We meet at the airport for those who wish to take the complimentary group transfer. Once we arrive at the hotel, we will carry out a welcome meeting and briefing before our first dinner together. This is an opportunity for our team to answer any of your questions for the week ahead.

Today, we rise for a morning acclimatisation swim before breakfast. We then head out across the water to Bunaken National Park. We explore the calm waters of the eastern side for our first swim before returning to lunch at the resort.

After a relaxing lunch we head back to the water, but this time for a snorkel session along the house reef. This is a chance to build confidence, learn how to snorkel (for those who haven't before) and to get comfortable with the equipment so you have the freedom to use it throughout the week. Later, we will explore more of the reefs in the National Park.

In the morning we head back out to Bunaken and swim the northern fringes of the reef. Again, this is a pleasant and protected swim, offering you the chance to stretch out over the distance. Once completed, we return back to the resort for lunch, followed by a local coastal swim along the mainland of Manado.

We start earlier as this is a day of crossings! We swim from the mainland of Manado across to the National Park for more Bunaken exploration - a perfect start to the morning.

We have a short break and snacks on the boat as we motor round to Siladen island, where we complete our second, but shorter crossing from the island to Bunaken. To reward our efforts, we return to the resort for a hearty lunch and afternoon off. You can relax by the pool, take a short trip to the vanilla farm or even jump on a scooter into Manado if you wish.

We then have an optional night snorkel, led by the local and experienced guides before a group dinner.

After breakfast, we head back out on boats to Manado Tua where we discover the extinct volcano. We start our swim on the southwestern coast and make our round with a semi-circumnavigation of the volcano. We stop at a midpoint for lunch and rest before completing the southern swim and finishing towards Bunaken. We motor leisurely back to the resort in time for you to relax before dinner.

On our final day, we return to familiar Bunaken for more snorkelling and swimming among the marine life that crowd the southern reaches of the island. We travel with the current to uncover the local abundance of sea turtles, as well as countless varieties of fish and colourful coral.

We anchor up and take lunch on the boat, admiring the view of the mainland and volcano before continuing our snorkel and swim for the afternoon. A local guide will join you in the water to ensure you do not miss any opportunities to spot your favourite fish. During our return transfer, the guide will also share details of the animals you saw underwater.

Back at the resort, we regroup for our final dinner together and a chance to reminisce on the week.

We wake for a short farewell swim over the house reef, outside the hotel, before breakfast. Finally, we say our goodbyes before leaving the resort.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

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.

Please also be aware that there can be strong currents around the islands we swim, whilst our guides and boat safety crew will do our best to select the route to swim with the current, it may change a points during the swim, so ensure you listen to the instructions given.

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 from kayaks. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

In line with the requests of the national park, please note the importance of wearing rash vests for sun protection and using only reef safe sun block where required. For your essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

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.

The easiest way to travel to Manado is to fly to the Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado (MDC) and join the group transfer. During this pioneer year and whilst we are working with our suppliers, we understand that our dates may not align perfectly with your most favourable but it is a fantastic place should you wish to extend your stay. Our partners also offer an amazing opportunity to explore more of North Sulawesi via their Passport to Paradise scheme. Take a look at their website for more information Passport to Paradise.

Joining the Group Transfer

A return transfer is included in your package for guests travelling in pairs or groups (two or more people). Ahead of your trip, you'll be asked to provide your flight details to our customer team, who will coordinate with the resort to arrange a transfer that best suits your arrival time on Day 1. This may involve grouping you with other SwimTrek guests.

While the official trip start time is 19:00 at the airport, if you choose to arrive earlier on Day 1, the resort can still arrange your transfer—this remains included for two or more travellers.

As you exit the airport terminal you will see a member of the Murex Resort team with a SwimTrek sign. They will escort you to the vehicle and take you to the resort. The journey from the airport to the resort takes around 60 minutes.

Travelling Independently

If you do not wish to join the group transfer or are arriving before Day 1 of the trip, you can arrange your own transfer with the hotel directly at an extra charge if you are a solo traveller, or take a taxi from the airport. Apps such as GRAB or Gojek are easy and quick to use and can be done once you have landed with a short wait time.

Return Transport

For those returning on the day of the trip, a return group transfer is included. The exact time of the return transfer will be confirmed with the staff at the resort based on everyone's flying times. If you are staying longer, the team at the hotel will be able to assist with organising a transfer at your own expense.

• Breakfast: All buffet breakfasts are included in your package and will be taken at the hotel. They will include hot and cold food as well as a help yourself tea and coffee station.
• Lunches: All lunches are included in your package and will either be taken at the resort or on the boat.
• Dinners: All dinners are included in your package and will be taken at the resort.

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 Indonesia is Indonesian rupiah (IDR) but the resort accepts all major cards. Please note that all bills are subject to 11% tax and 5% service charge. Most cards are free to use, but there is an extra 3.25% charge for using an Amex card.

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. The resort will also present you with an envelope at the end of your stay should you wish to share a tip with the staff.

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

All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining after departure from Indonesia. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand travelling to Indonesia for tourism purposes may travel within the visa exemption policy entering without a visa for up to 30 days at certain ports of entry.

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

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important 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

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.