevis is headed,” reinforcing the island’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism. Meanwhile, Premier Mark Brantley has emphasised the pride and global exposure the event brings to the twin islands, welcoming athletes and visitors from around the world.
More Than a Swim — A Caribbean Escape
For those travelling to witness or join the event, Nevis and St Kitts offer much more than athletic challenge. Rich history, barefoot luxury and unspoiled natural beauty await beyond the water’s edge. From the lush rainforest trails of Nevis Peakand the island’s historic Georgian architecture to tranquil beaches and local gastronomic delights, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic Caribbean spirit that defines this corner of the West Indies.
As 2026 marks another milestone for this beloved swim, the addition of a star like Alice Dearing not only raises the event’s profile internationally but reinforces the enduring appeal of the Caribbean — where adventure, culture and community unite under the radiant sun and beside the sparkling sea.
Registration for the 2026 Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim is now open for swimmers and spectators alike.
