Now in it's 4th year, The False Bay Express 6km Swim presents swimmers with a swim challenge and adventure like no other swim in Cape Town. The swim offers an 'Express' experience of the False Bay Coastline that is overflowing with wildlife, scenery and beauty. The False Bay Express 6km swim takes place annually in the first week of June, World Ocean's Month, this year the race takes place on Sunday 7th June. Each km of the 6km swim is dedicated to one of the marine animals that can be found in our False Bay waters. Whether you love Whales, Dolphins, Seal, Sharks, Penguins or Stingrays each one can be seen or encountered at different times of the year. Let’s see which ones you encounter on your swim adventure!

The swim route between Simon's Town and Fish Hoek will require that swimmers use elements of endurance, navigation, fortitude and speed to successfully complete the 6km swim course. The swim route is very spectator friendly with the coastal walkway between Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek providing family and friends the rare opportunity of closely following their swimmer from start to finish! The swim route from Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek follows the same coastal route taken by the Southern line of the South African Railway and Cape Town’s Main Road.

The swim starts from Simon's Town Long Beach where swimmers will swim out into Simon’s Bay before heading North ‘hugging’ the western False Bay coastline towards the halfway point at Glencairn Beach. Swimmers will pass by the South African Navy’s Lower North Battery (active cannon range) before passing the first marine marker of the Clan Stewart wreck at Mackeral Beach across from the Harbour Bay Mall.  The coastline hug passes Glencairn Beach continuing on past Sunnycove into Fish Hoek Bay where swimmers then swim alongside Jager’s Walk before turning in front of the Galley restaurant to swim across Fish Hoek bay to finish on the beach in front of the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club.

Swim check in will take place at Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club on the morning of the Swim. 

IMPORTANT SWIM INFORMATION

- ALL Swimmers must wear a brightly coloured swim cap (ONLY Orange, Pink, Yellow, Green or Red will be accepted)

- Tow Floats are compulsory for this swim (No float No Swim)

- Swimmers may take part in either the Skins (swimskins permitted) or Wetsuits categories.

- There will be a nutrition 'raft' fueled by Maurten Nutrition's 'Race Mix' at the halfway mark at Glencairn 

- There will be a safety cut off enforced at the halfway mark at Glencairn

- Swimmers are permitted to have their own support craft (no motorised boats) during the swim but this must be cleared with the Event Organiser by email first

- There is no current assist during the swim

- The False Bay water temperatures during winter can range between 10 to 15C (so prepare yourself for a cold swim!)

- The swim route may be adjusted and/or shortened for safety reasons depending on conditions leading into the swim and on the day

- The reserve day for The False Bay Express Swim is Saturday 6 June

With special thanks to The False Bay Express Swim partners, Ocean Freedom, Maurten Nutrition, Mad Wave, Sailfish, David Bucklow Fine Artist, Fable Designs, Paddle Experience, Shorebreak Cafe and Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club.

Event Organiser - Scott Tait 

Event Company - Swim Cape Town

Event Contact - 076 156 2619 / [email protected]