Swimming Vacation – A New Travel Trend: Swim Your Way to Your Holiday

Imagine a holiday where you don’t travel by plane, car, or boat, but by your own body. Swimming vacations are gaining ever-growing popularity among travellers who crave authentic experiences and a deeper connection with nature.

Instead of simply watching the scenery from a bus window, you discover the coastline from a unique perspective – right from the water. Swimming between islands, along picturesque bays, or across the open sea isn’t just a sport – it’s a whole new way to fully experience and absorb a destination with all your senses.

The swimming vacation trend surged after the pandemic, when people began seeking more outdoor exercise and looking for ways to get closer to nature. It’s no wonder this way of travelling appeals to more and more adventurers – it combines physical activity, adventure, and moments of calm in stunning surroundings.

Swimming Vacation – What Is It?

A swimming vacation represents an entirely new concept of travel, where swimming becomes the primary means of exploring a destination. This isn’t about random dips in the sea during an ordinary holiday, though. These are organised expeditions where participants swim between various locations – islands, bays, or along coastlines – while their luggage and equipment are transported by a support boat.

These specialised trips are organised by tour operators such as SwimTrek, SwimVacation, and Strel Swimming, which provide professional guides, planned routes, and complete logistical support.

The guides are experienced swimmers – some of whom have achievements like crossing the English Channel under their belts – and they have an intimate knowledge of local conditions. During a swimming vacation, participants cover approximately 5 kilometres each day, divided into groups based on their swimming ability.

“Swimming gives you a unique view of the world because you see it from the water’s surface,” explains Ella Foote, editor of Outdoor Swimmer Magazine and author of the book How to Wild Swim.

“Most big cities and villages grew up around bodies of water – rivers or coastlines, especially when water was the main mode of transport. In the modern world, we’ve lost this important connection with water, and it’s fascinating to rediscover it and approach new places from the water that surrounds them.”

Swimming as a Way of Travelling

The swimming vacation phenomenon has experienced a remarkable boom in recent years. Simon Murie, founder of SwimTrek – the first travel company to specialise in swimming holidays – has observed exponential growth in interest.

“After the pandemic, we were sold out two years in advance,” he says. His company, founded in 2003, recorded a dramatic surge in demand particularly during the post-Covid period.

From the original 100 swimmers who visited four destinations in the first year, SwimTrek has grown to more than 3,000 travellers annually, who can choose from 40 destinations around the world. Other specialised companies have reported similar trends.

The sharp increase in demand for swimming vacations reflects a broader outdoor activity trend that intensified during the pandemic. When indoor pools and sports facilities were closed, many people discovered the magic of open-water swimming. Even after restrictions ended, the sport maintained its popularity and became a lifestyle for many enthusiasts. Swimming vacations offer the chance to combine this passion with exploring new places.

Historical Context

Although swimming vacations may seem like a novelty, their roots run deep in history. Recreational swimming was popular in Britain as far back as the era of the so-called “lost king,” Prince Henry Frederick Stuart, the elder brother of Charles I, who died after contracting typhoid fever while swimming in the Thames, right through to the Victorians, who popularised seaside spa resorts.

The greatest “pioneer” of swimming journeys, however, is considered to be the Romantic poet Lord Byron. In 1810, at the age of twenty-two, he swam the Hellespont – now known as the Dardanelles – a four-mile strait in Turkey connecting Europe and Asia. It was his daring feat that inspired Simon Murie, the founder of SwimTrek, to complete his own crossing of the strait and subsequently establish a company specialising in swimming vacations.

Destinations for Swimming Enthusiasts

The options for where to go on a swimming vacation are virtually limitless. The most popular routes are found in the Mediterranean, but fascinating swim trips take place all around the world.

The Mediterranean: From Croatia to Greece

The Mediterranean offers ideal conditions for swimming vacations – crystal-clear water, pleasant temperatures, and rich history visible even from the water’s surface. Among the most popular locations are:

• Montenegro – The Bay of Kotor provides calm waters surrounded by majestic mountains. Swimmers can discover ancient churches on small islands and former military submarine tunnels.
• Greece – The Cycladic islands and other Greek archipelagos offer ideal conditions for island-hopping by water. The azure blue sea contrasting with white buildings creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable swimming adventure.
• Croatia – The Adriatic coast with its thousands of islands and the Kornati National Park is a paradise for swimmers. Clean water, hidden coves, and rich underwater life elevate swimming here into something truly exceptional.
• Turkey – Swimming along the Lycian coast offers a unique combination of history and natural beauty, where you can swim above submerged ancient cities.

The Caribbean and Exotic Locations

For those seeking warmer waters and exotic settings, swimming companies offer trips to these regions:

• Hawaii – Swimming along the coast of the Big Island, often accompanied by turtles and dolphins, is among the peak experiences for swimming enthusiasts.
• The Caribbean – Grenada, the Grenadines, and islands such as Saint Vincent offer stunning reefs and encounters with rich marine fauna and flora.
• The Galápagos – For more adventurous swimmers, the Galápagos offer the chance to swim among sea lions and unique animal species found nowhere else on earth.

Colder Waters for the Bold

Swimming vacations aren’t limited to warm locations. For hardy swimmers, colder destinations are also available:

• Iceland – The combination of swimming in the cold ocean followed by relaxation in hot springs offers a truly unique experience.
• Scotland – Swimming in lochs and along the wild Scottish coastline is a challenge even for experienced swimmers.

How a Swimming Vacation Works

A swimming vacation has its own specific structure and rhythm. A typical day begins with a morning briefing where guides present the planned route, point out interesting sites, and highlight any potential risks. Swimmers are divided into groups by speed (often identified by different-coloured swim caps), with each group accompanied by a small inflatable boat with a guide.

A larger boat serves as the base for transporting luggage, providing refreshments, and resting between swimming segments. Lunch is served on the boat, and there’s the option to change into dry clothes. During the day, participants typically complete two to three swimming segments with a total distance of around 5 kilometres.

Lizzie Enfield, who took part in a swimming vacation in Montenegro, described her experience: “On the first day, we swam across the Bay of Kotor from the picturesque fishing village of Dražin Vrt. The copper domes of the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks were easy to spot. So too were shoals of Adriatic fish: sardines, mackerel and sprat, as well as sea anemones and urchins. The water was crystal clear and almost Caribbean blue; and when I didn’t have my head in the water, the scenery was panoramic with mountains all around.”

In the evenings, swimmers typically gather at local restaurants, where they sample regional specialities and share the day’s experiences. This routine repeats throughout the stay, with each day bringing new routes and discoveries.

Swimming Vacation and Safety

Safety is a top priority on swimming vacations. In addition to support boats that constantly monitor the swimmers, all routes are carefully selected based on current weather and water conditions. A safety briefing takes place before each swim, and guides are always ready to assist less experienced swimmers.

Routes are designed to suit different skill levels, and participants always have the option to rest on the support boat if they feel tired. Marlys Cappaert, who has worked as a guide for SwimTrek for ten years, emphasises that their goal is to help every participant push their limits – but always with safety as the priority.

TIP: As with any holiday, make sure you take out travel insurance. We recommend SafetyWing.

Swimming Vacation: Who Is It For?

You might be surprised to learn that swimming vacations aren’t exclusively for professional swimmers or young athletes. In reality, the demographic makeup of participants is much more diverse. The average age of swimmers on some trips reaches 63, with the age range spanning from 20 to 70+.

The basic requirement is the ability to swim in open water without stopping for at least 1–2 kilometres. You don’t need to be a fast competitive swimmer – endurance and mental resilience matter far more. Swimming vacations are designed to accommodate different levels, from recreational swimmers to experienced triathletes.

Nancy Meade, a lawyer from Anchorage, Alaska, describes her experience: “What’s special about a swim vacation is that it combines being actively outdoors all day with an amazing opportunity to explore in a unique way. Most tourists can walk to the seashore, and maybe even go for a boat ride, but spending all day on the water and in the water and seeing lots of small towns from the water is very special.”

It’s also important to note that participants always have the option to skip certain swimming segments and rest on the support boat. This flexible approach makes swimming vacations accessible even for less experienced swimmers who want to gradually improve.

Swimming Vacation Benefits

Swimming vacations offer far more than just a sporting activity and a chance to explore new places. Their benefits are comprehensive, touching on physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual fulfilment.

Physical and Mental Health

Swimming is one of the most complete forms of exercise, working the entire body without straining the joints. During a swimming vacation, swimmers gradually increase their endurance and strength without experiencing the fatigue typical of intensive training. Daily time in the water also improves cardiovascular health and helps build muscle mass.

The mental benefits are equally significant. The rhythmic swimming movements combined with breathing have a meditative effect and reduce stress. Many participants describe swimming as a form of mindfulness, where they are completely immersed in the present moment and leave everyday worries behind.

Natalie Nixon, who at the age of 53 embarked on a swimming vacation with SwimTrek in Crete, described her experience like this:

“When I left my gloomy thoughts on the shore and began swimming in turquoise, sapphire, and azure blue waters, I allowed myself to toggle between full sensory immersion (feeling, seeing, and smelling) and focusing on breathing, kicking, and stroke technique. Then a funny thing happened: I relaxed into my body. I relaxed into the rhythm of long, stretched-out slow strokes and even began to feel the rhythm of the sea, its own magnificent heartbeat – which is quite a glorious feeling!”

A Unique Perspective and Experiences

One of the most striking benefits of swimming vacations is the unique vantage point they offer. Seeing a city, an island, or a natural formation from the water’s surface brings an entirely different perspective compared to conventional sightseeing tours. Swimmers get to visit places accessible only from the water and experience a destination with all their senses – feeling the saltiness of the sea, hearing the splash of waves, and seeing the coastline from an angle that most tourists will never know.

“Inside the cave, the sunlight reflected off the white sandy floor, creating a shimmering turquoise colour in the water. At the mouth of the cave, several motorboats hovered with tourists taking photos, while we swam deep inside and savoured the unique experience that our way of travelling provided,” Lizzie Enfield described her experience of swimming into a former submarine tunnel and the Blue Cave in Montenegro.

Connection with Nature

In an age when many people spend most of their time in artificial environments, swimming vacations offer an authentic connection with nature. Open-water swimming allows you to feel the power of natural elements – waves, currents, temperatures – and adapt to them. Participants often describe a sense of belonging to the aquatic environment and a deeper understanding of the power and beauty of nature.

“You never feel smaller than when you’re in the ocean, and that has a transformative effect,” says Hopper McDonough, founder and partner at SwimVacation.

Personal Stories from Participants

Personal experiences from swimming vacation participants are full of emotion, pushing personal boundaries, and profound transformations. It’s the stories of those who conquered their fears, discovered a new passion, or lived through moments they’ll never forget that best capture the true value of swimming vacations.

Marlys Cappaert, a SwimTrek guide, recalls a touching moment: “During my first year at SwimTrek, a woman came to me at the end of the week with tears in her eyes. She confided that six months earlier she had received a serious medical diagnosis and had doubted whether she would even be strong enough to take part in the trip, let alone complete all the swimming. But she did it. At that moment, it wasn’t just her crying – it was the whole group.”

Miriam Leitko, a 64-year-old lifelong swimmer from Texas, has already completed twelve trips with SwimVacation. Open-water swimming has become not only a source of energy for her but also a way to literally let stress wash away with the waves. When she couldn’t visit the pool during the pandemic, she decided to build her own.

Natalie Nixon, who at the age of 53 set off on a swimming vacation in Crete, initially doubted her abilities. On the first day, she felt like the weakest link in the group, but gradually found her rhythm. To her surprise, she was later moved to the “fast group.” This experience reminded her of Aesop’s fable of the hare and the tortoise – steady perseverance and a calm approach often lead to the goal more reliably than a hasty sprint.

How to Prepare for a Swimming Vacation

Proper preparation is key to getting the most out of your swimming vacation. Although organisers tailor programmes to different skill levels, a certain baseline fitness and the right equipment are essential.

Physical Preparation

Ideally, you should start preparing several months before departure. Focus on:

• Gradually increasing the distances you can swim without stopping
• Swimming at least 2–3 times a week
• Combining pool swimming and open-water swimming (if possible)
• Strengthening your core and upper body, which helps during longer swims
• Breathing technique, which is especially important in open water

You don’t need to be hitting competitive times, but you should be able to swim continuously for at least 30–45 minutes and feel comfortable doing so.

Equipment

For a swimming vacation, you’ll need specific equipment:

• High-quality swim goggles (ideally multiple pairs for different light conditions)
• A neoprene swim cap for colder waters
• A swimming wetsuit (depending on the destination and water temperature)
• Water-resistant sunscreen
• Quick-dry towels
• Swimwear (multiple pairs for rotation)

Many organisers provide some equipment, such as tow floats for increased visibility, so check in advance what’s included in the trip price.

Mental Preparation

Open-water swimming can be mentally challenging for beginners. We recommend:

• Gradually getting used to swimming without the visual reference points of a pool
• Learning relaxation techniques to overcome any anxiety
• Accepting that nature is unpredictable and conditions can change
• Adjusting expectations to your own abilities and leaving room for personal growth

The Future of Swimming Vacations

The swimming vacation trend has a promising future ahead. With growing interest in active, authentic, and environmentally friendly travel, further growth of this sector can be expected. Tour operators are expanding their offerings with new destinations and specialised programmes for different swimming levels.

In the future, we can expect:

• More specialised trips targeting specific segments (ice-water swimming, swimming for seniors, family swimming vacations)
• A growing number of destinations, including less traditional locations
• Better technological equipment for tracking performance and ensuring safety
• Greater emphasis on environmental education and protection of aquatic ecosystems during swimming trips

Borut Strel, co-founder of Strel Swimming, also highlights the ecological aspect of swimming vacations: “Swimming is a low-impact activity on the environment, and because we use local hotels, restaurants, boats, and guides, our groups contribute to the local economy.”

In Conclusion: Dive Into a New Way of Travelling

Swimming vacations represent much more than just a sporting activity or passive relaxation – they are transformative experiences that connect physical activity, exploration, and a deep bond with nature. They offer a way to experience a destination with all your senses and from a perspective that the average tourist will never know. So, are you ready to take the plunge?

Frequently Asked Questions