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By Abbie Fish, Courtesy of Orange Bowl, a SwimSwam partner.
The countdown is on! The Jacobs Aquatic Center (JAC) in Key Largo, Florida is thrilled to announce that reservations are now open for Winter Training 2025–2026 and the 22nd Annual Orange Bowl Swim Classic, taking place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
For over two decades, this meet has brought together collegiate swim teams from across the nation to race, train, and soak up the sunshine in one of the most beautiful aquatic destinations on Earth. If you’re ready to escape the winter chill and experience high-quality training in the heart of the Florida Keys — this is your chance.
What Is the Orange Bowl Swim Classic?
The Orange Bowl Swim Classic began in 2004 as a collaboration between the Orange Bowl Committee and Jacobs Aquatic Center, bringing 15 college and university swim teams to the island for the inaugural event. Fast forward to today — and it’s now a 22-year tradition that stands as one of the 13 officially sanctioned Orange Bowl events in South Florida.
Every January, teams from all NCAA divisions gather in Key Largo to race in a two-hour “sprint-style” meet, featuring:
50s, 100s, and 200s of every stroke The 200 IM A few relays And a FAST moving meet timeline!The best part?
If your team trains at JAC during the winter season, entry to the Orange Bowl Swim Classic is FREE!
This combination of warm weather, elite racing, and unbeatable hospitality has made Key Largo one of the most sought-after mid-season destinations for many collegiate swim programs.
Why Train in Key Largo?
Imagine finishing your morning workout, grabbing breakfast with your team, and heading straight to the ocean for an afternoon snorkeling adventure. That’s life in Key Largo — where training and tropical living go hand in hand.
As the northernmost island in the Florida Keys, Key Largo is often called the “Diving Capital of the World.” Its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and laid-back island energy make it a dream destination for athletes looking to combine world-class training with unforgettable experiences.
Here’s what makes Key Largo and the Keys so special:
1.) Aquatic Adventures Everywhere
The Florida Keys are surrounded by the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Swimmers can explore the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or even dive beneath the waves to see Christ of the Abyss, a famous underwater statue off the coast.
If you’re more of a surface adventurer, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the winding mangroves or take a sunset eco-cruise across Florida Bay.
2.) Perfect Winter Weather
While much of the country is scraping ice off windshields in January, Key Largo enjoys average highs in the upper 70s and water temperatures in the 70s as well. It’s training weather you’ll wish you could bottle up and take home.
3.) A Welcoming, Coastal Community
The Keys are famous for their laid-back hospitality — where flip-flops are the unofficial dress code and sunsets are a daily celebration. Local cafes, beach bars, and seafood restaurants line the Overseas Highway, each with their own story and island flair. Whether you’re exploring local art galleries, enjoying Key Lime Pie, or visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy off deck too.
About the Jacobs Aquatic Center:
The Jacobs Aquatic Center (JAC) is Key Largo’s aquatic crown jewel — a premier training and competition facility that has hosted countless collegiate programs, age-group teams, and international athletes over the years.
The facility includes:
25- meter, 8-lane Myrtha competition pool Dedicated dive well with (2) one-meter board and (1) three-meter board Dryland training area and a 14-acre multi-use park for team conditioning Nearby lodging and dining options — many within walking distanceEverything a team could need for productive training and recovery is right here, wrapped in the relaxing energy of island life.
Winter Training Reservations:
The JAC Winter Training season runs from December through February, offering flexible scheduling for teams of all sizes. Many programs combine their stay with participation in the Orange Bowl Swim Classic to maximize both racing and training opportunities.
Reservations fill up fast — especially during the holiday and early January window — so be sure to plan ahead.
How to Reserve Your Spot:
Ready to bring your team to paradise? Contact us today to secure your lane space for Winter Training and/or the Orange Bowl Swim Classic:
Visit: www.allsportsinternational.com/key-largo-winter-training
Email: jacobsaquatic@bellsouth.net Call: 1-800-497-8948 (All Sports International) Be sure to mention you’re interested in our Key Largo Training Location!
Stay Connected:
Follow the Jacobs Aquatic Center on Facebook and Instagram for photos, updates, and stories from past Orange Bowl Classics.
Come for the training — stay for the turquoise water, sunsets, and once-in-a-lifetime team memories.
See you in Key Largo this January!
Read the full story on SwimSwam: Dive Into Paradise: The 22nd Annual Orange Bowl Swim Classic Returns to Key Largo, Florida
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