After meeting in the reception area of the hotel, we will head down to the water for your acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the hotel for a welcome drink and a safety briefing while discussing our plans for the week ahead.

Today we swim along the coast, north from our hotel, spotting fish as we go. We actually start with the popular Ironman® course, this location gives you the perfect opportunity to swim at your pace and ease into the trip. It is the ideal swim to practice swimming as a group and sighting, ready for our reef swims later on. We will return to the hotel for lunch before heading out for our second swim of the day at Dalila before returning back to the hotel for a group dinner at the speciality restaurant.

After breakfast, we join the boats and travel to the southern end of the island towards to renowned Playa Palancar, on the edge of Playa El Ceilo. Our first swim sees us enjoy the reef Chuchacaab. We join plenty of others enjoying the shallow waters of the sand bar for lunch where star fish and sting ray frequent. After lunch on the boat, we continue our day of swimming hoping to come across more of the island's marine life at Columbia Reef. We then head back to the hotel for our final group dinner together.

We fit in one final swim in the morning just outside the hotel. This is the perfect way to start the day before breakfast and our departure from the island.

We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, 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.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays 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 guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but includes two larger vessels piloted by local crew and supported with kayaks. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

In line with the rules of the national park, please note the importance of wearing rash vests for sun protection and using only reef safe sun block where required. Please include these in your packing list.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we do not 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 SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

If you arrive into Cancun airport (CUN) and want to catch the ferry to Cozumel, then exit the terminal and head right towards Terminal 1. You will see the large red ADO buses in the parking lot. You can buy a ticket inside the terminal or at the booth in the parking lot. You can purchase a through bus and ferry ticket, however this will restrict you to a specific ferry line which may require a wait time. Alternatively you can purchase a bus ticket and a separate ferry ticket once you arrive in Cancun. You can purchase a return ferry ticket from any of the operators.

Please note, the buses do fill, you can purchase a ticket online via ADO's website at https://international.ado.com.mx/ prior to your travels or wait for the next bus, they are approximately every hour.

Cozumel by Ferry

You can catch the ferry from playa Del Carmen, about 45 minute land transfer from Cancun. The ferry terminal is located three blocks away from the ADO bus station, where buses from Cancun arrive. .

The 40-minute ferry ride is operated by several ferry companies including Ultrama and Winjet, and costs around $40 per adult.

Cozumel by Air

A number of airlines fly directly into Cozumel including American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Sun Country. The Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is small (only 5 gates) so please be aware, at times, domestic flights can be re directed to Cancun where you would need to arrange a transfer to the ferry port.

Travel to the Hotel

For onward travel, the easiest way to reach the hotel is to take a taxi, there are plenty of taxis around and you will get a better rate if you pay locally in MX$ pesos.

For this location, your accommodation will be the newly renovated Occidental Cozumel Resort, inspired by the Mexican hacienda. This is the perfect beachside base to relax after your swims – surrounded by mangroves, tropical gardens and white sandy beaches.

For more information about our hotel in Cozumel, please visit our Accommodation: Occidental Cozumel Resort page on our website.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you want to book additional nights either side of your trip, please make your own reservation on the hotel website www.Barcelo.com or phone the Telephone assistance line , book the nights you need either side of the SwimTrek Dates you have selected. Once you have made your booking, you will receive a confirmation number, please send this number in an email to cozumel.grupos@barcelo.com and let the hotel team know you would like to extend your stay in the same room. Important: Please only book a Deluxe Room as this is what we have in our allocation, if you wish to remain in the same room throughout your stay.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and drinks* at the hotel are included but other snacks or excursions, are at your own expense. All breakfasts and dinners will be taken at the hotel but one lunch will be packed and taken on the boat. *this may not include all alcoholic drinks.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

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

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The local currency in Cozumel is Mexican Peso (MX$). Although USD$ are accepted, we recommend bringing pesos and paying in the local currency. You will also be required to pay environmental tax locally. Approx 35MX$ per night. You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as excursions not already included in your package, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

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 service 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.

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.

Passports and Visas

A valid passport is require to enter Mexico and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission. If you are visiting Mexico as a tourist, most nationalities do not require a visa.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

You will also be required to pay Visitor Tax. Visitax is mandatory for the state if Quintana Roo. The tax can be paid either before you arrive or before you leave the state. VISITAX is not included in any airfare or resort/hotel fees and the tax is the traveler's responsibility. You can find more information and a payment link here

https://www.travelkore.com/

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.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

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.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the common areas of the hotel and in your hotel room.

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

Plans change but you can book with confidence. SwimTrek's flexible booking options include:

✅ Free Trip Changes ✅ Refund Guarantee ✅ Financial Protection

Flexible Booking Details

If you've more questions or need help booking

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