Swimming holidays have become the ultimate in slow travel, gaining popularity since the pandemic. The pale-blue copper domes of the Church of Our Lady of the Rock were visible as we swam across the Bay of Kotor from the picturesque fishing village of Dražin Vrt. Shoals of Adriatic fish, including sardines, mackerel, and sprats, glided beneath us in the crystal-clear water, while towering mountains framed the horizon. This was the first day of a swimming holiday through the Montenegro fjords, where we journeyed from place to place by swimming, with a boat transporting our gear.
Unlike traditional beach vacations, a swimming holiday offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore islands, coves, and historic towns from the water. The swim to the islet where local seamen once placed an icon of the Madonna and Child felt like a journey through history. As the church on the rock gradually came into view, we climbed out of the water, drawing curious glances from a wedding party. After drying off, we entered the ornately painted church, appreciating the site in a way few visitors do.
Swimming provides a unique perspective of the world, viewing landscapes from water level while reconnecting with historic waterways. Many major towns and cities developed around bodies of water, yet modern life has distanced us from these aquatic roots. A group of fifteen swimmers from around the world, aged between 20 and 60, embarked on this adventure, bound by a shared love of swimming. Split into groups based on speed, each swimmer was shadowed by a small safety boat while a larger vessel transported supplies and provided a resting point. The average daily swim covered five kilometers, a challenging yet rewarding distance made easier by the option to take breaks aboard the boat.
Swimming as a leisure activity has deep historical roots. In the UK, it was popularized by Victorians and figures like Lord Byron, who famously swam across the Hellespont in 1820. Inspired by Byron, Simon Murie founded Swim Trek, the first organized swimming holiday business. The concept took time to gain traction, but today Swim Trek transports thousands of swimmers to destinations worldwide, alongside other operators such as The Big Blue Swim and Strel Swimming. The latter, run by Martin and Borut Strel, leverages the family’s experience with extreme marathon swims.
The journey through Montenegro included a swim around Mamula Island, home to an Austro-Hungarian fortress that later became a World War II concentration camp. Exploring the island by water brought history to life in a way that sightseeing from a boat never could. Many participants found these experiences deeply personal, like Nancy Meade, an attorney from Alaska, who described feeling truly connected to the places she visited.
The rise of swimming holidays aligns with the increasing popularity of open water swimming, which surged after the 2012 London Olympics and gained further momentum during the pandemic. While these trips require stamina and strength, they also offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration and personal achievement. Safety remains a priority, with trained guides, route adjustments for weather conditions, and support for less confident swimmers.
Each journey carries memorable moments, whether overcoming fears, achieving unexpected goals, or forming deep connections with fellow travelers. One swimmer, initially unsure if she could even participate due to a medical diagnosis, completed every swim and moved the entire group with her determination.
On the final day, the group swam along the Luštica peninsula, entering a former submarine tunnel once used by the Yugoslavian Navy. The dark, eerie waters led to the dazzling Blue Cave, where sunlight reflecting off the white-sand seabed created an otherworldly turquoise glow. As boats carrying tourists hovered at the entrance, the swimmers ventured deep into the cave, savoring the unparalleled experience that only this mode of travel could provide.
