Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip
Thousands of brave participants and teams gather on the shore to plunge into the cold Pacific Ocean. The festivities feature a lively costume contest with prizes, music played by a live DJ, and commemorative participant certificates. Attendees can also pick up official event apparel and watch costumed dippers celebrate.
What to Expect
Plunge into the Pacific Ocean to welcome the new year.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Cayucos Chamber of Commerce
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and adventurous new year’s celebrants
Vibe
Festive and spirited
Energy Level
High
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free; no pre-registration is required. Commemorative short-sleeve tees are currently $25, long-sleeve tees $40, and hoodies $50; prices are subject to change. Shirt sizes and quantities are limited. Shirts are sold at the Chamber booth near the pier on the day of the event, 9am–1:30pm; cash and credit cards are accepted.
- Hours: Noon.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome on Cayucos beaches, and California's leash law applies.
Tips & Advice
- Get your participant certificate before you dip, because the line at the Chamber booth gets long in the half hour after the plunge.
- Pick up a commemorative shirt early at the Chamber booth near the pier, as sizes and quantities are limited; cash and cards are accepted.
- Check the weather forecast often and enter the water with caution, since conditions can change quickly and the dip goes ahead rain or shine.
- Come dressed in costume to join the costume contest, where prizes are given out among the costumed dippers on the beach.
- Plan to eat at local businesses before or after the dip, because no food vendors or concessions are allowed at the event.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 46th annual dip.
- T-shirt design contest: submit original artwork by Thanksgiving for a chance to have it on the official shirt and win prizes.
- Shirt pre-sales are announced a couple of weeks before the dip in December.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign up in advance?
No. The dip is free, everyone is welcome, and you don't need to pre-register.
Can I set up a booth or sell food?
No. Extra concessions and vendor booths aren't allowed, and vendors can't operate on the beach or in public town areas without a permit. Local businesses are open on New Year's Day before and after the dip.
Where can I buy an official event shirt?
Shirts are sold at the Chamber booth near the pier on the day, and both cash and credit cards are accepted. Sizes and quantities are limited. Pre-sales are announced a couple of weeks before the event in December.
Where do I get a participant certificate?
Certificates are handed out at the Cayucos Chamber booth during the event. If you miss yours, email cayucoschamber@gmail.com for another one.
What if the weather is bad?
The dip goes ahead rain or shine. Water and weather conditions can change quickly, so enter the water with caution and respect the public safety teams on shore and in the water.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.