Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim

08:45 - 12:00 - Acclimatisation Swim (Compulsory)

On the morning of Day 2, there will be a welcome briefing as well as an opportunity to take part in an acclimatisation swim on a private beach, a short walk out of Canakkale’s bustling centre. This is a great chance for you to get used to the swimming conditions.

12:00 Boat Tour and Safety Briefing (Compulsory)

It is important that you join us on the boat tour as it is the opportunity to travel the swim route, see the swim start point and hear suggested strategies for your crossing.

13:30 - Pasta Lunch

This basic pasta buffet meal is put on by the local Rotary Club and offers you an opportunity to meet up with Turkish swimmers prior to the swim.

12:00 - Race Registration (Compulsory)

At the race registration, you will be given your swim hats and timing chips in preparation for the next morning’s swim. Please note that registration is compulsory in order to take part in the event.

08:30 - 10:30 - HELLESPONT RACE

For further information about the Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim Race, please see the below section about ‘Race Information’.

12:00 - 14:00 - Awards ceremony

The official race awards ceremony will take place near the race finish some time after the race finishes.

18:45 - Post-Race Dinner

A post-race celebratory dinner will be held for all SwimTrek guests, including non-swimmers. This is a fantastic opportunity to kick back and relax after completing an epic open water swim and to chat with your fellow swimmers about your Hellespont experience.

06:35 - Shared Return Transfer from Canakkale to Istanbul

If you are booked on the designated SwimTrek return transfer to Istanbul, this will leave early this morning. Further information on booking this transfer can be found under the 'Getting There' section.

Alternative Hellespont Race Time

Should the race need to be rescheduled due to bad weather, a contingency date is factored in to attempt the swim.

Pre-Race Medical (Compulsory)

The race organisers require a signed medical form from a doctor/medical practitioner prior to the race. This form will be forwarded to all participants after they have completed their booking.

Race Distance

The total distance of the Hellespont swim is approximately 4½km, however, the swim is current-assisted, which makes it equivalent to swimming approximately 3-3½ km.

Race Time

The Hellespont is a major strait dividing Europe and Asia. As a natural body of open water, it is affected by local weather conditions, which can vary considerably from one day to the next. In order to complete the swim in the most favourable conditions, there are two different options for when the race may take place. The preferred option is to conduct the race on Friday 30 August at 08:30, however, in the unlikely event that conditions are so unfavourable that the race time is changed, then it will be run on Saturday 31 August at 08:30. Please keep this in mind when booking your return travel from Turkey.

On Wednesday 28 August, the event committee will meet and will make a decision about when the race will take place. If neither of the above options are suitable, an alternative coastal swim will be organised and you will be offered a reduced entry for the Hellespont event the following year.

Race Time Limit

There is a time limit of two hours to complete the race. For safety reasons, any swimmers who do not complete the race before this time will be removed from the water and escorted back to land by the Turkish Coast Guard.

Race Equipment

Swimmers are allowed to wear wetsuits during the crossing, however, please note that using a wetsuit will mean that you are ineligible for any of the race awards. Compulsory swim hats will be given out on the day of the race by the event organisers. You should also bring a swim costume, goggles and a towel.

Race Organisers

Please note that while SwimTrek organise the tour part of this package, the Canakkale Rotary Club are the organisers of the swim and are fully responsible for race safety, logistics and contingency planning.

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.

Temperatures

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

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.

There are several options for travelling to Canakkale at the start of your trip. The easiest option is to fly into Istanbul Airport and then book a private transfer with our partners in Turkey which will take you directly to your accommodation in Canakkale. You can also fly in to Sabiha Gokcen Airport and take transport to Istanbul Airport to join the transfer.

It is also possible to catch a connecting flight from Istanbul to Canakkale, however, please note that these flights often depart Istanbul late at night and arrive into Canakkale in the early hours of the morning. They usually include a stopover in Ankara with a total journey time is 3-6 hours.

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

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

Shared Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Canakkale | Wed 28 Aug 2019

A shared transfer service from Istanbul Airport to our various accommodation options in Canakkale is offered for all SwimTrek guests on Day 1 of your trip. The departure and arrival times for this transfer service are as follows:

To book your place on this shared transfer at the beginning of your trip, please visit: Wilusa Travel.

Private Transfer from Istanbul to Canakkale

If your flight arrival does not coincide with the shared transfer service and you would like to arrange a private transfer from Istanbul to your accommodation in Canakkale, this can be arranged through various online providers. You can also book directly with our partners in Turkey, Wilusa Travel. To book your private transfer, please visit: Wilusa Travel.

Connecting Flights From Istanbul to Canakkale

To search for available flights between Istanbul International Airport and Canakkale, please visit: Skyscanner.

Public Transport from Istanbul to Canakkale

There are various public bus services which run from Istanbul to Canakkale with a journey time of approximately six hours. For bookings, timetables and further information, please visit: Bus Ticket Line.

Shared Return Transfer from Canakkale to Istanbul | Sat 31 Aug and Sun 1 Sep 2019

A shared return transfer from Canakkale to Istanbul is also available at the end of your trip on either Saturday 31 August or Sunday 1 September 2019. The departure and arrival times for this transfer service are as follows:

To book your place on this shared transfer at the beginning of your trip, please visit: Wilusa Travel.

Accommodation

Your SwimTrek booking includes three nights’ accommodation from Wednesday 28 August - Saturday 31 August 2019 at one of the following hotels in Canakkale:

Accommodation is based on twin share rooms with en suite facilities, on a bed and breakfast basis. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability. If you require additional nights accommodation before or after your SwimTrek trip, please visit: Wilusa Travel.

All SwimTrek's 3- and 4-star hotels are located within 10 minutes walk of each other in the city centre. If you choose to stay at the 5-star Kolin Hotel, transfers are available to and from the following events: Welcome Drinks, Acclimatisation Swim, Boat Tour, Race Registration, Race Start, Post-Race Dinner. If you prefer to return to the hotel outside of the normal transfer timetable, you can catch a local taxi for approximately €8.

Supporters Package

There are a limited number of supporters packages available which include shared accommodation with a race participant, as well as entry into all non-swimming events. We cannot guarantee that supporters will be able to travel to the start of the race on the European side, however, in previous years this has usually been possible. In general, it is more advisable for spectators to stay on the Asian side and view the race from the finish line.

Meals

All breakfasts are included as part of your trip price, as well as the pasta lunch on Thursday 29 August and the post-race celebration dinner on Friday 30 August. All other meals are at your own expense, which gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as entertainment, meals and any additional tours that you book during your time in Turkey. The local currency is the Turkish Lira (YTL) and ATMs are plentiful in Canakkale. Additional tours, such as trips to Troy and Gallipoli, can be organised through our partners in Canakkale, Wilusa Travel, at an additional cost. For bookings or further information about these tours, as well as booking additional nights accommodation before or after your SwimTrek trip, please visit: Wilusa Travel.

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. Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Turkey, however, some there are some exceptions For a full list of visa requirements by country, please visit: Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

If you do require a visa to enter Turkey, you must apply for this before you travel, via: Turkish Government E-visa as as self service e-Visa kiosks and Wi-Fi areas where visitors can apply for an e-Visa on arrival are no longer available in Turkish airports. 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, 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.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

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