TRIP OVERVIEW
Trip Dates
06 Jan - 13 Jan |
Full
|
13 Jan - 20 Jan |
Private
|
20 Jan - 27 Jan |
Private
|
16 Nov - 23 Nov |
Private
|
23 Nov - 30 Nov |
Available
|
30 Nov - 07 Dec |
Available
|
Tour Highlights
Stay on Turneffe Atoll, one of only three atolls inside the Belize Barrier Reef
Swim in areas with incredible underwater vistas that are home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, dolphins and tropical reef fish
Enjoy inviting warm and clear waters around the atoll, where you will often see the bottom of the sandy sea beds
Relax after a great days swimming in the beautiful Turneffe Flats resorts, where you'll enjoy views over the Caribbean Sea and all meals are included
Crystal clear seas, shallow reefs and a variety of wildlife both below and above the water make this an idyllic swimmer’s playground. If you enjoy swimming over grass beds and coral reefs, you’re in the right place. Belize is home to the second largest coral reef in the world with over 500 species of fish and 100 species of coral. We are based at Turneffe Atoll, which at 50km long and 10km wide is the largest in Belize. It’s also regarded as the most biologically diverse coral atoll in the hemisphere.
The land and seascape consist of a network of more than 150 islands and cayes that is made up of savanna and littoral forest. Here is home to many types of species of fish, lobster, conch and other invertebrates. In addition, at least three known important fish spawning aggregation sites have been identified around the atoll, which is surrounded by open sea. From swimming along the exterior of the atoll adjacent to pristine reefs to crossing lagoons in the interior at the atoll, this trip offers an incredibly rich swimming experience. You can expect to see tropical reef fishes, rays, sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins and possibly manatees.
Our accommodation for the week is at the Turneffe Flats Resort, which is located towards the north of the atoll and has long been recognized as Belize's premier marine eco-tourism destination. When we’re not swimming, there’s time to relax at the resort which includes an oceanfront swimming pool, sea kayaks, beach and bar.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is for swimmers who want to explore both extended reefs and lagoons in a protected environment, where you can see the sea bottom most of the time. This remote location is ideally situated to discover both exciting swims and unusual wildlife and offers the chance for swimmers to disconnect and enjoy an uninterrupted swimming holiday.
Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance and average daily swim distance (over the course of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.
The average swim distance is around 2.5km. The average daily swim distance is around 5km.
We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.
What's included?
- Fully guided swimming holiday (swimmers only)
- Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
- All breakfasts
- All lunches (swimmers only)
- All dinners
- Water sport activities (subject to availability and may incur an additional charge. Please see 'Trip Information' section for trip specific details)
- Full ABTOT Financial Protection
- Technique advice & video playback
- 7 nights' accommodation
What's not included?
- Travel to and from the start of the tour
- Alcoholic beverages, which can be purchased locally
- Marine Fees if additional tour booked privately
Sample Trip Itinerary
Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.
Trip Schedule
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Map
Location Summary
Trip Grading
Trip Information
Getting There
Accommodation
Travel Advice
Related Trips
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Just swam through paradise with a fun bunch of folks!
Gail C, USA - 2022 -
I was nervous about going on a swim trek by myself, but it was awesome. Turns out people who all love to swim are really nice and interesting and fun to be with. Hanging out with all of them plus swimming a ton in the beauty made for a completely restorative and awesome holiday.
Paul M, USA - 2022 -
The trip, swimming location and lodging were exceptional and exceeded my expectations - thank you!
Alex Ross -
"Sea-ing is Belize-ing." Our experience was "un-Belize-able."
Neale Mulligan -
Of the 13 SwimTreks I have been on, Belize was the BEST!
Carolyn King -
As this was my first SwimTrek experience I set no expectations and I'm so glad because I couldn't have imagined how phenomenal this experience was going to be. It exceed everything I could have imagined. The SwimTrek team was phenomenal. The customer service was so information and friendly. The accommodations were top notch. Marlys and Reggie could not have been more welcoming and supportive of each and every one of us. That talent in addition to their planning made this the best trip ever.
Ellen W, USA - 2019 -
I will definitely do the Belize trip again. It was fantastic! Every swim was packed with amazing underwater sights - coral, starfish, stingray, tropical fish, and dolphins!!
Beth H, USA - 2019 -
One of the most wonderful vacations ever. Given that I'm almost 67 years old, that covers a lot of ground.
Peter W, USA - 2019 -
Best SwimTrek Vacation I have had.
Cathy M, 2019 - USA -
Amazing warm, clear waters in a truly unique and isolated part of the world.
Anonymous, USA - 2019 -
SwimTrek is a bit of an oxymoron because it's an amazing way to combine physical activity with relaxation and a mental break from your every day life. My friends don't understand why I go on swimming holidays, until I come back tan, refreshed, and looking forward to the next one!
Anonymous, USA - 2019 -
I've never been so happy as I was this past week. I love being in the Sea!
Susan H, USA - 2019

A variety of landscapes are found in the atolls

SwimTrekker pod seen from above the water.

Rays gliding by in Belize

The mid-swim feed.

Happy SwimTrekker!

Another stunning Belize sunset.

SwimTrekkers in the tropical waters.

The happy orange-hatted pod.

Hello SwimTrekkers!

Off for another swim under clear skies.

SwimTrekkers on synchronised form.

Lizard in a tree.

A Wedding in Belize. Pt. 7

A Wedding in Belize. Pt. 6

A Wedding in Belize. Pt. 5

A Wedding in Belize. Pt. 4

A Wedding in Belize. Pt. 3

A Wedding in Belize. Pt. 2

A Wedding in Belize. Pt. 1

Fish patrol the coral mounds.

The Belize coral reefs.

Lionfish among the coral.

Ray skitters over the seagrass.

Tropical fish among the coral.

Fish shoals over the sandy seabed.

More secretive residents of the coral reef.

Belize sunset.

Clingy fish in Belize

Swimmers waving in Belize

Belize Barrier Reef swimming holiday

Huge coral in Belize

Vegetation under the sea

View under the sea in Belize

Enjoying the water in Belize

Marine life on Belize swimming holiday

Sitting on the dock of the bay

SwimTrekkers enjoying the water

Underwater in Belize

Welcome to island life

Days spent out on the water
Swim with the turtles in Belize

The Flats

Sunset from the Flats

Swim in crystal clear waters

Incredible aerial views

Incredible shimmering waters
Brightly coloured fish play just below the water's surface
Great views from the cabanas
