From left to right, Jane Hansom, organizer of the annual Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim; Kelly Fontanelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism; Andia Ravariere, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority; and Phéon Jones, Director of Sales and Marketing of the Nevis Tourism Authority, during the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim press conference held January 9, 2025. Photo Credit: Nevis Tourism Authority
NEVIS, West Indies — The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) has officially announced the return of the **Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim**, scheduled for **March 28, 2026**, reaffirming the event’s status as one of the Caribbean’s most iconic open-water endurance challenges.
The announcement was made during a press conference and media briefing at the **Malcolm Guishard Recreation Park**, attended by government officials, tourism stakeholders, event organisers, and regional and international media. The NTA also confirmed that **former Olympic open-water swimmer and Team GB representative Alice Dearing** will participate in the 2026 edition of the swim.
Spanning the famed Narrows between Nevis and St. Kitts, the annual **4.1-kilometre (2.5-mile)** swim is far more than a sporting contest. Set against turquoise waters, volcanic backdrops, and palm-lined coastlines, the Cross Channel Swim represents a powerful test of endurance, discipline, and mental strength, while celebrating the islands’ natural beauty, culture, and spirit of adventure. It has become a flagship sports tourism product for Nevis.
Positioning Nevis as a Premier Sports Tourism Destination
Addressing the media, **Andia Ravariere, Chief Executive Officer of the Nevis Tourism Authority, underscored the strategic importance of the event to the island’s sports tourism agenda.
“The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim is more than a sporting event; it is a bold statement about where Nevis is headed. This rare crossing between two beautiful islands is an experience very few destinations can offer. It reflects our vision of excellence, strength, innovation, and resilience. We are especially proud to welcome Alice Dearing, the first Black woman to represent Great Britain in Olympic swimming. Her participation places this event firmly on the global stage and reinforces Nevis as a serious and credible sports tourism destination,” Ravariere said.
Now more than two decades old, the Cross Channel Swim has continued to grow in participation, international recognition, and reputation, attracting swimmers and spectators from around the world.
National Pride and Global Appeal
Special remarks were delivered by Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, who highlighted the event’s national significance and its growing global appeal.
“The annual Nevis to St. Kitts open-water swim is a unique sporting event that has found its way onto the bucket list of swimmers worldwide. Participants and their families gather from across the globe each year to test themselves against the warm Caribbean Sea. I look forward to this year’s staging and warmly welcome swimming enthusiasts to experience the languid charm of my beloved Nevis,” Premier Brantley stated.
Alice Dearing Brings Historic Significance
A highlight of the press conference was a special video message from **Alice Dearing**, whose participation brings both symbolic and historic significance to the event. A Tokyo 2021 Olympian, multiple-time British national champion, and the first Black woman to represent Great Britain in Olympic swimming, Dearing is widely respected in the open-water and endurance swimming community. Since stepping back from elite competition, she has become a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in swimming.
“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,” Dearing said.
Beyond the Swim: Discover Nevis
Visitors attending the event are encouraged to explore Nevis’ distinctive blend of barefoot luxury, rich history, and unspoilt adventure. As the birthplace of **Alexander Hamilton**, the island boasts preserved historic sites and Georgian architecture, complemented by lush rainforests and golden beaches.
From hiking Nevis Peak and relaxing in natural hot springs to enjoying local cuisine and tranquil, uncrowded beaches, Nevis offers an authentic and deeply personal Caribbean experience, enriched by the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Partners, Sponsors, and Community Support
The Nevis Tourism Authority formally acknowledged **Mr. Winston Crooke**, whose vision laid the foundation for cross-channel swimming in Nevis, and **Jane Hansom** for her leadership in elevating the event’s professionalism and international reach.
The NTA also expressed appreciation to its partners and sponsors, including the Ministry of Tourism, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Tropical Delight (Official Hydration Partner), SwimTrek (Official Event Package Provider), Blue Water Safaris, Islander Watersports*, Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Centre, and **Oualie Beach Hotel.
Registration Now Open
Registration for the **Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim 2026** is now open at:
**[https://www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com/](https://www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com/)**
Destination and event images are available upon request.
About Alice Dearing
Alice Dearing is a former marathon swimmer and Team GB Olympic athlete who competed in open-water swimming at the **Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. A multiple-time British champion and European medallist, she is also widely recognised for her advocacy work promoting diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in swimming and outdoor sport.