After your arrival, you will have a chance to relax before a welcome meeting and pre-trip safety briefing at the hotel, followed by a drink and dinner at a local restaurant. At the meeting, the week’s plan will be discussed in detail.

In the morning we'll meet for an acclimatisation swim and technique and drills session in Spiaggia del Lucchese. Afterwards, we'll enjoy lunch onboard our boat, followed by an afternoon of swimming Spiaggia Guidi.

The afternoon swim takes us along the island's southeast coast - expect white sandy beaches, pristine waters, and gorgeous views of a coastline peppered with classic Mediterranean scrub.

This morning, we enjoy a coastal swim along Sant Antioco Tonnara, enjoying clear waters and sandy beaches and clear water.

After a satisfying lunch onboard our boat, we'll head off for a walk through the “saline” (where salt is locally produced), followed by an afternoon swimming alongside the dramatic cliffs of Sant'Antioco Tonnara.

Today we complete two Capo Sandalo coastal swims. Capo Sandalo is the westernmost tip of Italy and the local 19th century lighthouse is an imposing feature, which dominates a steep promontory with cliffs and small rocky coves.

We'll have lunch onboard, followed by a visit to the nearby Cala Fico - an area managed by LIPU (Italian Bird Protection League) for the protection of Eleonora's falcons, which nests in the cliffs. The cove is an oasis of wild nature with a pebble beach, crystal clear sea and rocky seabed.

This morning brings one of the highlights of this trip - a crossing from San Pietro to Isola dei Ratti. You'll land on the beach and then circumnavigate the island and swim back to San Pietro.

We'll again have lunch on board our boat and then spend the afternoon swimming Spiaggia di Tacca Rossa.

This day's swims are all on the east coast, which offers more protected, shallow waters, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear water

We will explore Sardinia's southern shoreline today with two coastal swims taking us past a mixture of beautiful beaches and rocky outcrops.

Enjoy another day of swims in clear waters, with spectacular views of high cliffs that plunge into the sea, as well as opportunities to explore sea caves - some submerged and others at sea level.

You'll have a chance to relax between the two swims with lunch on board our boat.

We will enjoy a final farewell swim together, before heading back to the hotel for breakfast and goodbyes.

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 open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. 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. As a consequence, 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 three support vessels, piloted by local fisherman and your SwimTrek guides. 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.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches during your swim days are included in your trip price however, evening meals 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.

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 start of your trip is to fly into Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), followed by a transfer to the mainland port and a short ferry crossing to San Pietro Island.

Transport from Cagliari Airport to Carloforte

From Cagliari Airport, the two nearest ferry ports are:

• Portovesme (approx. 1.5–2 hours by car or taxi)
• Calasetta (approx. 2–2.5 hours by car or taxi)

We recommend pre-booking a transfer or taxi for this leg of the journey. Public bus services are available but may be limited and time-consuming. Public buses - https://www.arst.sardegna.it

Ferry to Carloforte

Regular ferries operate from both Portovesme and Calasetta to Carloforte Port on San Pietro Island. The ferry journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes, and foot passengers are welcome. We recommend checking the latest ferry schedules in advance and allowing ample time for connections. During peak season, ferries can be busy, so we advise booking tickets in advance where possible.

Ferry schedules - https://delcomar.it/

From Carloforte Port to Your Accommodation

The Hotel Riviera Carloforte is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Carloforte Port. After disembarking the ferry, turn left along the seafront promenade around 200m to Hotel Riviera.

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, excursion day lunch and dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€). Please note, you may also be required to pay tourist tax locally at the hotel.

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

Italy is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Italy 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, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Italy.

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

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

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

• 14-day Refunds

• Free Trip Changes

• Refund Guarantee

Flexible Booking Terms and Conditions