Bob-Bob Buoy
How it works
Cling to a swaying navigational buoy bobbing in the open ocean. The waves do the work — sooner or later they shake everyone loose. The last castaway still hanging on wins.
Why it's iconic
Home to the single longest challenge in Survivor history: in Palau, Tom Westman and Ian Rosenberger hung on for nearly twelve hours until Ian finally stepped down — a deal that sent him home and Tom to the final two.
The moment
The famous one: at 11 hours 55 minutes, Ian offered to step off if Tom promised to take Katie instead of him to the end. Tom agreed, Ian dropped, and the longest challenge ever finally ended.
Names you know
- Tom Westman (Palau)
- Type
- Endurance
- Stakes
- Immunity
- Appearances
- 1 season
- Status
- Still in rotation
Where it's run
The season that staged this challenge.
More endurance challenges
Hands on a Hard Idol
RetiredPlays for immunityDebuted Season 1
Keep one hand on the immunity idol while balancing on a small log. Lift a foot, lose your balance, or let go — and you're out. The last castaway still holding on wins.
Get a Grip
Plays for immunityDebuted Season 9
Hang onto a pole using only footholds — no gripping the top — for as long as you possibly can. The last castaway still hanging on takes immunity.
Last Gasp
Plays for immunityDebuted Season 10
Float beneath a steel grate as the tide rises, keeping your face in a shrinking pocket of air. Bail when you can't take it — the last one still breathing wins.