After meeting in the reception area of the hotel, we will head down to the water for your acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the hotel for a welcome drink and a safety briefing while discussing our plans for the week ahead.

After breakfast, we make our way to our boat support which pulls up at the nearby jetty. From here we will travel to the southern end of the island towards to renowned Playa Palancar, on the edge of Playa El Ceilo. Our first swim sees us cross from the island out towards Palancar Reef – a snorkelling hot spot. After lunch, we will continue our day of swimming from the reef towards the white sandy beach of Playa Palancar.

We join the boat back to the hotel where you will have time to relax before dinner.

Today we continue to explore the reefs of the island, enjoying the assisted currents and abundance of fish as we go. This unique location gives you the perfect opportunity to swim at your pace and enjoy the coastline of Cozumel. We will return to the hotel for lunch before heading out for our second swim of the day, completing the popular Ironman® course before returning back to the hotel for our final evening together.

We fit in one final swim in the morning just outside the hotel. This is the perfect way to start the day before breakfast and our departure from the island.

We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.

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.

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 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.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we do not 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.

Cozumel by Ferry

You can catch the ferry from playa Del Carmen, about 45 minute land transfer from Cancun. The ferry terminal is located three blocks away from Juarez and 5th Avenue’s ADO bus station, where buses from Cancun arrive.

The 40-minute ferry ride is operated by several ferry companies including Ultrama and Winjet, and costs around $40 per adult.

Cozumel by Air

A number of airlines fly directly into Cozumel including American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Sun Country. The Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is small (only 5 gates) so please be aware, at times, domestic flights can be re directed to Cancun where you would need to arrange a transfer to the ferry port.

To reach the accommodation, you will have to arrange a transfer from the airport to the hotel. The hotel may be able to assist with this, please contact them directly if this is the case. For this location, your accommodation will be the newly renovated Occidental Cozumel Resort, inspired by the Mexican hacienda. This is the perfect beachside base to relax after your swims – surrounded by mangroves, tropical gardens and white sandy beaches.

For more information about our hotel in Cozumel, please visit our Accommodation: Occidental Cozumel Resort page on our website.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you want to book additional nights either side of your trip, please contact the hotel directly at cozumel@occidentalhotels.com

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches and dinners are included but drinks other than on the boat during your swims, are at your own expense. All breakfasts and dinners will be taken at the hotel but one lunch will be packed and taken on the boat.

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 Cozumel is Mexican Peso however USD is widely accepted. You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

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.

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

Non-residents of the EU require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not currently require a visa to enter the EU.

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.