Polar Bear Plunge
The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge is held every January at Sandy Point State Park, where thousands of people run into the icy Chesapeake Bay to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. In 2027 it runs from January 22 to 30. The main public event, the Maryland Plunge, is on Saturday, January 30, 2027, with plunges at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Register and fundraise through plungemd.com.
The 2027 Plunge at a Glance
2027 Schedule
Special Olympics Maryland splits the plunge into several events across the week:
- Super Plunge: January 22 to 23, 2027. The toughest version, for a small group of plungers; sign up through the organizer's contact form.
- Cool Schools Plunge: Wednesday, January 27 and Thursday, January 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with plunges at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. For school teams.
- Police and Public Safety Plunge: Friday, January 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., plunge at noon. For law enforcement, military, fire and EMS teams.
- Corporate Plunge: Friday, January 29, 1 to 5 p.m., plunge at 3:30 p.m.
- Maryland Plunge: Saturday, January 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plunges at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is the main day and the one most people mean by "the Polar Bear Plunge."
Times can change; check plungemd.com before you go.
What It Supports
Every plunger raises money for the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland. The organizer says thousands of people have jumped into the Bay over the past 30 years, the event raises more than $4 million a year, and its 2027 goal is $4.75 million.
Getting There
The plunge takes place at Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, off US 50/301 exit 32 at the western end of the Bay Bridge. plungemd.com has a Parking and Transportation section for the event; check it before you go rather than relying on normal park directions. Event prices may not include park entry, so call the park at 410-974-2149 if you are unsure. General directions are on parking and directions.
Park Entry in Winter
On ordinary winter days, park entry is $3 per vehicle and the park opens at 7 a.m. Plunge days follow the organizer's arrangements. See hours and fees.
More Events at Sandy Point
- Lights on the Bay, the holiday drive-through, ends in early January, a few weeks before the plunge.
- The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, the Maryland Seafood Festival and the Bay Bridge Paddle fill the calendar in summer and fall. See events.
Polar Bear Plunge FAQ
When is the Maryland Polar Bear Plunge 2027?
January 22 to 30, 2027, at Sandy Point State Park. The main Maryland Plunge is Saturday, January 30, with plunges at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where is the Polar Bear Plunge in Maryland?
At Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, by the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Who runs the Maryland Polar Bear Plunge?
Special Olympics Maryland, with the Maryland State Police. Registration and fundraising are at plungemd.com.
Does the Polar Bear Plunge include park entry?
Not necessarily. Maryland DNR says event prices may not include park entry; check plungemd.com and call the park at 410-974-2149.