Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more

Book with Confidence
Our flexible booking conditions include a 14-day refund guarantee and free trip changes.
Terms and Conditions apply.

TRIP OVERVIEW

6 days
Coaching Camp
8km/day
Ultra

Trip Dates

2024

Join the mailing list to be informed when trips go live

Download trip notes

Tour Highlights

  • The perfect preparation for any long distance open water swim particularly an English Channel solo crossing

  • Support and encouragement from world-class swim coaches with extensive backgrounds in endurance swimming

  • Focused open water training, combined with in depth video analysis of your technique

  • Explore the unique Croatian topography both above and below the Adriatic Sea

  • Group seminars covering important elements of preparing for a long distance open water swim

  • Optional six-hour qualification swim

Join us on the original channel and long distance swim training camp in Croatia which we’ve been running across Europe since 2006. With more than 200 successful English Channel solo swimmers having completed this trip in the past, it is the perfect way to prepare yourself, both physically and mentally, for any long distance swim challenge that you’re planning to undertake.

Under the expert eye of our experienced swim coaches, you will have all the support that you need to complete six days of intensive open water training. Incorporating video analysis to improve your technique and performance, and seminars on critical topics such as “Feeding and Hydration” and “Mental Preparation”, this camp will ensure that you are ready to take on your open water challenge with a solid level of preparation behind you.

Whether you’re planning on swimming from England to France, or heading off to take part in another long distance swim in a different corner of the world, we understand what you’re going through. We’ve been there before and we know what it takes to prepare yourself for such a challenge.

With expected water temperatures of 12-16°C (guide only), this trip includes an optional six-hour qualification swim for guests who are required to complete this prior to their English channel swim. Please note that we cannot guarantee that water temperatures will be below the required level for your English Channel qualification swims.

Our accommodation in the town of Prvic Luka overlooks the marina and is close to swim locations, which helps to optimise the mix of training and relaxation time throughout your trip.


Who is this trip for?

This trip is designed for the swimmer who is training for a challenging long distance open water swim in cold water. It is ideal for those planning to undertake a solo crossing of the English Channel, as the sea temperature should be between 12-16°C during the trip. Previous participants have also been in training for a North Channel crossing, as well the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim and a crossing of the Cook Strait. The camp features long open water training swims, mostly circuits in local bays, with full safety cover, as well as technique coaching and training seminars, over the course of the trip.

Swimmers should also have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average daily swim distance of around 4 km prior to the start of the trip. The average daily swim distance is around 8km (split over a minimum of two swims).

We have given this trip a ‘Ultra’ grading. These trips will push you to your physical and mental limits. Ideal for someone looking take on a personal challenge.


What's Included

  • Fully guided swimming holiday in Croatia
  • Seasoned swim guides and full safety escort on all swims
  • Expert technique advice with video playback
  • Longer endurance swim routes to get you Channel ready
  • Five nights' accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • All lunches

What's not included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the tour
  • Evening meals


Related Trips

Daily Itineraries

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during the course of your camp, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions. Your SwimTrek coaches and local boat pilot will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: Hotel Maestral, Prvić Luka

Start Time: 17:00 on Day 1

Finish Point: Hotel Maestral, Prvić Luka

Finish Time: 11:00 on Day 6

Day 1

We meet at the hotel for a pre-trip safety briefing and to discuss in detail the plans for the week ahead. After focusing on the swim schedule and seminar plan, it’s time for an early night to prepare for tomorrow’s swims and the challenging days ahead.

Day 2 (Daily Swim Time: Up to 3 hours)

This morning we hit the water for the first time for a short acclimatisation swim in Sepurine Bay. This is an ideal time to get used to the conditions and temperature. Following this, we will film your stroke under the water using specialised video equipment. We review the videos with detailed stroke and technique coaching for each person. In the afternoon, we are back in the sea to improve our endurance with another bay swim. Later in the evening we will meet at the apartments for our first seminar.

Day 3 (Daily Swim Time: Up to 5 hours)

This is a challenging day as we fit in two long swim sessions on the island of Zmajan. Distances will vary according to each swimmer and their training goals, and coaches will also focus on your feeding plan, suggesting alterations if required.

Day 4 (Daily Swim Time: One 6 hour swim)

For those preparing for an English Channel solo swim, this is your chance to complete your six-hour qualification swim under the watchful eye of our highly experienced coaches. The precise swim location will be based on the current weather and local conditions For all others, it’s a chance to see what you can do. We will provide full safety boat cover and nutritional support during your swim. Following this, we will work with you individually on assessing the outcome.

Day 5 (Daily Swim Time: Up to 2 hours)

A day to swim, a day to focus on your technique, a day to relax. The day is planned with an easy swim on, Kaprije to recover after the previous day’s efforts, and a chance to relax on a boat nearby. Time will be set aside for a group Q&A session and one-to-one discussions with your coaches to consolidate your learning and to plan your future training.

Day 6 (Daily Swim Time: Up to 1 hour)

There’s time for one more morning warm-down swim session before the trip ends. We swim as a group and it is an excellent time to work on your technique and to swap information with other guests and coaches from your Coaching Camp.

Location Summary

Prvić Luka (near Šibenik)

We will be based on this car-free island contains two beautiful traditional Mediterranean towns. Almost invisible from the mainland, they have preserved their peace and original appearance for generations. Our swims for the week will explore the neighbouring islands of the Šibenik archipelago.

Trip Grading

We have given this trip a ‘Ultra’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Temperatures

Month Water Temperature* Air Temperature*
March 12-15˚C / 55-58°F 10-19˚C / 50-66°F
April 13-16˚C / 57-61°F 14-23˚C / 57-73°F

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and we cannot guarantee that water temperatures will be below the required level for English Channel qualification swims.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming training camps require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek Coaches as quickly as possible. In addition, please be aware that we cannot guarantee that the water will be 16ºC or under for the six-hour swim.

Trip Information

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 16 with a coach/swimmer ratio of approximately 1:5. The group will be accompanied by three SwimTrek coaches and safety vessels at all times.

Boat Support

Boat support on this coaching camp includes one main boat and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek coaches and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment

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

Item Item
Swimming Costume (x 2) Towels
Swimming Goggles (x 2)* Small Daypack
High Factor, Water Resistant Sun Cream Waterproof Trousers / Jacket
Gloves and Warm Sock Sweater / Fleece / Woolly Hat
Swim Earplugs (if you use them) Waterproof Watch
Tracksuit Trousers / Sweatpants Thermal Underwear / Base Layers
Aqua Shoes / Sandals Any Specific Nutritional Needs
Personal Drink Bottle (x 2)

For more information, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

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

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and warm carbohydrate drinks. The coaches will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles, but rather fill up each individual guest’s personal drink bottles. SwimTrek will also supply a variety of snacks, but if you have a specific feeding plan or snacks that you wish to train with, please bring these with you If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Coaching Sessions

Due to the nature of this training and the wide range of distances that will be covered by different members of the group, most of our swims take place around a series of circuits in local bays. Circuit swims allow you to complete your training at your individual pace with full safety cover at all times.

The seminars which are delivered by our experienced coaches are an incredibly valuable part of the trip and cover topics such as:

Topic Topic
Mental Preparation Feeding and Hydration
Stroke Technique and Analysis Ongoing Training
Pilots and Crew Hypothermia & Fatigue
Other Long-Distance Swims

Your coaches on this trip are all highly experienced long distance swimmers and/or swim coaches, with a number of them having completed English Channel solo crossings.

Medical Forms

A signed medical form from your doctor is required for this coaching camp. Please be aware, it is likely you will be charged for this service. If you have already completed a medical assessment in preparation for a swim in 2022 or 2023, please send a copy to info@swimtrek.com, as this may be sufficient. Alternatively, please download the SwimTrek Medical Form here.

This form must be completed after 1st September and uploaded to your SwimTrek account at least one month before your trip.

IMPORTANT: Please note that this medical form is separate to the ‘My Health Details’ section of your SwimTrek account which also needs to be completed prior to the start of your trip.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Prvić Luka is to fly into Split airport and take the private transfer which is organised through the Hotel Maestral. As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out our SwimTrek flight tips page on the website. Whilst 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 the following websites to search for alternative flight and ferry 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.

From Split Airport

Private Transfer to Prvić Luka

To arrange a private transfer from Split Airport to your accommodation at Hotel Maestral, please contact the hotel directly by emailing your arrival information to: info@hotelmaestral.com. This service includes a car and taxi boat transfer, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, dependent on traffic. The rates are indicated below and are payable on location.

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS PRICE PER PASSENGER (EURO)
1 110 EUR
2 55 EUR
3 50 EUR
4 45 EUR
5+ 40 EUR

Public Transport to Šibenik

Public transport from Split Airport to Šibenik involves catching two different buses. Please note that the information below should be used as a guide only and is subject to change. From Split Airport, you will need to take the number 37 bus to Trogir, which takes approximately 10 minutes. From Trogir, you will need to board another bus to Šibenik, which takes approximately 1 - 1.5 hours. For up-to-date schedules, availability and the latest route options for this journey please visit: - Split Airport to Trogir: Promet Split - Trogir to Šibenik: Arriva

Ferry from Šibenik to Prvić Luka

The ferry ticket office is just 50m from Šibenik bus station, to your left when facing towards the sea. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes and Prvić Luka is usually the second stop, however, we recommend you check this locally. For up-to-date schedules, tickets and further ferry information, please visit: Jadrolinija

Zadar Airport

Private Transfer to Prvić Luka

To arrange a private transfer from Zadar Airport to your accommodation at Hotel Maestral, please contact the hotel directly by emailing your arrival information to: info@hotelmaestral.com. This service includes a car and taxi boat transfer, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, dependent on traffic. The rates are indicated below and are payable on location.

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS PRICE PER PASSENGER (EURO)
1 110 EUR
2 55 EUR
3 50 EUR
4 45 EUR
5+ 40 EUR

Public Transport to Šibenik

Public transport from Zadar Airport to Šibenik involves catching two different buses. Please note that the information below should be used as a guide only and is subject to change. From Zadar Airport, you will need to take the airport bus to the main bus station in Zadar city centre, which takes approximately 20 minutes. From Zadar city centre, you will then need to take another bus to Šibenik, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. For up-to-date schedules, availability and the latest route options for this journey please visit: - Zadar Airport to Zadar:Get By Bus - Zadar to Šibenik: Bus Croatia

Ferry from Šibenik to Prvić Luka

The ferry ticket office is just 50m from Šibenik bus station, to your left when facing towards the sea. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes and Prvić Luka is usually the second stop, however, we recommend you check this locally. Please be aware that at times, the last ferry leaves Šibenik at 1930pm, but for up-to-date schedules, tickets and further ferry information, please visit: Jadrolinija

Accommodation

Our accommodation for this trip is in Hotel Maestral, one of the region’s finest locally-owned hotels. The hotel is perfectly situated directly on the waterfront and offers a range of 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.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require any additional nights’ accommodation before or after the trip, this can be arranged directly through the Hotel Maestral.

Email: info@hotelmaestral.com Tel: +385 22 448 300

Food and Drink

Breakfast and lunch are included on this training camp. Dinner is not included but there is a restaurant attached the hotel and there may be other local options available. It is important that if you have special food preferences for during the long swims or for recovery, that you bring these with you to location.

Travel Advice

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, souvenirs, entertainment, etc. The local currency is Euro €. There is one ATM available in Prvić Luka where you can draw local currency out, it is located 100m down the road from our hotel. It is advised to draw local currency out before arriving on the island, you can exchange currency at the post office and there is a cash machine in Šibenik.

Please note a tourist tax will need to be paid on location and will be up to €2.20 per person per night.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Passports and Visas

Croatia is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Croatia require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Croatia. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat. For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Here at SwimTrek we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

There is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access across the hotel and room. For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu worldstandards.eu.

As of 1 January 2023, Croatia became part of the Schengen area. Travellers from other Schengen countries do not require a visa to travel to Croatia. Generally, citizens of European countries, regardless of whether their countries are Member States of the EU or not, do not need a visa to come to Croatia but do require a full passport, valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. The only exceptions to this rule are the Russian Federation, Belarus and the Republic of Turkey. Visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

  • I couldn't emphasise enough the quality of the guides. If I come back to another LDT camp it'll be because they made this be an amazing learning experience

    Gabriela RM, Spain - 2022
  • Great guides, lovely location and wonderful company from my fellow swim-trekkers. We all achieved our long distance swim aims and came away proud of ourselves and each other. I’d recommend this as a trip for anyone who wants to tackle a longer distance swim or gain confidence and skills over a longer distance

    Catherine H, UK - 2022
  • Fantastic experience both in and out of the water. Helped me realise my potential in a fun, encouraging and safe way. I’m now a proud long distance swimmer and looking forward to more experiences with Swimtrek in the future.

    Lisa, UK - 2022
  • Where you get to come back feeling physically stretched and challenged and fully refreshed

    Emma P, France - 2022

Book with Confidence
Our flexible booking conditions include a 14-day refund guarantee and free trip changes.
Terms and Conditions apply.

Be the first to find out about new trips

Our Dalmatian Coast Long Distance Training Camps are currently unavailable.