Dubrovnik

TRIP OVERVIEW

Trip Dates

2026

30 May - 05 Jun	Available
06 Jun - 12 Jun	Available
13 Jun - 19 Jun	Available
20 Jun - 26 Jun	Available
29 Aug - 04 Sep	4 Spaces
05 Sep - 11 Sep	Available
12 Sep - 18 Sep	Available
19 Sep - 25 Sep	Available

2027

MORE DEPARTURE DATES >

In a group of 5 or more? We'll help you to plan your trip

GROUP TRAVEL SERVICE >

Tour Highlights

Join us in Dubrovnik ('Pearl of the Adriatic') and swim crystal waters, explore hidden coves and discover the lush green shores of the Elaphiti Islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. A paradise of natural beauty and timeless character.
Swim beneath Dubrovnik's iconic city walls, viewing this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the sparkling waters of the Adriatic
Enjoy adventurous island crossings and a variety of bay and coastal swims, seeking out old Roman villas and picturesque fishing villages
Soak in the charm of Dubrovnik's Old Town: home to baroque architecture, medieval landmarks and maritime history. Wander through cobbled streets and sun-drenched squares

The city of Dubrovnik is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Popular for its spectacular sea-facing walls, baroque buildings and views over the Adriatic, Dubrovnik has a rich history, and well-preserved Old Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by ancient walls, the Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, charming squares, and magnificent buildings such as the Rector's Palace, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Cathedral.

A short ferry ride away, the Elaphiti archipelago provides a contrast to the walled city, with shimmering waters of vivid turquoise, hidden coves, and lush green landscapes. Each island has its own distinct character. Šipan is the largest and best loved by Dubrovnik aristocracy, who built their houses here. Lopud is a car-free refuge with stone houses, colourful gardens, and ruined fortresses. While Koločep is a little jewel that is home to a mere 163 people, covered in pine forests, olive groves and orchards of orange and lemon trees. Many islands still maintain their traditional way of life through agriculture and fishing.

During this trip, we uncover local history and cultural highlights as we swim along the iconic walls of Dubrovnik. We also venture out for island crossings, coastal adventures and bay swims as well. The Elaphiti Islands were once treasured by the Roman Empire as they provided access to Adriatic trade routes. Many Roman ships anchored at these islands, traveling between the eastern and western parts of the empire. Keep your eyes peeled for the remains of Roman villas and other structures as you swim.

Who is this trip for?

This swimming trip is ideal for those who are looking to combine interesting and varied swims, perhaps with a bustling city break.

Swimmers should also have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance of around 2.5km prior to the start of the trip. The average daily swim distance is around 5km (split over a minimum of two swims).

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.

What's included?

Swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
Six nights’ accommodation
All breakfasts
Lunches on all swim days (swimmers only)
Full ABTOT Financial Protection
Tourist tax (for 2025 only)

What's not included?

Travel to and from the start of the trip
Evening meals
Drinks and additional activities
Tourist tax (from 2026 onwards)

Group of 5 or more?

If you're travelling with a group of friends, family or swim buddies, speak to our Group Travel team to get tailored advice, special pricing and discounts, and early access to new trips and departures.

GROUP TRAVEL SERVICE>

Week commencing 27 September - 3rd October 2025

Please note that the 27th September - 3rd October 2025 is a private group booking and will involve Pilates twice a day with Erin Wilson.

Although a private group, should Pilates take your fancy the group are welcoming all SwimTrekkers to join. This trip is designed for swimmers who enjoy Pilates, or who want to explore the benefits of Pilates and how it naturally complements and enhances our swimming. We swim twice per day (around 3-3.5km) and have Pilates Mat classes twice per day in the morning and afternoon.

Why Pilates and swimming?

Pilates is a low impact exercise method that incorporates flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance movements specifically targeting core strength activation, postural alignment, and stability. Breath is also a huge focus - Pilates focuses on keeping the breath calm and controlled despite how challenging the exercises may be.

No prior experience of Pilates is required. Erin Wilson, our Pilates instructor for the trip, has 11 years experience teaching Pilates to people of all levels, ability, and experience. She has extensive experience training first time students to advanced practitioners in both small and large group settings

Swimmers will experience a multitude of benefits from Pilates including:

• A more powerful stroke • Improved alignment and balance in the water from stronger muscles supporting the spine • Better flexibility in shoulders, hip flexors, and spine allowing more mobility and therefore more muscular efficiency • A more powerful kick from core strength • Increased efficiency and power to dolphin kick through flexibility of the spine • Better breath control allowing the body to stay calm while moving and exerting effort • Faster recovery rates post swim due to increased flexibility and mobility

Please contact groups@swimtrek.com to find out more about this particular week.

Sample Trip Itinerary

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Map

click to enlarge

Accommodation

91a729cc54c3d4c486a55e7ef8bb4d1801c0c8f2 lafodia small

Hotel Lafodia

Hotel Lafodia is situated on the waterfront, with views over Lopud's bay. There are no cars on the island, and a private beach and infinity pool bar offer the perfect spot to relax after a day of swimming.

Location Summary

Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is known for its medieval Old Town surrounded by impressive stone walls. The unique combination of charming cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and impressive views over the Adriatic Sea attracts visitors from all over the world.

Šipan

Named after the Latin word ‘gypana’ (meaning ‘Island of Eagles’), Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. It now prides itself on cultivating olive and fig trees, vineyards, and citrus groves. Scattered with ancient ruins, the island is wonderful to explore on foot, or to simply relax in one of its many sheltered bays.

Lopud

The centrepiece of the inhabited Elaphiti Islands, Lopud, is a picturesque, car-free island. The island is home to the well-loved Šunj Beach, but also boasts an impressive historical and cultural heritage. It is also home to several well-preserved historical monuments, including the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery and the charming Church of Our Lady of Šunj.

Lokrum

The small, picturesque island just a few hundred metres off the coast of Dubrovnik is known for its lush botanical gardens, historical ruins and tranquil beaches, and the peacocks roaming free add to the islands charm.

Olipa

Olipa is a small, uninhabited island North of Šipan with crystal-clear waters, rugged coastline, making it the perfect peaceful escape for the day.

Trip Grading

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

Swim	Distances	Swim	Distances
Coastal from Suđurađ	2½km	North Šipan coastal	2½km
Lokrum coastal	2½km	Zaton coastsl	2½km
Dubrovnik Old Town - Lokrum	2½km
Olipa - Jakljan	3km	Jakljan Islands	2km
Sjekirica Beach – Beach Osmoliš	2km	Beach Osmoliš - Haven Trsteno	3km

*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

Aside from the Dubrovnik Old Town walking tour, 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

Month	Water Temperature*	Air Temperature*
June	20-25°C / 68-77°F	20-27°C / 68-81°F
July	23-28°C / 73-82°F	20-28°C / 68-82°F
September	21-26°C / 70-79°F	20 -25°C / 68-77°F

*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.

Trip Information

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 support vessels 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.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price (swimmers only) - however, dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore 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.

Getting There

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 get to the Elaphiti islands is to fly to Dubrovnik (DBV), take a transfer to the ferry port (Gruž) and catch a public ferry.

Public Transport from the Airport to Dubrovnik and Ferry Port Gruž

There are regular shuttles from the main bus station at the airport that stops at the old town Ploče gate and the main bus station at the ferry port in Dubrovnik (Port Gruž). You can find out more information and the bus timetable here platanus.hr/shuttle-bus. You can purchase an open return or single bus ticket online or at the airport from the Platanus agency counter once you have exited the baggage claim area.

Ferry from Dubrovnik (Gruž Port) to Elaphiti Islands

You can see the schedule and book tickets can be found here www.jadrolinija.hr/en. Your date of travel will determine which hotel and island you are staying on. To reach RMH Lafodia on Lopud, you will need the second stop, after Koločep. For Bozica on Šipan, you will need to stay on the ferry an additional stop after Lopud. The ferry journey in total takes between 60 and 90 minutes depending on which island you are on.

Once you disembark from the ferry, turn right from the island ferry dock and the hotel is approximately 10 minutes walk away from the ferry dock. This is applicable to both hotels.

Local Buses

If you decide to spend some time in Dubrovnik, the local bus system is easy to use and affordable. You can find out more on the website, and you can download the app locally www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/en/timetable/1/city-timetable/a>

Private Transfer

If you wish to organise a private transfer from the airport to your hotel (this includes pick up and water taxi), please contact the relevant hotels using the following details

RMH Lafodia - agency.lafodia@rmh-hotels.com

Hotel Bozica - info@hotel-bozica.hr

Travel Advice

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 drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro €.

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

Croatia is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Croatia 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, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Croatia. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

As of 1 January 2023, Croatia became part of the Schengen area. Travellers from other Schengen countries do not require a visa to travel to Croatia. Generally, citizens of European countries, regardless of whether their countries are Member States of the EU or not, do not need a visa to come to Croatia but do require a full passport, valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. The only exceptions to this rule are the Russian Federation, Belarus, and the Republic of Turkey. 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.