About

The Humboldt Bay Critter Crawl is a non-competitive open water swim held as a fundraiser to benefit the North Coast Marine Mammal Center.

NMMC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded, sick and injured pinnipeds, with the goal of release back into their ocean home.

Staffed by devoted volunteers, the North Coast Marine Mammal Center relies heavily on donations to house, feed and care for their patients. All registration fees and other proceeds from this event will directly benefit NMMC.

The swim starts close to the opening to Humboldt Bay and progresses along the Eureka City front to the Woodley Island marina. The event is timed to coincide with a strong incoming tidal current enabling most swimmers to complete the 4.5-mile course in 1-2 hours.

Water temperatures are very variable along the course of the swim but typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F.

Because this is a non-competitive swim, wetsuits and other swim aids are optional. They are encouraged for those less acclimated to swimming in cold water so that all participants may feel safe and enjoy the swim.

Individualized kayak and motorized boat support will be available along the entire course.