Bermuda Round the Sound Swim

The morning of the Round the Sound swim, the Grotto Bay area transforms as the local community gathers along the shoreline. For those who return annually, this event is as much a testament to Bermuda’s maritime heritage as it is a test of endurance. Organizing the day, Bermuda Open Water ensures that the logistical requirements—such as the kayak support and precise timing for the 10,000m marathon distance—are managed with the precision required for these Atlantic waters. With distances spanning from a 800m sprint to the full 10km, the event draws swimmers into the heart of a region defined by its strategic, often turbulent, history.

Historical currents and landmarks

As you navigate the course, you are swimming through waters that have shaped global naval history. The Ferry Reach area, which you will traverse during the longer distances, served as a vital military outpost during the American War of Independence. In the 19th century, this area was filled with garrisoned troops living in canvas tents, a measure taken to escape the yellow fever outbreaks that plagued more enclosed quarters. Further along the coastline, the Martello Tower at Ferry Point stands as a silent sentinel. Built in the 1820s under the command of Major Thomas Blanshard, this fortification was designed to guard the channel, and from your position in the water, the structure remains a stark reminder of the island’s defensive past.

Marine life and the deep blue

Beyond the military history, the coastline offers a glimpse into a living laboratory. The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, founded in 1903 as the Bermuda Biological Station, overlooks Ferry Reach. Its presence highlights the unique, deep-ocean access that characterizes these waters. As you swim, keep an eye out for the coral reefs that dot the shelf; these formations are not merely scenic, but are the foundation of the ecosystem that allows the local marine life to thrive. The route also takes you near the sites of various UNESCO-protected fortifications, such as the Alexandra Battery, which have guarded these shores since the first English settlement was established following the 1609 shipwreck of the Sea Venture. Whether you are competing in the 6km or the 10km, the proximity to these historical and natural landmarks provides a constant, tangible connection to the centuries of maritime stories written into the reef and rock of the Bermuda shoreline.