Inhaca Island Openwater Mile 2026

On Saturday, 13 June 2026 swimmers will gather on the shores of Inhaca Island for the inaugural Inhaca Island Openwater Mile - a premier ocean swim combining adventure, purpose and conservation. 

The venue for the Inhaca Island Openwater Mile is Mangrove Beach (in front of Camp Manico / Khanimambo Lodge, across from Portuguese Island). 

The Inhaca Island Openwater Mile features four events designed for swimmers of all ages and abilities. 

• The 200m Openwater Splash is shallow and safe for children, adults and beginner swimmers, with floatation devices and wetsuits allowed. 
• The Inhaca Island Openwater Mile is the main distance event for those ready to take on the challenge. 
• For more competitive swimmers, the Team Relay offers a fast-paced 4 x 200m format.
• And the Family Relay allows families to swim and compete together on the day.

10:00   Registration opens

12:00:  200m Openwater Splash (floatation devices and wetsuits allowed)

12:30:  Champions start: Inhaca Island Openwater Mile swim

12:40:  Inhaca Island Openwater Mile swim

13:40   Team Relay (4 x 200m)

14:10    Family Relay (4 x 200m)

(Times may be adjusted slightly based on weather and tide conditions).

T-shirts to all entrants and medals to all finishers.

Whether you are a seasoned open water swimmer or simply love being in the ocean, the Inhaca Island Openwater Mile has something for everyone so that swimmers of different ages and abilities can participate. 

The Mile event is open to confident open water swimmers aged 12 and older who can swim 1.6 km in ocean conditions. Participants should have previous experience swimming in open water, be capable of completing the distance safely and must be willing to follow all safety guidelines and event instructions. 

All swimmers will be required to sign an indemnity form before taking part. Parents will have to sign the indemnities for children under the age of 18.

Swim for something bigger.

Swimmers who raise R2 500 or more for the Inhaca Ocean Alliance will qualify for the Champions Start Batch - a special group that will start at the front of the race.

Your fundraising will directly support teaching children on Inhaca Island life-saving swimming skills, helping ensure that every child growing up around the ocean can swim safely. 

Experienced safety crews and our local Inhaca Island IOA coaches will be on hand to help any swimmers in distress. An Emergency Action Plan will be implemented in case of emergency.

• What water temperature can I expect? Generally around 24 degrees Celcius

• How do I get to Inhaca Island? There are charter boats and a ferry available. 

• Is there accommodation in the area? Our Adventure Package (which will be announced at the end of March) will be inclusive of transport too and from Inhaca Island as well as accommodation.

• Are spectators allowed? Yes, the more, the merrier!

• What happens if it is raining on the day? If it is raining, the event will still go ahead. If however, there is lightning, the event will be moved to a time later in the day to ensure the safety of our swimmers.

Spaces for the Inhaca Island Openwater Mile event are limited to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all swimmers. 

To enter for any of the events, please complete the form at the bottom of this page. Once we have received this, we will send you a link where you will be able to select the race(s) you want to enter as well as pay for your entry. 

Once your entry fee has cleared, you will receive an email confirming your entry for the IIOM. 

MT1 715 / R450 for the Mile per person (includes 200m Splash entry)

MT570 / R150 for the 200m Splash (per person)

MT760 / R200 for the Team and Family Relay (per team of 4 people)

 After we have received your completed form, we will send you a payment link. When your entry fee has cleared, you will receive an email confirming your entry.

If you have any queries, please send an email to:

ola@inhacaoceanalliance.org

We will make every effort to get back to you within 24 hours.