TRIP OVERVIEW
Tour Highlights
Pre-register for the world-famous Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim in Istanbul
Swim from Asia to Europe as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is closed for this once-a-year event
Join open water swimmers from all over the planet for this truly memorable swimming experience
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and friendly nature of the dynamic Bosphorus race village
Soak up the history and culture of the fascinating city of Istanbul
The iconic Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim is back in 2020, bigger and better than ever. Complete an unforgettable crossing from Asia to Europe as the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul comes to a standstill for this annual event. Join more than 2,400 competitors from across the globe as swimmers take over the Bosphorus waters and one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is temporarily closed to traffic.
The race will be on 12 July 2020, and spots will be in high demand. As in 2019, SwimTrek will be running a ballot system to give as many people as possible a fair opportunity to secure a spot.
Bookings and ballot entries open at 15:00 GMT (16:00 BST) on 22 October 2019 and close on Friday 27 December 2019. You can find out more about the ballot system under the "Trip Info" tab on this page.
Who is this trip for?
The Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim is a significant open water swim and conditions during the race may be challenging. A good experience of swimming in all sea conditions is essential and you should have relevant open water knowledge to be confident if such conditions do arise. Please be aware that this race also involves a mass start, but due to the large number of participants, it is possible to take your time and wait for a quieter period to enter the water.
This trip is only available to be booked through SwimTrek as a complete package ( including accommodation). Anyone who would like to take part in the race only must apply via the Turkish Olympic Committee directly. If you choose not to join as a swimmer, there is the opportunity to join as a supporter. There are a limited number of supporters' tickets available which include shared accommodation with a race participant and all SwimTrek transfers.
NOTE: Turkish passport holders are unable to register for this event through SwimTrek and must apply via the Turkish Olympic Committee directly.
What's included?
- Entry into the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim Race
- Two nights accommodation
- Two breakfasts
- Transfers to and from race registration and boat tour the day before the event
- Guided boat tour of the official Bosphorus Race route the day before the event
- Transfers to and from the race village before and after the event
- A dedicated SwimTrek guide staying at your hotel to assist with transfers, questions and any other issues which may arise
What's not included?
- Travel to and from the start of the tour
- Lunches and evening meals
Related Trips
Final Trip Schedules
Please note that the below itinerary should be used as a guide only and a final trip schedule with confirmed timings for all events and activities will be forwarded to all guests prior to the start of the trip.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Map
The 2020 Bosphorus Swim Ballot
Important Information
Trip Schedule
Trip Information
Getting There
Practical Information

Bosphorus swimmers in action

SwimTrekkers celebrate their swim success

The SwimTrek Bosphorus team looking excited

Showing off the SwimTrek tattoos

Istanbul from the Bosphorus

Turkey pride at the Bosphorus swim

celebrating finishing the Bosphorus

SwimTrekkers with some buoyancy aids

Swimmer finishing the Bosphorus swim

SwimTrekker getting ready for Bosphorus

Smiles all round

Off to the start of the race

SwimTrek Guide loves the Turkish race events!

One of the first swimmers to finish

the finish line

The SwimTrek 2018 Bosphorus contingent!

Elation for the finishers

💪

well done!

the first swimmer out

Bosphorus swimmers on masse!

the start

SwimTrek guides Cat and Ben arrive in the Athletes Village

We made it!
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The Bosphorus swim exceeded my expectations. Truly impressed with Istanbul. Can’t wait to go back and do it again.
Sean Paul B, UK - 2019 -
SwimTrek gave me the opportunity to push myself and experience something I never thought I was capable of . I’m still in awe of what we all achieved in the Bosphorus. Thank you for the life changing memories.
Debra B, UK -2019 -
We jumped into the Bosphorus and immersed ourselves in a magnificent swim in a magnificent city; a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.
Nicola B, UK - 2019 -
Great opportunity to combine my passion of swimming, whilst exploring new destinations and countries, with like minded swimmers
Sandra P, South Africa - 2018 -
Can't fault the trip at all. So many incredible people sharing a love for one sport, in an incredible location. Went away wanting more and feeling very inspired.
Lucy S, UK - 2018 -
Thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Bosphorus Cross Continental Race with Swim Trek. It was an outstanding experience and I highly recommend it!
Amy D, USA - 2018 -
It was one of the most iconic experiences of my 66 year old life and I would recommend to all those who enjoy swimming to give it a place on their bucket list.
Duncan M, UK - 2017 -
Outstanding experience to swim in such an epic race. Would not have done it without SwimTrek.
Keith E, UK - 2017 -
The Bosphorus Swim is a great event in a spectacular location in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Unbeatable
Clinton L, UK - 2017 -
Great swim, great location, brilliant organisation and wonderful people.
Nicola L, UK - 2017 -
It was an incredible weekend - a wonderful swim in an iconic location, with some really lovely people who will remain friends for years to come. Thanks SwimTrek for making it happen!
Claire R, UK - 2017 -
My second Bosphorus Swim with Swimtrek was even more relaxed enjoyable than the first and I can highly recommend a repeat trip to all swimtrekkers.
Holger H, Austria - 2017