Oceans 8 Charity Swim Returns to Durban for a purpose-driven weekend

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim returns to Vetch’s Beach at the Durban Undersea Club on 23rd & 24th (25th) May 2026, bringing together swimmers, supporters, partners and 14 beneficiary charities for a two-day ocean event rooted in community and shared impact.

Founded by charities, for charities, Oceans 8 was created with a simple but ambitious vision: to unite people through a shared love of swimming while raising funds for non-profit organisations with a footprint in KZN. Since its inception, the event has raised over R3 million, directly supporting 23 charities and the communities they serve.

“Oceans 8 is about shared purpose and the belief that when we come together, we can strengthen the work already happening in our communities,” says Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson. “It’s ordinary people doing something challenging, and creating lasting impact.”

What to Expect in 2026

This year’s event continues that mission - bringing together swimmers of all abilities across the 1-, 4-, 8- and 16-mile distances to use their sport to make a difference.

Durban’s mild winter conditions and the protected waters of Vetch’s Beach offer a rewarding ocean experience for seasoned open-water swimmers, while remaining accessible to those stepping into open water swimming for the first time.

The 1- and 4-mile swims support the event’s 10 invitational charities, with funds raised shared equally among them. Swimmers taking on the 8- and 16-mile challenges direct their fundraising towards one of Oceans 8’s four founding charities.

Schools once again form an important part of the weekend, with interschools’ participation encouraging learners to raise funds, earn community service hours and represent their schools in the 1-mile swim. Trophies are up for grabs!

The event remains proudly volunteer-run, supported by a committed local network of businesses, safety teams and community partners who help bring the weekend together. Returning sponsors Arena SA, Stanley, IPSS Medical Services and ALU Direct continue to stand alongside Oceans 8, sharing a belief in building something sustainable for the charities and the communities they serve.

Environmental responsibility is also central to the event’s planning. Oceans 8 minimises single-use plastics, prioritises recycled materials, and collaborates with partners who align with its sustainability values - recognising that caring for the coastline is inseparable from swimming in it.

As Oceans 8 continues to grow nationwide, entries are open to swim with purpose and join a community committed to turning personal challenge into meaningful impact.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026 Events

- 1 Mile Event: Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2. Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities.

- 4 Mile Event: Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2. Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities.

- 8 Mile Event: Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via GivenGain for one of the four founding charities.

- 16 Mile Event:  Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2. Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.

For more information or partnership enquiries, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.

8- and 16-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:

Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust National Sea Rescue Institute Project Rhino Singakwenza Early Childhood Education

1- and 4-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:

CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) Game Rangers’ Association of South Africa IPSS Search and RescueMakabongwe Pre-School Made for More Nazareth House in BereaPietermaritzburg Children’s Home Rise Against Hunger Africa Sport for Lives Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children