TRIP OVERVIEW

7 days
Classic
Up to 5km/day
Moderate

Trip Dates

2026
30 May - 05 Jun
Full
06 Jun - 12 Jun
1 Space
13 Jun - 19 Jun
4 Spaces
20 Jun - 26 Jun
Full
29 Aug - 04 Sep
2 Spaces
05 Sep - 11 Sep
5 Spaces
12 Sep - 18 Sep
4 Spaces
19 Sep - 25 Sep
Available
2027

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

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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

What's not included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the trip
  • Evening meals
  • Drinks and additional activities
  • Tourist tax

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.

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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

Start Point: TUI Blue Kalamota Island

Start Time: 17:00 on Day 1

Finish Point: TUI Blue Kalamota Island

Finish Time: 11:00 on Day 7

Dubrovnik

Day 1

After meeting at the hotel, we will head down to the beach for your acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the hotel for a welcome drink and a safety briefing before discussing our plans for the week ahead.

Dubrovnik

Day 2

On our first full day of swimming, we explore the island of Šipan. We start the morning with a coastal swim before heading to Suđurađ for lunch. We will then continue to explore the other side of the island with another coastal swim before heading back to our hotel for the evening.

Dubrovnik

Day 3

Today we journey to the island of Lokrum for our morning swim. On the way we will have a spectacular view of the dramatic walls of the old town. For our afternoon swim, we will head back up the coast to Zaton to explore the hidden coves and vivid blue waters.

Dubrovnik

Day 4

This morning, we set off early to explore Dubrovnik and start the day with a swim around the iconic city walls. We will then spend the rest of the day in Dubrovnik, taking this opportunity to see the best of the city, with time to enjoy dinner in the old town before we take a group transfer back to the hotel.

Dubrovnik

Day 5

Today we explore the northern Elaphiti islands, heading up to the uninhabited islet of Olipa to start our morning swim, and completing the short crossing to Jakljan. After a relaxing lunch, we hop between the smaller islands of Jakljan as we head back towards our hotel.

Dubrovnik

Day 6

For our final day of swimming, we head to the coast of the mainland North of Dubrovnik to explore the blue lagoon, hidden coves and serene beaches. After a relaxing lunch we continue our swim down the coast before heading back to enjoy our final group dinner.

Dubrovnik

Day 7

Before breakfast we have a final farewell swim together, the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunrise and the serenity of the island. We then return to the hotel for breakfast before saying our goodbyes.

Reviews

Thank you for what is reliably one of the best weeks in my year. Great location and great guides made for a wonderful week.

Amy A-T, UK - 2025

I've always had an amazing experience with swim trek. I have had 7 weeks with swim trek so far in my life and I can say that those 7 weeks have been some of the best in my life!

Erin W, USA - 2025

Even though I was the slowest swimmer, I absolutely loved swimming in Croatia and every single person and guide were fabulously encouraging.

Jenny W, UK - 2025

A unique experience mixing with others from all over the world with the same interest and just to have fun!

Robyn T, Australia - 2025

I strongly encourage anyone considering a swim trek experience to dive right in! It's an experience of a lifetime you will never regret.

Ruth O, USA - 2025

Accommodation

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TUI Blue Kalamota Hotel

The TUI Blue Kalamota Hotel located on Koločep has a modern, relaxed Mediterranean style, with whitewashed buildings framed by pine trees and sea views from almost everywhere. Rooms are bright and contemporary, with essentials like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and walk-in showers; many rooms include a balcony or terrace, and selected categories offer partial or full Adriatic views.

Location Summary

Dubrovnik

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.

Koločep

The smallest of the inhabited Elaphiti Islands, Koločep—known locally as Kalamota—is a tranquil escape just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. The island is covered in pine forests, olive groves, and citrus trees, with two charming villages, Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, situated in sheltered bays. Koločep is car-free and ideal for walking or swimming in its crystal-clear waters, exploring sea caves, or relaxing on its sandy beaches.

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. To reach TUI Blue Kalamota Island on Koločep, you will need the first stop. The ferry journey in total takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

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. If you would like assistance with your luggage, please contact reservation.kalamotaisland@tui-blue.com

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 hotel using the following email address: reservation.kalamotaisland@tui-blue.com

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.

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 hotel where we stay in Croatia.

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

Flexible Booking

Plans change but you can book with confidence. SwimTrek's flexible booking options include:

  • Free Trip Changes
  • Refund Guarantee
  • Financial protection

Flexible Booking Details


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