Hotel Check-In

Upon arrival in Canakkale, you can check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city and experiencing the local Turkish culture

If you arrive early, race registration will be open you may wish to collect your race hat, and timing chip ahead of the planned visit to the Race Village.

Acclimatisation Swim & Welcome Meeting

On the morning of Day 2, we welcome you to a Briefing about the swim. This is great time to hear about the race in detail, the tides you will experience and how to navigate the channel. Why not also enjoy a warm up acclimatisation swim on a private beach, this is a great chance to get used to the swimming conditions.

Boat Tour and Safety Briefing (Compulsory)

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

Race Registration (Compulsory)

At the race registration, you will be given your swim hats and timing chips ready for the next morning. Please make sure you attend registration it is compulsory in order to take part in the event.

HELLESPONT EUROPE TO ASIA RACE

For further information about the Swim, click the Trip Information in the header above and scroll to the ‘Race Information’ section.

Awards ceremony

The official race awards ceremony will take place in the race village after the race finishes.

Post-Race Dinner

This evening SwimTrek host a post-race celebratory dinner for all 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.

Shared Morning Return Transfer from Canakkale to Istanbul

If you book on the designated SwimTrek return transfer to Istanbul, it will leave on the 31 August. Further information on booking the transfer can be found under the 'Getting There' section.

A 40% deposit is required for this event, once you have received your confirmation email with notification that your entry is successful, the deposit amount is non-transferable and non-refundable, as the event has fixed costs such as entry fees and accommodation deposits which have been paid to third parties.

Hellespont Europe to Asia Swim

The Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim is the world's old swim. We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

Boat Support

The Hellespont and Dardanelles crossing is a mass start event. Boat support on this trip includes a flotilla of boats and kayaks arranged by the event organiser.

Swimming Conditions

The Hellespont is a major strait dividing Europe and Asia. As an open body of open water, it is influenced by local weather conditions, which can vary considerably from day to day. In the unlikely event that conditions are too unfavourable to swim safely on the scheduled race day, the event may be rescheduled to 29 August or 31 August to ensure the best possible conditions. Please keep these alternative dates in mind when planning your travel.

On 28 August, the event committee will meet and make a decision about when the race will take place. If neither of the above options are suitable, we will endeavour to organise an alternative coastal swim.

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish and sea urchins 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.

Race Distance

Race Time Limit

There is a time limit of one hour and forty-five minutes to complete the course. The race organisers will endeavour to ensure swimmers complete the course as the straits will be reopened to shipping traffic after two hours. 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.

Temperatures

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

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, the event organisers rely on decent weather conditions in order to carry out the swim. In the event of bad weather and the swim being cancelled, there are no additional alternative times or days available after August 31st. In these circumstances no refund is available.

Pre-Race Medical (Compulsory)

To participate in the race, all swimmers must provide the following:

• A signed and stamped medical report completed by a registered doctor

• A Swimmer health declaration

All medical forms must be completed and submitted online between 1 January 2026 and 31 July 2026. Please note that forms dated 2025 WILL NOT be accepted.

After you have completed your booking, we will email you with instructions of how to upload the documents in December.

You can also find the medical forms here.

Hellespont Medical Report

Hellespont Swimmer Health Declaration

Important

There may be a fee for your doctor’s review and signature. In some cases, this may need to be arranged privately, as not all medical practitioners are authorised to sign off the declaration. It is your responsibility to book and pay for your medical appointment in good time to ensure your form is completed and submitted before the deadline.

Swimmers under 18 years old must also complete a notarised consent form giving approval to take part in the competition. The link to download and upload these forms is available after registration. You can also find the Notary forms here Hellespont Notary Form.

Race Equipment

It is compulsory to wear the swim hats provided by event organisers. It is also compulsory to wear tow floats . Swimmers are not allowed to wear wetsuits, fins, snorkels, MP3 players or similar, smart watches or smart bands during the race. Buoyancy shorts can be used but this will mean swimmers are not able to be considered for the race classification results and podium places. If rash vests or material suits to cover the body wish to be worn, it's necessary to let us know in advance of the event, so approval from the race organisers can be agreed.

Extra Activities

Private tours, such as trips to Troy and Gallipoli, can be organised through our partners in Çanakkale, 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 contact our local partners on info@swiminturkey.com

Supporters Package

There are a limited number of supporter’s packages available which include shared accommodation with a race participant and other event activities. On race day, you are invited to join local Dignitaries to view the start of the race and return to the finish in advance of the Swimmers, this is only available to SwimTrek supporters. It is a unique opportunity to travel to the European side in advance of the race, when the shipping lane is closed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please see our Packing List page on the website. For all additional location specific items please see the table below

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

There are several options for travelling to Çanakkale at the start of your trip. The easiest option is to fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) and book a transfer with Wilusa Travel, our partners in Turkey who will take you directly to your accommodation in Çanakkale. You can also fly in to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) and arrange shared or private transfers.

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.

Shared Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Çanakkale | 28 August

A shared transfer service from Istanbul City Centre and Airport to Çanakkale is offered for all SwimTrek guests on Day 1 of your trip. There are two location and departure time options for your transfer.

To book your place on this shared transfer, please complete the Hellespont Transfer Form.

Shared Return Transfer from Çanakkale to Istanbul | 31 August and 1 September

A shared return transfer from your Çanakkale Hotel to Istanbul Airport is offered for all SwimTrek guests on either 31 Aug or 1 September. To book your place on this shared transfer at the beginning of your trip, please complete the Hellespont Transfer Form.

The journey time from Istanbul Airport to Canakkale is approximately 3.5 hours. The transfer will include a short break, a total transfer time of 4 hours. We recommend taking some snacks for the trip.

Private Transfer from Istanbul to Çanakkale

If your flights don't coincide with the shared transfer service and you would like to arrange a private transfer you can be arrange this through various online providers. You can also book directly with our partners in Turkey, Wilusa Travel info@swiminturkey.com

Flights between Istanbul to Çanakkale

Turkish Airlines operates a non-stop direct flights between Istanbul (IST) and Çanakkale (CKZ) with a journey time of just over an hour. However, please note that other flights between Istanbul and Çanakkale usually include a stopover in Ankara with a total journey time of 3-6 hours.

Public Transport from Istanbul to Çanakkale

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

Your SwimTrek package includes three nights’ accommodation at one of the following Çanakkale hotels:

Accommodation is based on twin share rooms with en suite facilities, on a bed and breakfast basis. There are a limited number of rooms available for single occupancy which, subject to availability, can be reserved during the booking process.

The majority of hotels are located within 10 minutes’ walk of each other in the city centre and the race village. If you choose to stay at the 5-star Kolin Hotel or the 4-star Double Tree Hotel, transfers are available to and from the following events: Acclimatisation Swim & Welcome Meeting, Boat Tour and 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.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require additional nights' accommodation before or after your SwimTrek trip, this can be arranged via our local partners on info@swiminturkey.com

Food and Drink

All breakfasts are included as part of your trip price, as well as the post-race celebration dinner on Sunday 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.

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 entertainment, meals and any additional tours that you book during your time in Turkey. The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY) and ATMs are plentiful in Çanakkale.

Extra expenses not covered within your package price include a swim medical if required as part of the race entry and any City tours and airport transfers you require.

Passports and Visas

Turkey is not part of the European Union. Most foreign nationals, including Australia and New Zealand, entering Turkey must purchase a visa before entering the country. Residents of the EU, alongside UK and US citizens, do not need a visa to enter Turkey and stay for a period of up to 90 days. 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. It is important that you purchase your visa through the official website, www.evisa.gov.tr and avoid purchasing through third-party providers, as these can be considerably more expensive.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel. For a full list of visa requirements, please visit Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

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 about travel insurance, please visit www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

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.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

Wireless internet access is available in most our hotels. Many bars and restaurants around town also offer access, sometimes at additional charge.

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

eSIM's

An alternative to buying a SIM card when you land, is to purchase an eSIM before you travel. It is important to check whether your device is compatible, and able to accept an eSIM before committing to a provider.

The advantage of having an eSIM is that you can have data, calls and messages, depending on the package you choose, as soon as you land.

Popular providers include Holafly, Nomad eSIM, Saily eSIM, Airalo and Lycamobile.

It is recommended that you install your eSIM on your device 1-2 days prior to travel as you'll need a solid WiFi (or data) connection to complete the eSIM instillation process. Installation instructions will be given by the provider that you choose and depend on the handset you use.