SwimBowen 2026

Saturday July 11 • 10:00am

  • Location: Tunstall Bay Beach

    The event takes place at Tunstall Bay on the west side of Bowen Island.

    There is a public toilet at the top of the beach trail, and more toilets available at the Tunstall Bay Clubhouse on the north side of the Beach via the ramp by the boat house. (Access to the Clubhouse is limited to bathroom use only).

    *Please note that as of 2025 the event has been moved to the north side of Tunstall Bay (sandier!) accessible by either walking across the beach and under the pier, or via the Tunstall Bay Clubhouse trail (follow the signs!).

    NOTE: There are NO DOGS allowed on the beach during the month of July.

    Open Map

  • Courses: 1500m & 750m

    There is a 1500 metre and 750 metre course. Swimmers completing the 1500 metre distance will complete the 750 metre course 2 x through. Large, inflated sighting buoys will mark the route, and a sighting flag will be set up on the beach to ensure clear sight lines to the finish. The route will be well marshaled with paddle boarders, kayakers as well as rigid inflatables to ensure the best possible safety and cheering!

    Timing: We’ve got you covered! Swimmers will wear a chip on their ankle to record their swim time. Chips must be worn on the ankle. Chips must be returned at the finish line to avoid a $75 charge.

    DEADLINE TO CHANGE EVENT AND/OR ESTIMATED SWIM TIME: WEDNESDAY JULY 8 @ 9am

    *Please note there is a 1 hour cut off for all registrants. Anyone still in the water at 11:00am will be assisted in by our water marshals.

    View Course Map

  • Schedule

    8:30am: Check-in begins for 750 & 1500 events


    9:30am: Check-in closes


    9:30-9:40am: Swimmer warm up (optional)


    9:45am: swimmer safety briefing (not optional:)


    9:55am: Swimmers to start line


    10:00am: 1500m start, self seeded

    10:05 750 m start self seeded


    10:15am: Food & Refreshment Table opens


    11:00am: Course closes


    11:15am - 11:45am: Awards & Draw Prizes


    12:00pm: Event closes

  • Water temperature & Equipment

    Average water temperature is between 16 - 18 degrees celsius on event day. It is up to you whether or not you choose to wear a wetsuit. Finish times will not distinguish between wetsuit/non wetsuit swimmers. SwimBowen swim caps are provided during check-in and must be worn for your swim.

    Check Today's Water Temperature

  • Event Safety

    It is our number one priority to provide the best possible event experience with all safety precautions in place. The swim routes are clearly marked with large, inflated buoys, and marshaled with paddleboarders, kayakers, and 2 power boats to ensure your experience is not only safe, but has loads of on water cheer leading!

    PLEASE no SWIM FINS as they pose a safety issue to other swimmers. Thanks for understanding!

  • Swag!

    Available to purchase during registration. Non-swimmers can purchase day of event on-site, pending availability.

    Swag Info

Swimmer FAQs

  • For safety reasons, only registered swimmers allowed on the course.

  • Absolutely. SwimBuddies and swimbuoys are allowed on the course.

  • No. To ensure everyone’s safety and avoid disqualification, please do not wear fins.

  • Absolutely. As long as you are present for the awards ceremony, you are eligible for prizes.

  • No. Bowen Island’s bylaws dictate no dogs on Tunstall Bay beach June - Sept. Please leave Scruffy at home.

  • At the swimmer Check In station you will receive a numbered swim cap and a chip timing strap to attach to your ankle. At the beach start line you will cross a "transponder" tape that will trigger your start time. When you finish at the beach, your finish time will be recorded once you cross the transponder . A volunteer will be there to remove your chip. Please ensure your chip is returned to avoid a $75 charge!

  • Wearing a wetsuit is a personal choice - you can decide based on your comfort level! The event does not distinguish between wetsuit and non wetsuit finishing times. Not sure? The water temperature at Tunstall Bay in mid July ranges between 16 - 18 degrees.

  • Tunstall Bay beach is a little rocky - however we have moved the event to the sandier side of the bay - hurray! We also have an entry/exit mat so your feet are protected - luxury! We have a beach shoe gear check crate at the start line so you can drop off beach shoes before your swim and pick up on your finish!

  • Absolutely! The relatively short 1500 and 750 metre distances are in part designed to attract experienced pool swimmers to try the ocean experience. You will love it! That said, it’s a whole new ball game swimming in the ocean. Practicing your ocean swim prior to event day is crucial. And perhaps most crucial, practice sighting with your ocean swims.

  • Yes - all swimmers must be finished within the 1 hour event finish time. Any participants still in the water will be assisted in by a water safety marshal. Thanks for your understanding on this!

  • Arriving on event day can be busy! Plan to arrive at least 45 min early for your desired sailing if you are driving on. If you are walking on, Horseshoe Bay parking will be very busy too! Leave lots of time - or better yet carpool or hop on the #257 Horseshoe Bay Express bus.

  • We sure do! We have gone all Uptown now have chip timing available for both the 1500 and 750 events. Times will be available to upload via a QR code shortly after the event.

  • SwimBowen does not issue refunds on registration fees - however please know that all proceeds benefit the Cancer Cancer Care Fund assisting Bowen Islanders in active cancer treatment.