Endurance Swim Training Camp - Mallorca

This morning we hit the water for the first time for a short acclimatisation swim in Porto Petro Bay where we will get ourselves accustomed to the conditions and temperature. After our acclimatisation session in the bay concludes, we’ll film your stroke under the water using specialised video equipment. We’ll then head out for another swim before lunch back at Niu d’Aus Apartments. Here, we’ll review the videos with detailed technique coaching for each person. In the afternoon, we are back in the sea to improve our endurance with another bay swim and later in the evening, we will meet at the apartments for our first seminar.

Today is a big day as we fit in two long swim sessions in the Mondragó National Park. Distances will vary according to each swimmer and their training goals, and coaches will also focus on your feeding plan, suggesting alterations if required.

The precise swim location will be based on the current weather and local conditions. This is your chance to complete your six-hour swim under the watchful eye of our hugely experienced coaches. If a 6 hour swim isn’t part of your training plan, it’s a chance to see what you can do and you can stop and get back on the boat at any point. Full safety boat cover and nutritional support will be provided throughout the swim. Following this, we will work with you individually on assessing the outcome and plot your way forward from here.

A day to swim, a day to focus on your technique, a day to relax. The day is planned with an easy, but important, recovery swim after yesterday’s efforts, with a chance to relax on the 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.

There’s time for a final morning swim session before the trip ends. We’ll 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 camp.

Equipment

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.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. 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

Our seminars are delivered by our experienced coaches and are an incredibly valuable part of the trip, covering topics such as:

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 provided at all times. Our coaches that guide on these trips are all highly experienced long distance swimmers and/or swim coaches, with a number of them having completed English Channel solo crossings.

Group Size and Boat Support

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 on this coaching camp includes one main boat and two support 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.

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

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

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-camp flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your coaching camp and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek coaches as quickly as possible.

The easiest way to get to Niu D'Aus apartments is to fly into Palma Airport and take a taxi transfer to the accommodation. 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 Palma

To search for available flights into Palma International Airport, please visit Skyscanner.

Transfer from Palma Airport to Niu D'Aus Apartments

From Palma Airport to Niu D'Aus apartments in Porto Petro, the fastest and simplest way to get there is by taxi. The journey takes approximately an hour and the cost of the service is €80 one way for up to four passengers. To book, please visit Taxi PMI. Please note that reservations must be made at least 12 hours before the required time in order to be guaranteed.

Shuttle from Palma Airport to Niu D'Aus Apartments

From Palma Airport, it is possible to book onto a shared transfer coach service to Porto Petro. The journey takes approximately an hour, although this can vary depending on other stops on the service. The cost of the service is €14.80 one way per person. To book, please visit Shuttle Transunion and select ‘Porto Petro’ as you resort. Please note that reservations must be made at least 72 hours before the required time in order to be guaranteed.

Public Transport from Palma to Niu D'Aus Apartments

The cheapest form of transport to Niu D'Aus Apartments is by bus. Please note that this journey can take up to four hours due to waiting times between connecting buses and costs approximately €15. From the airport, catch the Number 1 bus to Palma which runs every 15-20 minutes throughout the day and takes approximately 30 minutes. From Palma, catch the 501 to Porto Petro which runs several times per day and takes approximately two hours. From the bus station in Porto Petro, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to your accommodation. For tickets and timetables for the above bus services, please visit TIB.

Car Hire From Palma Airport to Niu D'Aus Apartments

Another option to get to Niu D'Aus apartments is by car. In previous years, guests have hired a car for the duration of their stay in Mallorca and have found this to be a useful option. When using a Sat Nav, please enter: Niu D'Aus Apartments, Calle de Estel d'Argent, 18 07691, Porto Petro. The journey from the airport should take approximately one hour and there is on-site parking available at the accommodation. For more information, please visit Palma Airport Car Hire Website.

Accommodation

Our base for the duration of this trip is the Niu d’Aus Apartments. Located just a 10 minute walk from the marina of Porto Petro, the apartments are in an elevated position with great views of the bay and hills beyond. The complex includes gardens, a large terrace and small freeform pool. There is free wi-fi and on-site parking for guests, as well as a small bar area where we will hold our seminars and have breakfast. For further information about our accommodation at Niu d’Aus Apartments in Mallorca, please visit Niu d'Aus Apartments. Our accommodation is based on twin-share apartments with en suite facilities in a combination of standard and sea view rooms. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability. Please note that all apartments have two single beds and no double bedding is available, however, it is possible to push two single beds together if you wish. Each of the 19 apartments in the Niu d´Aus are spacious (approx. 33 square metres) and have both air conditioning and heating. The lounge includes a sofa bed, while the kitchenette has a fridge, microwave and hob. All bedrooms have two single beds.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you would like to extend your stay in Mallorca and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact the hotel directly via info@niudaus.com. Please note a tourist tax will need to be paid on location and varies from €2.20 (October) down to to €0.55 (November) per person per night.

Food and Drink

Breakfast and lunch are included on this training camp and you can choose to have dinner in one of the local restaurants or make use of the small kitchenette in your room. As all the apartments are self-catering and come with kitchenettes, guests can supplement meals by bringing along other items such as porridge and granola or wholemeal pasta should they wish.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency in Mallorca is the Euro (€). Please note a tourist tax will need to be paid on location and will be up to €2.20 per person per night.

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.

Passports and Visas

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

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 about travel insurance, please visit www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

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

Medical Forms

A signed medical form from your doctor is required for this coaching camp. If you have already completed a medical assessment in preparation for a swim in 2020, please send a copy to info@swimtrek.com, as this may be sufficient. Alternatively, please download the Endurance Swim Camp Medical Form. This form must be completed after 1 November 2019 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.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

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