SEA OF CORTEZ SHORT SWIMS - MEXICO

We meet at the hotel ready for a short briefing before heading to the beach for an acclimatisation swim. After our swim, we are treated to a local Loretano buffet of clams and oysters (vegan alternative options will be available) as we discuss our plans for the rest of the week.

Our first full day of swimming sees us explore the closest island to Loreto; Coronado. We spend the day on the southern part of the island strolling sandy beaches and seeking out sea stars and turtles. In the afternoon, we continue to explore, including La Grimas, which means ‘the tears’. Here we swim with a backdrop of lava rocks and may cross paths with the local sea lions. We then return to Loreto for the evening.

After breakfast we head out to the second island, which is Isla Carmen. In the morning, we complete a short crossing from the small island of Cholla on the northwest coast to the mainland and continue along the coast. After a relaxing lunch, we start our second swim of the day. Carmen offers beautiful coastal swims (depending on conditions) and we will select the best route for the day. Either we travel to Punta Lobos with its dramatic lava rock formations, or we venture to a small inlet nearby.

Today, we return to Isla Carmen and comb the southern coastline. We stay on the south for the full day, swimming with turtles and star fish, as well as looking out for the famous frigate birds and cormorants. The local bays of Punta Colorada and Arrollo Blanco offer perfect spots to snorkel and relax before we return to the mainland for the evening.

We start the day at the hotel for breakfast and then travel out to Danzantes - the third of our islands. Our morning swim take us along the coast, exploring the bays of the island before we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we swim our second short crossing of the week, which is from Danzantes to Isla Carmen. Then we return to Loreto for the evening and a chance for you to find a local restaurant for dinner.

Our final full day of swimming sees us tick off the last two swim spots on the furthest two islands of the trio. We start in the morning on the west coast of Isla Carmen. After lunch, we travel south to Danzantes and explore the east coast. Once we are back in Loreto, we head out for our final group dinner of the week, reminiscing on the week and sharing Steinbeck-worthy tales of all our favourite swims.

Finally, we have a relaxed morning with breakfast at the hotel. For those who want a final swim, we head over to the local beach for a short coastal before we say our farewells.

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 includes one main boat and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. 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.

There are no additional, specific items required for this location.

SwimTrek will also provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

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 SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

For US guests, there are several direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas (DFW) and Phoenix (PHX) taking around 2 hours, or the hotel has a parking lot at the rear for those who wish to drive.

For international guests, the easiest way to get to Loreto, Mexico is to fly directly to Loreto International Airport (LTO) with a stopover en route. If your flights are more appealing to San Diego, you can also take the pedestrian bridge connecting San Diego with Tijuana Airport and take an internal flight from Tijuana to Loreto.

Loreto Airport to Hotel Oasis

Upon arrival at Loreto airport, the easiest way to get to Hotel Oasis is via a taxi or transfer. As you exit the terminal, there are plenty of taxis available and will cost you approximately 20-30 USD (or 340 – 500 pesos). Alternatively, you can contact the hotel to arrange a taxi via reservationshoteloasis.com.

Accommodation for this trip is at the Hotel Oasis. The family run property offers ocean view accommodation with a small terrace and newly renovated, comfortable rooms. The beachfront property is perfectly located for you to enjoy and relax after a full day swimming, or, if you need an extra dip, the water immediately opposite awaits.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you want to book additional hotel nights either side of your trip, please contact the hotel directly at reservations@hoteloasis.com.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price; dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

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

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is Mexican pesos and whilst some places take card, many smaller restaurants still only take cash.

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your 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

Non-residents of Mexico require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand will not require a visa but will be required to fill out an immigration form to enter Mexico as a tourist for a period of less than 180 days. 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, 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

Hotel Oasis has free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

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