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TRIP OVERVIEW

6 days
Classic
5km/day
Moderate

Tour Highlights

  • Experience beautiful coastal swimming in some of Tenerife's most spectacular locations

  • Get more from your trip with coaching sessions and technique analysis at the world-class Tenerife Top Training facility

  • Complete a spectacular hike down the famous Masca Gorge

  • Enjoy the island's volcanic, black-sand beaches and deep blue Atlantic Ocean water

  • Take in breathtaking views of the dramatic 'Los Gigantes' cliffs as we swim along this unique piece of coastline

Escape the winter chill with this unique SwimTrek adventure on the beautiful volcanic island of Tenerife. With its breathtaking landscapes and enviable climate, Tenerife is the largest of the seven main islands which make up the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, just 100 km off the coast of Morocco.

As our only Atlantic Ocean destination, this trip offers a truly unique experience on the SwimTrek calendar. Including dramatic cliff swims, a spectacular hike down the Masca Gorge and personalised coaching sessions in a world-class training facility, this trip includes a fantastic mix of activities over the course of the week.

Your sessions at the state-of-the-art sports complex, Tenerife Top Training (T3), includes swimming coaching and training tips in an open-air 50-metre pool, as well as comprehensive technique analysis using T3’s fantastic swimming flume.

Based at the Hovima Jardin Caleta hotel in La Caleta, the trip’s open water swims take place in the relatively calm waters of Tenerife’s picturesque south-west coast, however the nature of ocean swimming means that water conditions can vary considerably from one day to the next.


Who Is This Trip For?

This trip is ideal for swimmers with some open water experience who are looking for a combination of activities to enjoy during their early or late season escape. With coastal swims, pool sessions, technique video analysis in T3’s flume, and a challenging trek down the Masca Gorge, this trip offers something different and unique from other SwimTrek adventures.

Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average daily swim distance of around 5 km (split over a minimum of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.


What's Included?

  • Fully guided swimming holiday in Tenerife,Canary Islands
  • Swim guides and full safety escort on all swims
  • Personalised coaching session in the open-air 50-metre pool at Tenerife Top Training
  • Professional technique video analysis in the hydrodynamic-flume at Tenerife Top Training
  • Five nights accommodation
  • Five breakfasts
  • Five buffet lunches at the hotel
  • Dinner on Day 1

What's Not Included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the tour
  • Dinners (except on Day 1)

Daily Itineraries

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during the course of your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilot will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Day 1

You are welcome to check into the hotel any time after 14:00 and relax before meeting up with your guide and fellow swimmers at 19:30. We meet in the grounds of Jardin Caleta where we hold a welcome meeting featuring a description of the days ahead followed by a safety briefing. After settling in, we will have the chance to get to know each other over a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2

Up early for our short acclimatisation swim at a beach near the hotel. After breakfast, we head up to Tenerife Top Training for an open water skills and coaching session. This session is conducted by our expert open water swimming guides in order to prepare you for the week’s coastal swims. After lunch, we head off on a 3km cliff top walk to El Puertito, otherwise known as Turtle Bay. From here our coastal journey begins as we venture out from El Puertito and swim south, calling into the bays of Gaviotas and Blanca before we finish back in La Caleta.

Day 3

We travel further up the coast by shuttle bus to the lovely little village of Alcalá which has a number of interesting rock formations that you can swim out past. We swim south to Playa San Juan and enjoy a morning of captivating coastal swimming along this stark, volcanic coastline. Following our swim, we have lunch at Playa San Juan, before swimming south towards Playa Abama to enjoy another afternoon of stunning coastal swimming. After a short break on the beach, we swim back to Playa San Juan for our shuttle bus back to the hotel.

Day 4

This morning we swim from Cala Savaje to El Puertito to explore another section of volcanic coastline. In the afternoon, we head to Tenerife Top Training for a technique analysis session in the facility’s state-of-the-art flume. The session is an excellent chance to pinpoint areas for improvement through the use of above and below water filming, video playback and a handy underwater viewing window.

Day 5

Our last full day and, undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the week. We travel by shuttle bus to the far north west corner of Tenerife and head up the mountains to the small town of Masca. We then join the beautiful Masca Gorge Trail and begin our descent down the gorge to the famous black, volcanic sands of Playa de Masca. Starting 600 meters above sea level, the challenging 5 km hike offers the opportunity to appreciate steep rock formations, stunning vegetation and plenty of local wildlife. Upon reaching Playa de Masca, we enjoy our well-earned packed lunch on this unique beach. After resting up, it’s into the water to swim in the shadow of the sheer cliffs of the ‘Acantilados de Los Gigantes.’ The 4km swim back towards the town of Los Gigantes gives us plenty of time to enjoy the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 6

Following the exertions of yesterday, we take a relaxing morning swim in a bay near our hotel before the trip finishes at 11:00.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: Hovima Jardin Caleta Hotel, La Caleta, Tenerife

Start Time: 19:30 on Day 1

Finish Point: Hovima Jardin Caleta Hotel, La Caleta, Tenerife

Finish Time: 11:00 on Day 6

Trip Information

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

Item Item
Swimming Costume (x2) Small Daypack
Swimming Goggles* (x2) Sweater / Fleece /Waterproof Jacket
Sunhat and Sunglasses Walking Shoes / Sandals
Waterproof Sun Cream Aqua Shoes / Sandals
Towel USB Memory Stick**

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

**If you would like a copy of your video analysis, please ensure you bring along a USB memory stick.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Swimming Distances

Swim Distances
El Puertito - La Caleta 3km
Alcala - Playa San Juan 3km
Playa San Juan - Abama Resort – Playa San Juan 4km
Cala Savaje - El Puertito 2½km
Playa de Masca - Los Gigantes 4km

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Distances

The Masca Gorge is a challenging 5 km hike and decent walking boots or shoes are recommended. The trail does not have any laid surface and can become tricky when wet. There are sections of the walk where you need to use both your hands and legs in order to descend.

If you prefer to miss the Masca Gorge walk, you can catch the RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to Playa de Masca and join us for the swim. Other walks during the week are on recognised paths and vary from 1-3km.

Temperatures

Month Water Temp (°C) Air Temp (°C)
October 21-23°C / 69-73°F 22-24°C / 72-75°F
November 21-23°C / 69-73°F 22-24°C / 72-75°F

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only. Due to the nature of the Atlantic Ocean currents, water temperatures can vary significantly from one day to the next.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 11. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Unlike other SwimTrek holidays, we do not use a main boat on this trip. Instead, we use Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) to transport us to and from our swims, where required, and to provide safety cover. Please note that these RIBs do not have ladders to assist with getting on and off boat.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to La Caleta at the start of your trip is to fly into Tenerife South Airport and then catch a either a shuttle or private transfer to the hotel.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use the following websites to search for alternative flights, taxis and public transport options for this trip:

Flights: Skyscanner

Taxi/Bus: Hoppa

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Transfers From The Tenerife South Airport To La Caleta

As you leave arrivals, the easiest way to travel to the hotel is either by shuttle or private transfer. Both services are available and can be booked using Resort Hoppa.

The speedy shuttle service costs approximately £9 return and the journey takes around an hour, with four stops along the way.

Alternatively a private transfer can be organised for approximately £50 return, for up to four guests, with the journey taking around 30 to 40 minutes to get to the hotel.

Public Transport From The Airport To La Caleta

If you wish to see a little more of the island and decide to take the bus to the hotel, you will need to catch the No. 111 from the Tenerife South Airport to Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje Bus Terminal (this is usually the end of the route but please check locally). The cost of this service is approximately €4.

From here, you will need to take the No. 467 to La Caleta. This route has a stop directly outside the Hotel Jardin La Caleta and takes approximately 20 minutes, the cost of the journey is €2.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Our accommodation for the duration of the trip is at Hovima Jardin Caleta, situated in the small fishing village of La Caleta. This 3-star hotel offers half-board accommodation and is located close to the waterfront and Tenerife Top Training Centre.

Our accommodation is based on twin-share rooms with en suite facilities. It is possible to upgrade to an air-conditioned superior room with a side sea view during the booking process, subject to availability. There are also a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

If you would like to extend your stay in Tenerife and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact Tenerife Top Training on +34 922 782 933 or via email: heike@tenerifetoptraining.com. Please note the hotel is very popular during our trip dates, so we recommend booking your extra nights as early as possible in order to avoid availability issues.

Meals

All breakfasts and buffet lunches at the hotel are included in your SwimTrek package. One dinner is also included on Day 1 of the trip. are at your own expense. All other evening meals are at your own expense, which gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€). The average price of a two-course dinner in La Caleta is €15 - €20.

Passports and Visas

The Canary Islands is part of Spain which is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Spain require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Spain. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit ElectricalOutlet.org.


Related Trips

  • Had an amazing holiday. Far exceeded my expectations. Will be back with SwimTrek again next year!

    Noel B, UK- 2017
  • Tenerife’s volcanic coast was magical, and the guides are the best!

    John T. USA- 2017
  • The trip exceeded my expectations. Great swims, location, hikes, people and SwimTrek guides. Just the holiday I needed and did the world of good. I will have very happy memories of this trip.

    Anna M, UK-2017
  • An amazing addictive experience, which recharges batteries and although exhausted am already looking for the next holiday. The guides make Swimtrek!

    Jenny, A.UK- 2017
  • Swimming back from Playa de Masca to Los Gigantes along those cliff while all other tourists wait for the water taxi perfectly illustrates SwimTrek's motto : Ferries are for wimps :-)

    Lionel J, 2016 - France
  • Best vacation ever! I made many new friends, improved my swimming skills and had 100% fun! Thanks, Swim Trek!

    Carolyn K, 2016 - USA

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