18th annual St. Croix Coral Reef Swim set for Sunday, October 13, 2013, Headquartered at the legendary Buccaneer resort

Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI (February 26, 2013) --- St. Croix's annual Coral Reef Swim, one of America's most successful swim competitions, is set for Sunday, October 13, 2013, based at St. Croix's legendary Buccaneer resort. This year marks the 18th annual Coral Reef Swim, which attracts fitness swimmers competing for fun, as well as world-class open water athletes. Swimmers as young as 11 years old and as senior as 75 years old are among the race contestants.

The event includes a, one mile, two-mile and a five-mile race through turquoise water and colorful coral reefs, both ending at The Buccaneer's palm-lined beach where a steel band and refreshments await. The one-mile and the two-mile race follow the shoreline of St. Croix's east end, and the five-mile race begins at Buck Island, a living coral reef designated an underwater park by the U.S. National Park Service. With three distances to choose from, the Coral Reef Swims offer an experience for all level of swimmers.

The entry fee is $125 per swimmer, which includes pre-swim events on October 12th: newcomers' open water clinic, course previews and race talks, and a cocktail party at The Buccaneer's Sugar Mill. The fee also includes a t-shirt, swim cap, taxi to the marina from The Buccaneer, boat ride to the race start, and an awards luncheon. For entry forms and information, visit www.swimrace.com. For inquiries, email or call 253-241-4827.

The Buccaneer offers participants a special Coral Reef Swim rate of $195 per room, per night, with a minimum three night stay. A special three-night package includes accommodations in a deluxe oceanfront room with taxes, breakfast and dinner daily, transportation from the airport to The Buccaneer, Buck Island snorkeling trip, Sugar Mill cocktail party, race registration, goody bag and transportation to race (swimmers), and awards luncheon. Rates are $685 per swimmer and $595 for non-swimmers, based on double occupancy. Gratuities are not included. Extra nights $195 plus 21% taxes, breakfast included.

Call 800-255-3881 or email . A special Coral Reef Swim dinner will be offered at the resort's Terrace restaurant the evening before the event. Visit www.thebuccaneer.com.

St. Croix's reputation as a destination for sports travel is strengthened by the successful growth of the annual Coral Reef Swim, as well as by the venerable Ironman 70.3 Triathlon each May, Marathon and Half Marathon in December, and the 50 Mile Run in January. The Swim's founder is Elizabeth Armstrong, owner and general manager of The Buccaneer. With just 138 rooms and suites, plus a six bedroom beachfront villa, The Buccaneer offers the warm, personal service of a boutique hotel, yet is situated on 340 magnificent, beach-rimmed acres with two swimming pools, three restaurants, a renovated spa and fitness center, and a designer boutique. Celebrating its 66th anniversary in 2013, The Buccaneer is recognized by the National Trust as a Historic Hotel of America. The resort is a partner in Stash Hotel Rewards, a rewards program offering free nights at independent hotels throughout the United States.