Swimming Adventures in Croatia: A Modern Challenge
From the historic port of Stari Grad,one of Europe’s oldest settlements,we plunge into the azure waters and swim out of the harbor. We glide past the charming church of Saint Jerome and navigate around a verdant headland to reach a picturesque bay along Hvar’s northern shoreline. Our group resembles an aquatic expedition—approximately 160 swimmers heading towards a hotel pool bar where refreshing drinks await us. so far, everything feels quite civilized. However,this is merely a prelude…
 swim—the shortest distance across the Channel—though Webb ended up swimming approximately 63 km due to being blown off course.</p>
<p>This Croatian experience involves swimming between islands along the stunning Dalmatian coast over four days while enjoying pleasant accommodations at Places Hvar by Valamar after each day’s exertion—and thankfully, neoprene suits have replaced tallow!</p>
<h2>The UltraSwim Experience: Comfort Meets challenge</h2>
<p>The adventure is organized by <a href=)
UltraSwim 33.3, a newly established company named after that iconic stretch across the Channel which offers multi-day swimming challenges in breathtaking locations such as Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Switzerland—all with an emphasis on comfort and support.
“The Channel is akin to everest for swimmers,” remarks Mark Turner, co-founder of UltraSwim 33.3.”However, opportunities are limited; it can be costly and let’s face it—not exactly inviting water! With our program you can cover similar distances amidst stunning scenery without sacrificing comfort.”
The author attempts not to dwell on how far they are from dry land.
A Structured Approach to Swimming Challenges
I’ve previously enjoyed swimming holidays with companies like SwimTrek and Strel Swimming Adventures where I swam up to five kilometers daily with breaks for refreshments and sunbathing; however this time around UltraSwim adopts a more rigorous approach focused on challenge completion.
Mornings begin early—we’re in the water by eight o’clock before boat traffic increases—and participants tackle distances up to twelve kilometers without lengthy pauses aside from quick pit stops.
A comprehensive training plan arrived shortly after my registration which made me realize I might not be adequately prepared physically or mentally for completing all of those challenging kilometers! Fortunately there were two shorter options available: an “11-km Finding” package or “22-km Build” option both inspired by Webb’s original challenge.
Diving into Nature’s Wonders Alongside Fellow Adventurers
On our first day we launched from a jetty near our hotel; within moments I spotted an octopus lazily waving its tentacles amidst its underwater habitat—a sight too captivating but alas time waits for no swimmer! After several kilometers I emerged onto Uvala Veli Dolac beach feeling both exhausted yet exhilarated greeted by high-energy snacks alongside discussions about carb-loading—a stark contrast compared with Webb’s diet consisting mainly beer brandy beef tea!
The Rise of Endurance Sports
According to the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation ,Captain Webb’s feat has been replicated over 3250 times since then! The trend toward endurance sports continues growing evident through ultramarathons multi-day cycling tours open-water relays etc., indicating people increasingly seek accomplishments rather than mere relaxation during vacations.
on days two through three we tackled genuine “Channel-like swims,” covering stretches ranging between two-three kilometers across open waters—from Kabal headland towards Stiniva beach then Cape Pelegrin leading us back towards Palmižana island.
While thes routes appear marked as ferry paths on maps their reality transforms when submerged beneath waves—what once seemed distant becomes daunting choppy seas occasionally interrupted jellyfish encounters!
I had never faced anything remotely similar before nor did relish this undertaking but kept my focus ahead trying not think about how far away dry land lay behind me—with GPS trackers secured within tow floats kayakers flanking either side guiding us along clear courses thankfully much simpler than what Captain Webb endured battling strong tides dragging him off-course turning his intended twenty-one mile journey into thirty-nine miles!
As I swam just beyond two hours it became arduous fathom how he managed nearly twenty-two hours—I distracted myself recalling snapshots throughout trip including visiting sixteenth-century Tvrdalj Castle where poet Petar Hektorović resided exploring Diocletian Palace Split indulging golden alleyways rich history spanning Roman Venetian empires Yugoslavia last thirty years independent Croatia.
Once completing open-water channels we returned gentler currents surrounding Pakleni archipelago adorned pine wild rosemary lavender flavour local honey derived name “Pakleni,” originating from term paklina referring pine resin historically utilized boat construction.Our diverse group comprised swimmers worldwide—from Brazil Dubai Australia representing equal numbers men women aged twenty through seventy-three some training actual channel crossings others seeking personal challenges.“it’s type-two fun,” joe from Dublin remarked adding “the kind only enjoyable post-experience.” personally preferring type-one (enjoyment during activity) still appreciated traversing sunlit kelp forests rhythmic strokes quiet pride finishing each day’s swim.
“We find individuals frequently enough surprise themselves,” Turner explains further emphasizing structure pacing support allowing those who’ve never ventured beyond few kilometres leave feeling accomplished extraordinary.”
Non-swimming partners aren’t excluded either—they can follow via boats cheerfully observe shores explore Stari Grad enjoy local attractions while one non-swimmer shared he’d covered considerable distance riding ebikes visiting lavender farms vineyards quaint fishing villages stating simply “other than brief dip swimming isn’t really my thing—but my girlfriend loves it so we’re both happy!”
On final day aiming bell tower St Stephen Cathedral culminating last few kilometres entering harbor emerging beside Venetian arsenal greeted champagne glasses handed upon crossing finish line bemused expressions regular tourists observing spectacle unfold!
Hours later following soothing massage spa hotel wandering labyrinthine streets savoring fresh fish Croatian wine devoid any further discussions regarding carb-loading didn’t win accolades nor complete full thirty-three point three kilometer trek yet successfully finished eleven-point-one kilometer course experiencing something akin triumph felt Captain Webb slow steady victory body overcoming distance albeit lacking freezing temperatures channel beef tea rather golden limestone cliffs marking end journey!
This trip was provided courtesy UltraSwim with packages starting €1800 per person for four nights (group discounts available), inclusive accommodation breakfasts post-swimming lunches guided swims. Next trips scheduled Croatia set dates year 2026 but openings exist current year excursions Montenegro Greece Switzerland.*