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Best Of Early 2026: Choose Your Trip

By Jack Hudson , 14 January, 2026

The Early Season is upon us and it's time to finally step out into the shallows of 2026...

In this blog, we're sharing all this year's early season getaways with a view to getting you excited for our nearest adventures. We have popular departures coming up these next few months to a variety of locations, particularly throughout April and May. There are still spaces just waiting to be snatched up on the infinitely swimmable trips below.

Make sure you explore thoroughly to learn as much as you can about each experience - there are so many opportunities for you to make lasting memories with like-minded swimmers and to dive into the unspoilt waters of places few have ever been before you. Meet countless animal species in the world-famous marine reserve of the Galapagos Islands, or thread your way through the shimmering Sea Of Cortez in Mexico, among the leaping rays.


Nevis To St Kitts Swim between Caribbean islands
Exploring the Lycian Way Exploring the Lycian Way
Stunning Costa Rica coastline Stunning Costa Rica coastline

EXPLORE ALL EARLY 2026 TRIPS


JANUARY


Early 2026

Galapagos Islands

Join us on the trip that time forgot for a once-in-a-lifetime swimming holiday in one of the most breathtaking locations on the planet: the Galapagos Islands! Lying on both sides of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, this vast volcanic archipelago is home to an abundance of plant and animal species not found anywhere else on Earth.

  • Leaving From 3 January, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 4km/day)

"The Galapagos exceeded our expectations in every way. Both the nature and the people were extraordinary. The entire week was magical!" - Katherine, USA (2025)


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FEBRUARY


Early 2026

Bacalar - Mexico

Not far from the Belize border, in southeastern Mexico, the town of Bacalar sits in an idyllic spot on the shores of Lake Bacalar. Also known as the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colours’, these stunning waters blend hues of rippling blue and turquoise. The lagoon is fed by an underground river, which flows from the world’s largest system of water caves and tunnels, snaking across the Yucatan Peninsula.

  • Leaving From 28 February, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 4km/day)

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MARCH


Early 2026

Puerto De Mogan - Gran Canaria

During this Short Escape swimming holiday we will weave around the island’s southern coastline. Here you will find yourself protected from prevailing winds, sheltered in warm bays and by cliff-edged stretches, which serve as ideal settings for our daily swims.


Early 2026

Koh Tao Explorer - Thailand

For the first time, we will lead swimming adventures to a shallow inlet known as the Gulf of Thailand, bounded by the shores of the Indochinese and Malay peninsulas. Here we will dive into days of tropical island-hopping, tracing sandy coasts and finding scattered islands, flanked by sheer cliffs, crowned with greenery.

  • Leaving From 14 March, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 5km/day)

Early 2026

Nevis To Kitts Cross Channel Swim

The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim started in 2002 and the number of competitors has grown year by year with almost 500 swimmers now taking part from around the world! The race is inclusive, supporting a range of swimming abilities from world-class swimmers to those who appreciate the challenge of swimming from Nevis to St Kitts.

  • Leaving From 26 March, 2026
  • Challenging Grading (Up to 4km/day)

"[Nevis To St Kitts Race] was another fantastic holiday with SwimTrek! The team gave great guidance on how to approach the race course, and offered terrific support on the water. Something for all levels." - Anne, USA (2024)


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APRIL


Early 2026

Lan Ha Bay – Vietnam

Swim among over 300 otherworldly limestone islets and karst islands which jut up dramatically from the water. Also, discover world-renowned Vietnamese culture and cuisine as you delve deep into this unique part of the world.

  • Leaving From 4 April, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 4km/day)

Early 2026

Channel And Long Distance Training - Croatia

There are roughly 79 islands strewn along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and we will visit some of our favourites as we also help to evolve your open water skills. Mostly we roam the warm waters around Prvić Island, spotting sponges, corals, and anemones as we go. You may also be joined at times by dolphins, sea turtles and large shoals of fish.


Early 2026

Sea Of Cortez - Mexico

Loreta was the first Spanish settlement in the Baja Peninsula and it serves as an ideal base from which to launch adventures out to sea. Across a series of exciting swims, you will uncover the natural treasures of three islands, scattered just off the coast: Isla Coronado, Isla Carmen and Isla Danzante.


"Feeling very fortunate to have been swimming in the Sea of Cortez - awe inspiring sea-life, wonderful guides and an entertaining and encouraging group of fellow SwimTrekkers." - Sheenagh, UK (2025)


Early 2026

Lycian Way - Turkey

Experience some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean along Turkey's Turquoise Coast, following a portion of the famous Lycian Way path by water.


Early 2026

Cozumel Escape

Enjoy swimming in current-assisted waters, over beaches of white sand and colourful coral reefs, popularised by the pioneering explorer Jacques Cousteau.

  • Leaving From 27 April, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 5km/day)

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MAY


Early 2026

Sea Of Cortez Short Swims

During our trip we are based in the coastal town of Loreto, where the old and new world collide. You’ll have time to wander cobbled streets, relax at outdoor cafés with a craft beer in hand and roam a malécon along the waterfront. We will also meet the local marine life (dolphins, sea lions, tropical fish and rays) as we swim through the National Marine Park. Then, in the winter months, whales migrate through these waters to give birth in tropical waters.


Early 2026

Discover Open Water - Mallorca

Based in the scenic seaside town of Colonia de Sant Jordi, you'll have easy access to Mallorca's warm clear waters, sheltered bays to practice your open water swimming, and a world-class 50-meter open air training pool at the BEST Swim Centre.


Early 2026

YogaSwim - Bali

The volcanic ‘Island of the Gods’ to this day retains its unique Hindu culture and traditions - the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable YogaSwim experience. The island is a haven for sea adventurers. The north-eastern corner of Bali is a surf-free zone and an excellent playground for open water swimmers, featuring vibrant marine life and coral reefs arrayed in tiers over seabeds of black sand. The water visibility is outstanding as well.


Early 2026

Bozburun – Turkey

Join us on the Bozburun peninsula and swim in clear bays where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas collide. Then relax at our seafront base in a quiet fishing town.


"I couldn't recommend [the Bozburun trip] more - fabulous water, awesome swims and unbeatable support from wonderful guides. I loved it!" - Jane, UK (2025)


Early 2026

Shipwreck Coast - Bali

Bali is synonymous with paradise – spoilt for lush rice terraces, dramatic volcanoes, and a bohemian vibe that pervades the island. Sometimes called ‘The Island of the Gods’, this popular tourist destination still retains an undiscovered charm, with its unique Balinese culture, traditions, and strong religious foundations.

  • Leaving From 15 May, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 5km/day)
  • Other Variants: YogaSwim Bali

Early 2026

Montenegro Fjords

Montenegro is one of the few locations in the world where you can swim in four different types of open water in less than a week. On this warm-water swimming holiday, you’ll have the chance to leap into fjords, lakes, rivers, and the sea. While we explore the spectacular scenery and rich history that Montenegro has to offer.


Early 2026

Dalmatian Coast - Croatia

Around 500 islets and 79 islands are strewn parallel to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, inviting us on an island-hopping adventure of truly epic proportions. Based at the heart of this coastal region, among the islands, reefs, and islets of the Šibenik archipelago, this trip combines dramatic coastlines and lunar-like islands with superb water quality and stunning underwater topography.


Early 2026

Costa Rica Escape

We will be based on Costa Rica’s ‘Gold Coast’ in a north-western region called Guanacaste. So, you will be close to some of the country's best-loved beaches, such as Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, and Playa Hermosa. Our hotel sits right at the heart of all the untamed, coastal beauty. Of course, we will be spending plenty of time in the water as well. Beyond the glorious surf, there are riches to discover both above and below the sea.

  • Leaving From 25 May, 2026
  • Leisurely Grading (Up to 3km/day)
  • Other Variants: YogaSwim Costa Rica

Early 2026

Sulawesi Explorer - Indonesia

What better place for us to swim in groups, meeting wildlife and discovering the wonders of the Coral Triangle? Not only is there an abundance of life in the tropical waters, but there are so many forested coastlines to follow, scattered with white sand beaches and overlooked by the volcanoes that give this region an almost prehistoric feel.


Early 2026

Dubrovnik - Croatia

The city of Dubrovnik is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Popular for its spectacular sea-facing walls, baroque buildings and views over the Adriatic, Dubrovnik has a rich history, and well-preserved Old Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by ancient walls, the Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, charming squares, and magnificent buildings such as the Rector's Palace, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Cathedral.

  • Leaving From 30 May, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 5km/day)

Early 2026

Tremiti Islands - Italy

Swimming around Italy’s Tremiti Islands is the perfect way to experience this beautiful and remote part of the country. Located in the crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea, the four islands that make up this tiny archipelago also form part of the larger Gargano National Park. The waters that surround the four islands of San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia and Cretacio are known not just for their clarity, but also for their wealth of spectacular caves, gorges, and arches.

  • Leaving From 31 May, 2026
  • Moderate Grading (Up to 4km/day)

EXPLORE ALL EARLY 2026 TRIPS


Want to swim any of these trips in a group of friends? Don't forget to reach out to our experienced Group Travel team and create a SwimTrek of your very own…

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