The Clambassador’s 5th Annual Cedar Key Shark Swim is Back! Register Now for August 15th
An absolute Cedar Key favorite is back! With registration officially open for the 5th Annual Cedar Key Shark Swim on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, it’s time to dust off your favorite wacky inflatables, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a fantastic day on the water.
Hosted by our very own "Clambassador" Michael Presley Bobbitt, this beloved island tradition brings together swimmers, kayak escorts, and cheering spectators for a day of sun, silly floats, and community spirit—all to support the Cedar Key School.
Whether you plan to swim the channel, paddle along as a safety escort, or cheer from G Street with a cold drink, here is everything you need to know to dive in.
🏊♂️ The Main Event: Atsena Otie to G Street
Participants will tackle the historic 0.42-mile swim from the shores of Atsena Otie Key back to the main island of Cedar Key.
Wacky Outfits Welcome: Floats, rafts, pool noodles, and outrageous shark-themed inflatables are highly encouraged!
Built-In Rest Stops: Local clam boats will line the swim route, serving as safety platforms. If you get tired, simply grab onto a boat, catch your breath, and keep swimming when you're ready.
📅 Event Schedule & Timelines
To keep things running smoothly on swim day, please note the timeline:
Early Check-In (Friday, August 14th): Beat the Saturday morning rush! Stop by the front porch at 7011 E Street between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to check in, grab your official event shirt, and skip the lines on swim day.
Day-of Registration & Prep (Saturday, August 15th): Be registered, checked in, and ready to go at G Street by 11:30 AM.
The Last Boat Out: Local volunteer captains will ferry swimmers over to Atsena Otie. The very last ferry leaves the G Street dock at 11:45 AM sharp to ensure a prompt noon start.
🦈 Swimming for a Cause: Our Three Big Goals
Every splash made during the Shark Swim helps support our community:
Funding Cedar Key School: 100% of the event's net proceeds go directly to the Cedar Key School. Managed through the Chamber of Commerce 501(c)(3), all registration fees and donations are tax-deductible.
Shark & Estuary Conservation: We are proud to partner with researchers from the University of Florida and other marine organizations to offer educational booths and presentations on the vital role sharks play in keeping our Gulf ecosystem healthy.
Silly, Lifelong Fellowship: From live music and local food trucks to educational vendors, the finish line at G Street will turn into a full-blown block party for the entire town to enjoy.
🔗 How to Register or Donate
Are you ready to claim your spot in the water or support the cause from dry land?
Let’s come together, support our local school, and make the 5th annual swim the biggest and splashiest one yet. See you at G Street on August 15th!
Looking to stay the night? Check with our sponsors about availability! Just click on the images below to visit their website.
Stay-Seas Hideaway at Cedar Cove
Harbour Master Suites on Dock St
Pirates Cove Coastal Cottages
This article was written with the assistance of Gemini, an AI assistant.