There is something truly amazing about open water swimming. It requires stamina and endurance. But there is something truly peaceful about being out in the open and swimming along the coasts with only your thoughts and the waves to keep you company. As a swimmer, I find it exhilarating. And so much better than doing laps in a pool.
So, if you’re like me–and love to swim–and you’re looking for your next adventure–we have some pretty awesome swimming holidays coming your way in 2024.
Here are 12 great swimming adventures & holidays to check out this year.
Swim Camp Madeira Island in Portugal
During your unforgettable week on this Madeira Swim Camp, you will swim in the most beautiful places in the region, where the water varies between crystal clear dark blue and turquoise, and where you can explore the caves and natural arches of the cliffs – the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve, Ponta de São Lourenço and the Garajau Nature Reserve.
This is a perfect experience for those who want to discover still unexplored and quiet areas in Portugal and enjoy the pleasant subtropical climate of the island.
During your trip, you’ll stay in a lodge that is situated in the heart of the Garajau Nature Reserve, where you can also enjoy some great dips in the water.
Dates: Multiple Departures from June through to October
Unforgettable Swim Holiday in Barbados
Swim at 6 different breathtaking locations on this Unforgettable Barbados Swim Holiday. All swim locations are very safe with perfect swimming conditions, ideal for all skill levels. All 6 Swims will be managed by 3-4 guides incl. your host with Paddle boards & Kayaks for your safety & enjoyment.
Besides the Swims, Barbados offers a vast selection of adventures for you to indulge in. Our team is ready to help you plan out your holiday and advise you on things to do.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and stunning landscapes of Barbados, where every day feels like a celebration of life. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, Barbados offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're lounging on the powdery sands of Crane Beach, exploring the historic streets of Bridgetown, or sampling the island's delectable cuisine, every moment in Barbados is filled with unforgettable experiences. From thrilling water sports to fascinating historical sites, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this tropical paradise. Escape to Barbados and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Dates: March, June and Sept, 2024 departures
UltraSwim Experience in Greece
Looking for a long-distance challenge? Then this is the trip for you. Head to Greece and explore the stunning Adriatic Coastline on this Greece Ultraswim Experience.
Skopelos is the greenest of the Greek islands with 84% of the island covered by forest. We’ll be boarding boats directly from the hotel beach. This swim adventure will weave its way around secluded bays, towering cliffs, sparkling warm water…
On this trip, you’ll swim a distance of 33.3km spread over 4 days in a timed event format, point to point, in adventure swim mode with up to 200 other like-minded swimmers from all over the world. World Class safety wrapper, premium support services and super high-quality hotels are all included.
This trip is open to swimmers of all levels of experience in the open water. However they do have cutoff times so all participants should be able to swim at least 2km/h. They also give you the option of swimming solo or as a duo so you can split the distance with a friend.
Dates: Sept 13 to Sept 16, 2024
Stunning Swim Retreat in Darwin, Australia
Head to Darwin’s stunning Nitmiluk National Park for this Swim Retreat. Explore deep gorges, fresh water and more for a truly once in a lifetime experience.
You’ll enjoy some scenic swims in Lake Bennett and Katherine Gorge, with most of the swims being from two to three kilometers in distance (although these can all be shortened as needed).
Guests should all be comfortable swimming at least 1000m. Learn from qualified coaches and instructors during your adventure. You’ll also be accompanied by kayaks.
Dates: July 24 to July 28, 2024
Lake Argyle Swim Retreat in Australia
You’ll head to Lake Argyle for this Swim Retreat. Lake Argyle is one of the largest man-made lakes in the southern hemisphere and home to more than 70 islands. Created by the Ord River Dam, it's classified as an inland sea and is about 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour.
You’ll mix in scenic swims between the Ord River and Lake Argyle on this weekend getaway. All of your instructors have first-aid certificates and are fully qualified coaches. Guests should be able to swim a minimum of 2000 meters continuously for this trip.
Dates: June 7 to June 10, 2024
Paradise Swimming Holiday in Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Head to the Cook Islands for this spectacular Swimming Holiday. Aitutaki is a 50-minute flight north of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. It is shaped similar to a triangle with sides about 12km (7.5 miles) long. Most of the lagoon's water is around 1-3 m deep with only a few areas of water deeper than 5 m. Our local chartered boat will transport us to the best locations within the lagoon for our swims.
Explore the warm clear blue waters of Aitutaki Lagoon. Swim with beautiful tropical fish and other interesting marine wildlife like turtles and giant clams. Enjoy the lagoon's shallow water sheltered from swells and ocean waves. Experience a trip outside of the lagoon to have a very high chance to view or even swim with humpback whales. Be comfortable in warm waters of around 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) And stay right on Ootu beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cook Islands.
All fitness and swimming levels welcome.
Dates: Sept 8 to Sept 13, 2024
The Adventure Swimmer in Studland and Durdle Door, UK
Looking for a long weekend swim getaway? This Swimming Trip to Studland and Durdle Door is a fan favorite.
Spend three days at a private beach house in Studland just 300 meters from Studland Beach. Enjoy daily swims, beautiful sunsets, emerald seas, chalk cliffs and excellent meals and company.
This retreat is all about swimming and hiking into remote areas for spectacular swims and dips. All swimmers looking to do this one, should be able to swim at least 200 meters continuously.
Dates: Sept 27 to Sept 29, 2024
Swim Camp in Porto Santo, Portugal
This is Porto Swimming Camp is the perfect experience for those who want to discover still little explored and peaceful areas in Portugal and enjoy the island's pleasant sub-tropical climate.
Swim in one of the most beautiful places on the Golden Island, where the water varies between crystal clear dark blue and turquoise, and where you can explore the caves and natural arches of the cliffs – the Biosphere Natural Reserve, the immensity of the sand Dourada whose sands have proven therapeutic properties and Ilheu de Cima which seems to extend the rocky ridge that rises from the recreational port into the sea are just some of these places.
Stay on the beachfront, 5 minutes from the local village. During your stay at the hotel, you will be served breakfast; buffet style lunch and dinner.
Dates: April and Oct 2024 Departures
Whale Magic in Mo'orea: Swim with Humpback Whales
This is a Swimming Holiday with Whales unlike any other. Over six days, you'll have the opportunity to spend five hours each day swimming with the whales. With their presence often minutes away from the island, you'll maximize your time with these magnificent creatures, practicing respectful and responsible whale-watching practices that prioritize the whales' well-being.
Beyond encountering gentle Humpback whales, you may also have the chance to see Spinner and Roughtooth dolphins, and even Pilot whales. Near our hotel lies a stunning coral reef where you can swim with friendly stingrays and harmless reef sharks, completing your unforgettable marine adventure.
Dates: Sept and Oct Departures
Castle to Castle Swim Challenge in New Forest National Park, UK
Who doesn’t love a challenge? On this three-day Castle to Castle Swimming Getaway, swimmers will get the opportunity to swim from Hurst Castle in Hampshire to Highcliffe Castle in Dorset, tidal assisted.
Swim along the glorious New Forest coastline to Milford on Sea with a lifeguard team in tow. Cap off your swim with some homemade cake on the beach. Take part in an evening sunset swim before waking up the next day to swim to Barton on Sea. You’ll pass sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches and more. And on your final day, you’ll cross into Dorset-where you’ll wrap your swim at Highcliffe Castle.
Dates: June 7 to June 9, 2024
The North Wales Mountain Retreat in Snowdon, UK
Head to Snowdon for this 3-day North Wales Mountain Swimming Retreat.
This all-inclusive getaway will take place on the edge of Llyn Cwellyn Lake–one of Snowdonia’s best kept secret swimming spots. Learn from qualified coaches on this clinic and improve your stroke in the process. You’ll also get a chance to hike and explore the local area.
Dates: Oct 25 to Oct 27, 2024
Swim Camp in Lake Geneva
Swim with us in one of the most magical swim destinations in the world. Head to the turquoise shores of Lake Geneva and the long-course pools situated along its banks for this Swiss Swim Camp in Lake Geneva! With lake and pool swimming throughout the week, stunning alpine scenery and award-winning local cuisine, what are you waiting for?
Dates: July 7 to July 11, 2024
UltraSwim Experience in Croatia
For this epic Croatia Ultra Swimming Adventure, think multi-stage car Rally not Formula One™. Think ultra-trail not road-running marathon.
Swim a distance of 33.3km spread over 4 days in a timed event format, point to point, in adventure swim mode with up to 200 other like-minded swimmers from all over the world. World Class safety wrapper, premium support services and super high-quality hotels are all included.
If you are looking to feel like a pro-swimmer, then this trip is for you! This trip is open to swimmers of all levels of experience in the open water. However they do have cutoff times so all participants should be able to swim at least 2km/h. They also give you the option of swimming solo or as a duo so you can split the distance with a friend.
Dates: May 17 to May 20, 2024
In the End
Whether you're looking for a challenging swim race or a hands-on swimming clinic, we have something for everyone. From dips in the warm waters of Madeira to challenging swims along the beautiful coasts of the Adriatic, there's no shortage of amazing swimming adventures to explore.
We've highlighted some of our top picks for swimming trips in 2024, and with so much to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect trip for your next swimming adventure.
If you're ready to start planning your swimming holiday, please get in touch with us today or check out more of our swimming trips here, and we’ll be happy to send you more information.