Chilling & Thrilling: Recapping the 42nd Annual Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

There is no better way to wash away the old year and dive headfirst into the new one than the Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip. On January 1st, we celebrated our 42nd year of this iconic Gulf Coast tradition, and it might just have been our best one yet!

If you missed out—or if you’re currently thawing out and want to relive the magic—here is the breakdown of how we kicked off 2026.

Perfect Weather for a Plunge

Mother Nature must be a fan of the "Bama." While many Polar Bear Dips across the country involve literal ice, Orange Beach treated us to perfect conditions. With sunny skies and temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, the Gulf of America was calling. The beautiful weather drew a massive crowd of thousands, stretching across the sugar-white sand as far as the eye could see.

Costumes, Characters, and Family Fun

The Polar Bear Dip is more than just a swim; it’s a parade of creativity. This year, the costumes were next-level! From full-sized polar bear suits and sparkly mermaids to entire families dressed as superheroes, the beach was a sea of color. It remains one of our favorite family-friendly days of the year, where kids and "grown-ups" alike get to be a little bit wild.

The "Full Submersion" Reward

At exactly high noon, the whistle blew, and a wave of thousands of brave souls charged into the Gulf. The rule is simple: get your head under water, and you earn the ultimate New Year’s bragging rights.

Once the "dippers" emerged dripping wet and shivering (just a little!), they were treated to the traditional Flora-Bama hospitality:

• A Free Draft Beer: To toast to the new year.
• The Traditional Feast: A free plate of ham, black-eyed peas (for luck!), and collard greens (for money!).

Music That Never Misses a Beat

While the dip happened at noon, the party started long before the sun was high. Live music kicked off inside the bar at 9:00 AM, setting the energy for the day. Whether you were warming up before the plunge or dancing in your damp costume afterward, the tunes kept rolling across all our stages and continued well into the night.

See You Next Year!

Whether you were a first-timer or a "seasoned" veteran of the 42nd annual dip, thank you for making the Flora-Bama your New Year’s Day home. We can’t wait to do it all again for number 43! Join us every year on New Year's Day to plunge into the Gulf at noon.

Did you snap a great photo of your costume or your dive? Tag us on social media so we can share the fun!