We gather at our hotel for a welcome meeting and safety briefing where we detail the plan for the week ahead. Following this, we head off for a short acclimatisation swim before finishing the day with a group dinner at the hotel.

In the morning after breakfast, we head to the 50 metre pool where we film your stroke above and underwater for video analysis. We then make our way to the local bay for our first open water session. This session will allow your coaches to get a feel for your comfort level in the sea. We then return to the hotel for lunch. Our evening pool session works on the key points for efficient stroke technique, whether you are a breaststroke or front crawl swimmer, and open water confidence. After your swim we head back to the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, we return to the local bay for our first swim of the day. This is an ideal time to practice the coaching points you have already received but in the open water environment. After a well-earned break, we then head back to the pool to work on drills and help to pinpoint elements of your stroke for greater efficiency before taking dinner back at the hotel.

Today we start to venture into deeper water, as we begin in the shallows of the bay but work our way around and away from the sand bottom. On our return we will swim across deeper areas, where you will be able to get a true feel of the open water experience. It is an ideal opportunity to implement the improvements you have learnt whilst working on more specific open water swim skills. The final session of the day is in the pool to focus on technique and drills and then we return to the hotel for dinner.

Our last full day of swimming will take us further into deep water on the outskirts of the bays as we put everything we have learnt into practice. We will stop for lunch before completing the final swim. We celebrate as a group at dinner and reflect on everyone’s progress and achievements.

In the early morning, we enjoy a final swim outside the hotel and then we share breakfast together and say our goodbyes.

We have given this trip a ‘Beginner’ grading designed for people new to open water swimming

All swims during the week will start from the comfort of the bay, making this trip perfect for those who are nervous about open water swimming or want the security of shallow water nearby.

Swimming Distances

Swimming distances in the sea will vary over the course of the week depending on the conditions and the ability of your group. As a guide, we expect to cover an average of 2km per day.

Guests are welcome to take a break from pool sessions or head back up to the hotel from the bays at any point. It may also be possible for those who would like a little more time in the water to extend some of their swims over the course of the camp in consultation with your coaches.

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. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks we do undertake will follow recognised paths and tracks. There may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces. Please be advised that extra 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 14. 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

Safety support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but will mainly include kayaks or SUPs due to the nature of our bay swims.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. The list includes what to bring on a coaching camp.

There are no additional, specific items required for this location.

Coaching Sessions

Our experienced coaches will cover a range of coaching sessions will cover swim technique & open water skills to suit you as well as deliver in depth video analysis. Sessions will take place in a purpose built 50m swimming pool at the hotel - the perfect venue for a structured training program. The local bays are an ideal base as we support you through your open water journey.

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 Coral Bay, Cyprus is to fly to Paphos (PFO), where you can take a taxi from the airport or pre-arranged with the hotel or use the local buses.

Paphos Airport to Coral Beach

The easiest and quickest way to get to Coral Bay from the airport is to catch a pre-arranged transfer or taxi. If you require assistance, partners at the hotel will be able to assist, please contact them via seacaves.travel@cytanet.co.cy

Bus from Paphos Airport to Coral Bay

Bus 612 runs between the airport and Paphos city centre and takes approximately 30 minutes. From the city centre, bus 615 will take you directly to Coral Bay but the best stop for the hotel is to stay on past the beach Coral Bay and disembark at Corallia Bus Stop.

Our accommodation is the perfectly located and spacious Coral Beach Hotel and Resort .The hotel, sitting just outside the coastal city of Paphos and on the border of Akamas Peninsula, has direct access to the beach and the bays we will be using for our camp. You will have all the comfortable amenities you need after a day in the water - it is the ideal base.

There are a number of rooms available with twin or double beds and some multiple occupancy rooms. There are a limited number of single occupancy spaces which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

The hotel is home to the FINA approved 50m pool, which was once home to the GB 2004 Athens Olympic Team. Being just 2 minutes’ walk from the hotel, the 10-lane facility will also be our training ground for week.

For more information about our hotel in Cyprus, please visit our Coral Beach Hotel and 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 reservations@coral.com.cy

Food and Drink

All breakfasts, and dinners are included in your package. Lunches are at your own expense but there are a number of options within the hotel.

All meals are buffet-style unless you choose to dine at one of their other restaurants (at your own expense). Whilst they label dishes with ingredients and allergens, they cannot guarantee no cross contamination, however the staff will be able to assist you with specific foods should you require them.

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 transfers, entertainment, dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€).

At present, Cyprus does not charge tourist tax, however this is subject to change so please be prepared should you need to pay tax locally for your stay.

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

Cyprus is part of the European Union but is not in the Schengen area. Non-residents Cyprus 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 Cyprus.

Please note that 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.

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