In a word, the Adriatic Sea is 'unique' - a distinctive stretch of the Mediterranean where swimmers are treated to idyllic conditions...
This narrow arm of the Mediterranean forms a 1,300-kilometre division between the Italian Peninsula and the Balkans, comprised mostly of the Croatian coastline. The eastern coast is notably shallow and invaded by hundreds of limestone islands, which sally forth from Croatia's world-famous Dalmatian Coast. Then the seabed sinks as it nears Italy, gaining its greatest depths at its southern extremities. While the sea's northern reaches are rich in nutrients and shallower - it's here you'll find productive fisheries.
The Croatian side has one of the world's most indented coastlines, edged by a scattered chain of over 1,000 islands (roughly 1,200), torn seawards into smaller islets and sloping often to nearby reefs from rocky beaches. Often the terrain above water is karstic, shaped by the limestone erosion of cliffs, caves and coves. You don't see topography like this anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
“This is one of Europe's clearest and cleanest seas, with low pollution and a natural exchange with the deep blue Ionian Sea...”
"Enough about the land, what about the water?" You cry.
Well, the Adriatic is notoriously clear and recognised for its high transparency (sometimes this extends to 50 metres below you), with blue-green hues and a calm disposition. In fact, this is one of Europe's clearest and cleanest seas, with low pollution and a natural exchange with the deep blue Ionian Sea.
Of course, we're not the only species that loves to swim here. This particular Mediterranean basin plays host to a diverse ecosystem, filled with coral habitats and meadows of seagrass. Keep an eye out for the local residents, including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and the more secretive seahorses.
Once the meeting place of different civilisations, from the Illyrians to the Greeks and Ottomans, the Adriatic Sea is shouldered by many well-known ports (think Venice and Dubrovnik) and surrounded on all sides by a variety of peoples and cultures, blended with Italian and Slavic influences. Today, you'd struggle to find a more suitable setting in the world for swimming, sailing and island-hopping. Many islands have swimmable distances between them and there are sheltered bays in abundance - perfect for anchoring your boat on a forgiving current.
We offer a range of trips with swims in the Adriatic across Croatia and Montenegro.
Let's take a closer look at what makes each one special.
The One For Future Channel Swimmers
Channel And Long Distance Training – Croatia (First Departure: 4 April, 2026)
- 6 Days
- Coaching Camp
- Up to 8km/day swimming
Settle into a relaxing pace of life on the fishing island of Prvic – just a half mile from the coast. Then dive into informative group seminars and advanced open water training combined with in-depth video analysis and led by experienced swim coaches. During these adventures you will explore the warm waters around Prvić Island.
HIGHLIGHT: Join a special nighttime swim experience, which is fantastic to build confidence for an English Channel solo crossing, or other long-distance swim with unlit hours at sea.
The One To Build Endurance
Marathon Swim Camp – Croatia (First Departure: 2 May, 2026)
- 6 Days
- Coaching Camp
- Up to 7km/day swimming
At this location, you'll train with like-minded endurance swimmers, refining your technique in a comfortable environment and gaining valuable insights from in-depth video analysis. This is ideal preparation for 10-kilometre races, or any other marathon swim events. After each day in the sea, we will return you to relaxation on the fishing island of Prvic.
HIGHLIGHT: Swim to the small Dalmatian island of Zlarin – not far from Šibenik - the Adriatic’s oldest self-settled city.
The One For Croatian Castaways
Elaphiti Islands – Croatia (First Departure: 30 May, 2026)
- 7 Days
- Classic
- Up to 5km/day swimming
Adventure to the sunlit Elaphiti islands and explore the clear waters around the islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. It's here we'll discover the aristocratic hideaways of Šipan, the exotic gardens of car-free Lopud and the pine forests and olive groves of Koločep!
HIGHLIGHT: Travel by boat to lesser-known spots and uncover more of the Elaphiti Archipelago's hidden secrets.
You can also try:
- Elaphiti Islands – Short Swims (First Departure: 20 June, 2026) Enjoy a relaxing holiday of shorter swims around the idyllic islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. BOOK NOW
The One With All The Islands
Kornati Islands – Croatia (First Departure: 30 May, 2026)
- 7 Days
- Classic
- Up to 5km/day swimming
Explore the less-populated western coast of Croatia’s ‘Long Island’ – Dugi Otok – diving deep into a swimmer’s paradise and seeking out the lagoons of Telaščica. During this trip, we stay at a charming hotel in the serene port setting of Sali, sheltered by Sašćica Bay and overlooking the island of Krknata
HIGHLIGHT: Visit the three lakes (Tripuljak, Farfarikulac and Telašćica) in Telašćica Bay Nature Park on Dugi Otok’s eastern Adriatic coast. The park is one of the largest natural harbours on the Adriatic Coast.
You can also try:
- Kornati Islands – Short Swims (First Departure: 20 June, 2026) Enjoy shorter swims (including circumnavigations of two islands: Brusnjak and Borovnik) as we explore the western coast of Dugi Otok. BOOK NOW
The One With The Coastal Swims
Dalmatian Coast – Croatia (First Departure: 30 May, 2026)
- 7 Days
- Classic
- Up to 5km/day swimming
Around 500 islets and 79 islands are strewn along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, setting the scene for an island-hopping adventure of epic proportions. Based at the heart of this region, among the islands, reefs, and islets of the Šibenik archipelago, this trip uncovers dramatic coastlines and lunar-like islands with superb water quality and incredible underwater topography.
HIGHLIGHT: Discover otherworldly, moonlike seascapes above and below the surface, discovering hidden caves, grottoes, and tranquil bays.
You can also try:
Dalmatian Coast – Short Swims (First Departure: 6 June, 2026) Set your own pace as you explore the remote beauty of the Šibenik archipelago, home to both inhabited and untouched islands. BOOK NOW
Dalmatian Coast – Long Swims (First Departure: 11 July, 2026) Challenge yourself with longer daily swims on this island-hopping adventure, including coastal swims, crossings and circumnavigations. BOOK NOW
The One We Also Know As 'King’s Landing'
Dubrovnik – Croatia (First Departure: 30 May, 2026)
- 7 Days
- Classic
- Up to 5km/day swimming
Dubrovnik ('Pearl of the Adriatic') famously served as the location for King's Landing in the iconic TV series 'Game of Thrones'. We see the city's medieval architecture and ancient walls from a unique perspective, swimming alongside this UNESCO World Heritage Site and peering up from the sparkling waters of the Adriatic.
HIGHLIGHT: Seek out hidden coves and discover the lush green shores of the nearby Elaphiti Islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.
SWIM BESIDE DUBROVNIK'S CITY WALLS
The One Romans Led Us To
Montenegro Coast (First Departure: 8 June, 2026)
- 7 Days
- Classic
- Up to 5km/day swimming
Finally, our trip to the Montenegro Coast allows us to do as the Romans did and summer in style with views over the bay of Petrovac, soaking up the sun and sea. You will have plenty of time to explore the gorgeous Montenegrin coast and swim freely in the Adriatic, seeking out bays, coves, beaches and even a 16th century Venetian fortress!
HIGHLIGHT: Travel north to uncover the treasures of Sveti Stefan and Queen’s Beach - where Queen Marija, wife of King Alexander, used to stay at their family villa.
