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.

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

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.

This morning, we set off early to explore Dubrovnik. We start the day with a swim around the iconic city walls, before completing the short crossing over to Lokrum. 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.

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 Šipan.

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 Šipan where we will enjoy our final group dinner.

Before breakfast we have a final farewell swim together, the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunrise and the serenity of Šipan. We then return to the hotel for breakfast before saying our 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 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 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 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 Šipan is to fly to Dubrovnik (DBV), take a transfer to the ferry port (Gruž) and catch a public ferry to Šipan.

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 Lopud

You can see the schedule and book tickets can be found here www.jadrolinija.hr/en. Šipan is the third stop, after Lopud and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

As you approach the island, you will see the hotel perched on the hill, across the bay where the ferry docks. Hotel Bozica is a 10 minute walk around the bay and up the hill from the ferry port. You can also contact Hotel Bozica directly to organise transfers to the hotel.

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>.

Accommodation during this trip is at Hotel Bozica - a peaceful retreat with stunning views over the Elaphiti islands. The hotel boasts a private beach, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the nearby islands. It offers the perfect location to enjoy a sunrise or relax after a full day of swimming.

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 info@hotel-bozica.hr.

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.

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.

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.