Swimmers complete 11km ocean crossing to help endangered turtles – and their journey isn’t over

A group of determined open-water swimmers successfully completed an extraordinary 11km ocean crossing from Robben Island to Granger Bay on 25 April 2026, raising vital funds and awareness for endangered sea turtles at our Turtle Conservation Centre.

The symbolic finish at the V&A Waterfront’s Granger Bay development site – the future home of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre – marked not only the end of a physically demanding swim, but the continuation of a much larger conservation journey.

“This swim was about more than endurance,” says Martine Viljoen. “Knowing that every stroke contributed to giving these turtles a second chance kept us going, even in the more challenging moments.”

Swimming for survival

On Saturday, 25 April 2026, swimmers and supporters gathered bright and early at the Oceana Power Boat Club. After a safety briefing and a pep talk from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and other organisers, the swimmers embarked onto the waiting boats and sailed towards Robben Island, where the challenge would begin. 

 The sight of Table Mountain in the distance bolstered the swimmers as they prepared to disembark at the shore of Robben Island, abuzz with anticipation. With a resounding call from one of the boat horns, the swimmers were off!

Many of the participants swam the full 11km, while several swimmers split the effort in relays of 30 minutes to an hour; both incredible achievements in aid of our turtles.

One of the full-distance swimmers and long-time supporter of the Turtle Conservation Centre, Vicki Hyland, said: “You feel incredibly small out there in the ocean, and it gives you a real sense of what these animals face every day. Being able to support their survival made this experience deeply meaningful.”

The ocean crossing raised funds for our current Turtle Conservation Centre, which rescues, rehabilitates, and releases stranded and injured turtles. For three decades, the Aquarium has played a vital role in marine conservation in South Africa, successfully releasing more than 1 300 rehabilitated turtles, most of which are hatchlings. Each year, hundreds of these tiny turtles wash ashore along the Cape coast, often cold-stunned, malnourished, and exhausted. Without intervention, most would not survive.

“The resilience shown by the swimmers mirrors the journey of the turtles we care for,” says Ann Lamont, Executive Chairperson of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. “Every turtle we release represents hope, and every contribution helps make that possible.”

On their approach to the finish line, the intrepid swimmers tagged the buoy that marked the site of the new Turtle Conservation Centre. This was a poignant moment for many, made more special by the exhilarated cheers from the supporters along the boardwalk above the buoy.

Samantha, the Two Oceans Aquarium penguin mascot, was waiting for the swimmers at the Oceana Power Boat Club, surrounded by still more supporters. Overall, the swim was a heartwarming demonstration of the power of community coming together for something bigger than themselves. 

Funds raised and ongoing support

Together, the swimmers have raised over R600 000 in support of turtle conservation, with funds going directly towards veterinary care, specialised nutrition, and rehabilitation resources at the Turtle Conservation Centre.

“The support we’ve seen has been incredible,” says Talitha Noble-Trull, Conservation Manager. “These funds directly impact our ability to care for each turtle and prepare them for release back into the wild.”

Importantly, the campaign does not end with the swim. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting turtle conservation efforts by donating via the GivenGain campaign. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps give endangered turtles a second chance at life.

A lasting impact

The swim highlights the power of collective action in conservation, where individual efforts combine to create meaningful, lasting impact for endangered species.

As the Turtle Conservation Centre prepares for its future expansion at Granger Bay, initiatives like this play a critical role in ensuring that the existing Centre can continue its work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and returning turtles to their wild ocean home.