Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim

In the morning we head to the race village to complete local registration. Please note that the race registration is compulsory. Failure to attend this will mean you will be unable to enter the swim. During race registration, all competitors will be given their swim hats, badges and timing chips in preparation for the swim.

In the afternoon, we have the option to join the official boat tour of the race course, learning the importance of which route to follow during the swim. The boat tours are organised by the Turkish Olympic Committee and are open to both accredited swimmers and their family and friends.

After this you will have the option of taking some time to relax in preparation for the following day's race or take this opportunity to book an optional sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

After an early breakfast and check-out from our hotels, it’s time for the main event! At 08:00, all swimmers meet at Kurucesme Cemil Topuzlu Park ready to board the ferries that take us north to the race start point. The race starts at around 10:00 and we will then swim down the 6½km course, taking in the sights of the city of Istanbul while having the swim of a lifetime!

The race and awards ceremony is expected to finish by 13:00, giving us time to catch an evening flight or stay on to enjoy the hospitality of Istanbul.

Please note that due to COVID-19 the 2020 race date has been moved from 12 July to 23 August, and the SwimTrek trip dates are now 21 to 23 August.

Start Point: Istanbul, Turkey

Start Date: Friday 21 August 2020

Finish Point: Istanbul, Turkey

Finish Date: Sunday 23 August 2020

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the event and the mild water temperature, wetsuits are not allowed. Jewellery and watches, of any kind, are also strictly prohibited during the race. Compulsory swim hats and ankle bands with timing chips will be given out by the event organisers. You should bring a swim costume, goggles and towel.

Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim

The world’s most concentrated shipping lane is closed to all traffic as we participate in this annual race. You can either race to win it or just go along at your own pace. You should note, however, that conditions during the race may be challenging. Therefore, we advise that you should have relevant open water experience and be confident if such conditions do arise.

Race Organisers

Please be aware that while SwimTrek organise the tour part of your package, the Turkish Olympic Committee are the event organisers and are fully responsible for race safety decisions and logistics.

Swimming Distances

There is a time limit of two hours to complete the 6½ km course. The Turkish Coastguard will remove swimmers from the water if they do not finish the crossing within this time.

Water Flow

An interesting feature of the Bosphorus strait is its curious water flow. On the surface, the Bosphorus usually flows from the Black Sea towards the Sea of Marmara (carrying our Bosphorus swimmers along with it). However, at greater depths, the current flows in the opposite direction, carrying huge volumes of water back towards the Black Sea.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish and sea urchins could be present during the swim. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the SwimTrek office prior to booking.

Temperatures

*Please note that temperatures are based on 2019 and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, the event organisers rely on decent weather conditions in order to carry out the swim. In the event of bad weather and the swim being cancelled, there are no reserve/alternative times or days available.

SwimTrek Transfers

SwimTrek will provide transfers between your accommodation and the race village for registration and the boat tour on Saturday 11 July, as well as to and from the race meeting point on Sunday 12 July.

Istanbul is a popular travel destination and there are a wide range of scheduled flights operating to the city’s two main airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, from all around the world.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use Skyscanner to search for alternative flight options for this trip.

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Flights to Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport

To search for available flights into the two major airports in Istanbul, please visit Skyscanner.

Istanbul’s new airport, ‘Istanbul Airport’ replaced Istanbul Atatürk Airport as the city’s International Airport in 2019. Istanbul Airport is located north of the now permanently closed Atatürk Airport, on the European side.

Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Hotel

If you would like to book a private transfer from Istanbul to your hotel, this can be arranged via our partners in Turkey; Wilusa Travel.

Taxi from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Hotel

Taxis are readily available from both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city centre for approximately €25 - €30 (160TRY - 200TRY).

Public Transport from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Hotel

The cheapest way to get from both airports into the centre of Istanbul is by using public transport, although this can be a more complicated option.

From Istanbul Airport, central Istanbul is currently only reachable by public transport through IETT buses or HAVAIST shuttles. For further information on public transport from both airports, please visit: https://www.iett.istanbul/en/main/pages/access-to-airports/798.

The city has a well-renowned metro and tram system, However, the new metro line (M11) from Istanbul Airport to Levent in central Istanbul, is currently under construction. It is due to be completed in 2020 and should provide much shorter journey times.

Accommodation

Your SwimTrek package includes two nights’ accommodation on Friday 10 July and Saturday 11 July at one of the below hotels which are located around the Sisli area of Istanbul. Our accommodation is based on twin-share rooms with en suite facilities. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Please note, although the official check-out time at the hotel will be around 12:00, it is important to check-out prior to leaving for the race on Sunday 12 July due to the fact that you will not arrive back at the hotel until after the race at about 13:00.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please either contact our partners at Wilusa Travel or get in touch with the hotels directly using the links above. Please note that when booking extra nights, it may not be possible to reserve the same room and you may be required to check out and check in to a different room before or after your SwimTrek trip.

Supporters Package

There are a limited number of supporters tickets available which include shared accommodation with a race participant and all SwimTrek transfers. Please note that, on the day of the event, supporters will be at the finish line and will not be able to see the start of the race live, however, several big screens at the finish point will broadcast the race start for supporters to see.

Money, Extra Expenses AND Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency in Turkey is Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash machines, bars and restaurants are plentiful in Istanbul city centre.

In addition to the race and accommodation, those that would like to take advantage of a guided city tour of Istanbul can book this through our partners in Turkey (at an additional cost). Please visit Wilusa Travel for more information on prices and availability.

Please note that, while Wi-Fi is available at all SwimTrek hotels, as Turkey is not part of the European Union, extra roaming charges will apply for European guests who choose to use a SIM card from their home country while they are in Turkey. Local SIM cards are available for purchase upon arrival at both major airports in Istanbul, as well as throughout the city.

Please Note: As an extra expense prior to your trip, it is your responsibility to book and pay for your medical appointment, in order to obtain sign off from your GP, as part of your application.

Passports and Visas

Turkey is not part of the European Union. Non-residents of Turkey require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Please note: As of 2nd March 2020, UK and EU Citizens no longer require a visa to enter Turkey and stay for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand require a visa to enter Turkey. Most foreign nationals entering Turkey must purchase a visa before entering the country. It is important that you purchase your visa through the official website, www.evisa.gov.tr and avoid purchasing through third-party providers, as these can be considerably more expensive.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to Turkey, including all recommended and required vaccinations, refer to the Travel Health Pro website. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit https://www.worldstandards.eu/.