This Saturday, the ocean will carry more than swimmers across its surface… it will carry hope for hundreds of vulnerable sea turtles fighting to survive.
Western Cape, South Africa (23 April 2026) – This weekend, a group of determined open-water swimmers will dive into one of Cape Town’s most iconic and demanding routes, taking on an 11km crossing from Robben Island to Granger Bay. It’s a swim that demands everything but the real reason behind it, is what makes this story matter. Every stroke is being done for South Africa’s endangered sea turtles.
The swim, set to take place on Saturday, 25 April 2026 (weather permitting), is raising vital funds for the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre, which works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release stranded and injured turtles found along our coastline.
“The swim aims to raise vital funds for the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre, which rescues, rehabilitates, and releases stranded and injured turtles along South Africa’s coastline. The finish at Granger Bay is especially meaningful, as it is the future site of the Foundation’s expanded Turtle Conservation Centre,” said Talitha Noble-Trull, Conservation Manager at the Turtle Conservation Centre.
And while the swimmers will be out in the deep, pushing through the cold Atlantic waters, there’s a beautiful moment waiting at the end of it all… one that the public is invited to be part of.
From 10:30 onwards, supporters can gather at Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront, along the boardwalk near the Cape Wheel, to welcome the swimmers home. It’s more than just a finish line; it’s a celebration of effort, purpose and the community spirit that turns individual challenges into shared impact. There will also be an on-site activation where visitors can learn more about turtle conservation, connect with the work being done, and find ways to get involved.
And the truth is, the need is real.
Every year, hundreds of turtle hatchlings wash ashore along the Cape coast. They arrive cold-stunned, exhausted and often unable to survive on their own. Without intervention, many wouldn’t make it. But thanks to the work of dedicated teams and the support of people who care, these tiny creatures are given a fighting chance, nurtured back to health and eventually returned to the ocean where they belong.
“This swim reflects both the determination of the swimmers and the resilience of the turtles we work to protect,” says Ann Lamont, Executive Chairperson of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
“It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and remind people that everyone can play a role in conservation.”
Donations for the campaign are open, with every contribution helping to fund the care, rehabilitation and release of these incredible animals.
On Saturday, as those swimmers make their way across the ocean, they won’t just be chasing a finish line… they’ll be carrying hope with them, one stroke at a time, all the way to shore.
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