The 2026 Swim Across the Bay takes place on September 13 in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. This 2-mile open-water swimming event starts at 7:30 AM from 100 Jody Compretta Dr. Entry fees range from $50 to $75. If you're traveling to compete, you'll want accommodation within easy reach of the venue for an early morning start. The race attracts swimmers looking for a solid distance challenge in a bay setting. Plan to arrive the night before to settle in and prepare your gear, allowing yourself time to scout the start location and get adequate rest before the 7:30 AM gun.
From the Race Organizer
Swim Across the Bay 2026 Sunday, September 13, 2026 – 7:30 AM Location 100 Jody Compretta Dr Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520 Start Henderson Point Boat Launch 99 W Bayview St Pass Christian, MS 39571 A continuous shuttle will run from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM from near The Blind Tiger on the Bay St. Louis side. Signs will mark the pickup spot on Beach Blvd. Use the shuttle to return to the start if you parked there. Finish Beach north of the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor 100 Jody Compretta Dr Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Race Description Swim Across the Bay is a 2‑mile, point‑to‑point open water swim , founded in 2017. Swimmers begin at the Henderson Point Boat Launch and follow a straight route across the bay to the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor pier. All participants and volunteers will receive a Swim Across the Bay race shirt . Awards & Rules Top 3 Overall Male & Female 1st, 2nd, 3rd (Male & Female) in each age group Age Groups : Under 15, then every 5 years (15–19, 20–24, …), and 75+ Cutoff: 2 hours (swimmers who do not finish within the cutoff will be picked up by water support) Participants 17 and younger must have a dedicated volunteer paddler. Kayak escorts are welcome and encouraged. Gear Guidelines Allowed: snorkel, personal buoy, other safety equipment Not allowed: fins, hand paddles, or any propulsion devices Wetsuits are allowed, but water temperatures are typically 80°F+ , which is considered unsafe for wetsuits. A swim cap is required; any cap is fine. A latex cap will be provided if needed. Goggles are strongly recommended . Parking & Transportation Participants may park at the finish area. A shuttle will transport swimmers to the start, or swimmers may be dropped off by friends or family. Event Details Breakfast items and drinks will be available after the race for all swimmers and volunteers. Volunteers are needed for kayak/paddleboard support. A limited number of boats are available; volunteers with their own equipment are encouraged. All volunteers receive a race shirt. Registration Fees Early-early Bird (until 4/30) : $50 Early Bird (5/1- 7/15) : $60 Regular (7/16–8/28) : $65 Late (8/29–9/13) : $75 Packet Pickup New Orleans Area Early Pickup Thursday, September 10 Fleet Feet Metairie 3020 Severn Avenue 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Northshore Area Early Pickup Friday, September 11 Fleet Feet Covington 206 Lake Drive 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Bay St. Louis Pickup Saturday, September 12 The Mockingbird Café 110 S 2nd St Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Race Day Pickup Henderson Point Boat Launch 99 W Bayview St Pass Christian, MS 39571 5:30 AM – 7:15 AM Event Insurance (Highly Recommended) Life happens — weather changes, injuries occur, schedules shift, and unexpected events pop up. Protect your registration with optional event insurance during checkout. Event insurance gives you peace of mind by providing reimbursement if you’re unable to participate for covered reasons such as: • Illness or injury • Family emergencies • Work schedule conflicts • Travel delays • And other qualifying unforeseen circumstances This small one‑time cost can save you from losing your entire race fee if something unexpected comes up. We strongly encourage all participants to consider adding event insurance when registering so you can sign up with confidence.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Bay Saint Louis, MS. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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2026 Swim Across the Bay 2026 — Bay Saint Louis, MS
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 13.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Bay Saint Louis, MS.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is 2026 Swim Across the Bay 2026 — Bay Saint Louis, MS?
2026 Swim Across the Bay 2026 — Bay Saint Louis, MS takes place on September 13, 2026. The race is held in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.
Where is 2026 Swim Across the Bay 2026 — Bay Saint Louis, MS held?
2026 Swim Across the Bay 2026 — Bay Saint Louis, MS is held at 100 Jody Compretta Dr in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.
Where can I find hotels near 2026 Swim Across the Bay 2026 — Bay Saint Louis, MS?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Bay Saint Louis. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
