Swim holidays - read our top tips 🧳

Published: Fri, 08/15/25

Updated: Tue, 08/19/25

Dear Swimmer

How do I get ready for a swimming holiday? It’s a question a lot of swimmers ask us, along with advice on what to expect, what to pack and how to prepare.

Whether you're heading off on an adventure this autumn, or thinking about booking a swimming holiday next year, we've asked the experts at SwimTrek for their top tips. With holidays and coaching camps in more than 50 incredible locations around the world, they have the best advice for everyone from newbies to challenge swimmers.

EXPLORE SWIM HOLIDAYS

WHAT'S A SWIMMING HOLIDAY?

A swimming holiday can take different forms, but essentially it’s getting away to a beautiful destination to swim with a small group of other swimmers. It’s all about seeing the world from new perspectives and having adventures, being expertly guided and looked after all the time.

You can choose solo adventures, or go with family or friends; swim distances or immerse in experiences. But whatever you choose, expect to meet like-minded people and enjoy an active holiday focused on what you love doing – swimming outdoors!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

That depends on what kind of holiday you choose, but always expect expert guidance in beautiful places.

For example, you might pick a holiday where you swim anything from 2 to 5 kilometres a day split over a morning and afternoon session with regular breaks for water and snacks. You'll then spend your evenings exploring the local area, and having dinner with your new swimming friends, before getting some well-earned sleep ahead of more great swims the next day.

If you book with SwimTrek, you can use its ratings - leisurely, moderate or challenging, destination or trip type to get the holiday to suit your interests.

Safety is a priority with reputable swimming holiday providers like SwimTrek. Expect trained, experienced swim guides and boats or kayaks to keep you safe in the water.

GET PREPPED!

Ok, you've booked your holiday. So, what should you pack?

One of the joys of open water swimming, especially in warmer waters, is that you can pack light. Very light. Think bare essentials - swimwear (at least two), goggles, towels and reef safe sunscreen.

You'll do stuff on dry land, too, so bring a few changes of clothes and warm layers in case it gets chilly, sun hat and sun glasses, aqua shoes, other footwear, a daypack and/or drybag and a water bottle. Anything extra is up to you - you might also want a rash vest, ear plugs and anti-chafe balm.

What about pre-holiday training? It's worth making sure you can swim the distances you've signed up for - that's probably more important for 5km swims than 500m, but confidence to do the distance is helpful.

Read Ben Lane’s guide to preparing for a swim holiday here.