Booked your first swimming holiday – or, still mulling over the finer details of what to expect? We’ve set out to compile a seaworthy checklist for your upcoming adventure.
To prepare, we chatted to our friends at SwimTrek and Ocean Swims Safaris for their insights and tips. Two obvious enquiries have to do with what a ‘swimming holiday’ is and whether you need to be part-fish, or at least a seasoned sea swimmer, to properly enjoy one.
The truth is swimming holidays come in many different categories. At SwimTrek, most holidays include around 3-5 kilometres of swimming per day, over a morning and afternoon session. At Ocean Swim Safaris, there is usually only one swimming session and then the afternoon is spent exploring as you wish.
In short, you do not necessarily need to be a strong swimmer as a range of daily distances are covered across their trips. For example, SwimTrek just introduced a fresh selection of Southeast Asia trips, suited for more confident explorers, as well as options that are Best For Beginners, including introductory coaching camps on the sunny island of Cyprus.
Now, for the fun part – let’s lay out some packing essentials to make the most of your submersible experience:
Personal drink bottle: Guides no longer distribute shared bottles on SwimTrek trips. So, each guest must bring a personal bottle, clearly marked as yours, that they will refill.
2-3 swimsuits: It’s always good to have a dry(ish) swimsuit for your next outing.
Swim goggles and cap: Ideally, bring two pairs of goggles. One tinted for days of sunlight and one clear for overcast weather. SwimTrek provides special caps for each trip as well, but a spare could be useful.
Earplugs and nose clips: Easy to forget! Make sure to bring clips or plugs if you usually wear them. If you like music before or after your plunges, pack some earphones too.
Sun protection: Don’t succumb to dreaded sunburn, take long-sleeve rash vests, or swim shirts. Also, waterproof and reef-safe sunscreen is often needed, as well as SPF lip balm if you usually wear it.
Thermal protection: Colder trips, like the ones run by SwimTrek in the Outer Hebrides, may require either shorty or full wetsuits. Neoprene caps, booties, or gloves could be essential if the water is below 20C. Comfort levels of course depend on how acclimated each swimmer is.
Microfibre towel and changing robe: Changing robes are big, fluffy lifesavers on trips with colder waters. While lightweight microfibre towels are always easy to pack and handy everywhere.
Waterproof dry bag: Boat transfers and potentially damp excursions are always easier when you bring a waterproof bag with you.
Water shoes, jackets and casual clothes: For clothing, water shoes are useful to avoid hobbling on rocky water entries. Light jackets are ideal when the evening cools and you’ll also need casual clothes for outings on dry land, including smarter attire if you’re dining out at all.
Waterproof camera: We often hear guests lamenting the fact they didn’t bring a GoPro, or some other waterproof camera, during that unexpected turtle encounter, or the moment when dolphins surfed the wake of their boat.
A little first-aid kit: If there’s a chance of blisters, chafing, or seasickness, you’ll need plasters, antiseptic wipes, and seasickness tablets too.
Your favourite snacks: Maybe, pack a few blocks of dark chocolate, energising Haribo, or any other sweet treat that might help you recover when you’re fresh out the briny. If you like electrolytes, throw those in as well.
Hydrating skincare: Getting salty in the water, then lathering yourself with sunscreen, could lead to rough, dry skin in need of hydration.
Passport: If you forget everything else, please at least pack this essential item for your next overseas swimming holiday.
Finally, don’t forget it is a condition of booking with SwimTrek that you purchase Travel Insurance before you leave.
‘[One of my essentials was a neck buff as it] keeps the sun off your neck and ears… even if you wear a wide-brimmed hat, the sun manages to reflect up and find any exposed skin.’ - Sherry H. (Galapagos Islands)
