Start your New Year with a splash at the annual Penguin Plunge!

The Penguin Plunge is a charitable event held in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, where we gather on January 1st each year and jump into the ocean to support local charities. We are a non-profit dedicated to raising and collecting donations through this event for Carteret County charities!

For the 1/1/2026 event the Penguin Plunge charities are Crystal Coast Hospice House and the Hand 2 Hand Down East, Inc.

Families, friends and coworkers are invited to register as a group (largest group wins!) or wear a costume (best costume wins!).

Fun Contests for 2026

There will be a variety of contests! The ever-popular biggest group and best costume (individual, child and group), and a return of the oldest and youngest participants. When registration opens, be sure to register with your group name and age to be counted and be creative with your costume or the costumes for your group!

Sandcastle Building Contest

Take advantage of our 2nd Annual Sandcastle building contest for the young ones.

Group 1: Ages 12 and Under
Group 2: Ages 13 – 17
See our Facebook page for details!

Penguin Plunge Location

The Penguin Plunge takes place at the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk in Atlantic Beach.

Penguin Plunge Registration

Starting on October 1st, online registration is scheduled to open. You can register, select shirt type & size, and list a group affiliation. Online registration will close on Thursday December 26th, 2025 at 11:59 pm. After that, on-site registration will be on January 1st starting at 10:00 am.

Adults: $15
Ages 13 and Older; T-shirt not included

Children: $10
Ages 12 and Under; T-shirt not included

T-Shirt Donations: $30
A t-shirt is included with your registration fee. Your t-shirt will be available for early pickup or at the registration table.

Sweatshirt Donations: $45
A sweatshirt is included with your registration fee and will be available for early pickup or at the registration table.

Penguin Plunge Towel Holders: $15
Don’t want to jump into the frigid Atlantic Ocean? No problem. Register as an official Penguin Plunge Towel Holder.

Need help booking your stay?

Search and compare over 700 vacation rentals, all perfectly priced to fit your budget. Book your stay online with Emerald Isle Realty or call us at (866) 586-6980.

Event dates and information are subject to change without notice. Please visit the official event website for more information.