El Salvador is set to join the elite global circuit of open water swimming by hosting the Oceanman World Series for the first time. This major international event will take place from October 16 to 18, 2026, at the Apulo Recreational Park on the shores of Lake Ilopango. By bringing this franchise to local waters, the country reinforces its growing reputation as a powerhouse for sports tourism in the region.
The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Morena Valdez, alongside Oceanman franchise director Eduardo Briceño and Jamin Ventura, president of the Salvadoran Swimming Federation. Valdez highlighted that the competition aligns with the environmental and developmental goals of President Nayib Bukele’s administration. It is great that this event is coming, which has to do with respect for our nature and will be held in one of our natural jewels like Lake Ilopango, the Minister remarked.
Oceanman represents much more than a typical race; it is a massive global community spanning 95 nations across five continents. Eduardo Briceño explained the scale of the organization, noting that the circuit hosts over 30 events annually where participants seek to qualify for the world final. Oceanman is not only an open water event, it is tradition, it is culture, Briceño said during the press conference.
The three-day competition offers categories for every level of swimmer, from elite professionals to young beginners. Participants can register for the premier 10 km Oceanman distance, the 5 km Half Oceanman, or the 2 km Sprint. Additionally, the event features Ocean Teams and Ocean Kids categories, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere that promotes the sport across all age groups.
With the support of the Salvadoran Swimming Federation, this event positions El Salvador as a key reference point for international athletes looking for unique destinations. After hosting over 25 international surfing tournaments, the arrival of the world’s largest open water swimming platform marks a new chapter in the country’s efforts to showcase its volcanic landscapes and pristine waters to the world.