- Effortless Swimming · Swim Camp 2027
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
SWIM EXPERIENCE
📍Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Dates
01 - 09 April 2027
Duration
9 Days
Level
Intermediate-Advanced
Spots
Max 12 swimmers
Dates
01 - 09 April 2027
Duration
9 Days
Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Spots
12 swimmers
An unforgettable 9-day open water swimming adventure through the Galápagos Islands. Small groups, personalised coaching, and once-in-a-lifetime swims alongside incredible marine wildlife.
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Minimum requirement: Must be comfortable swimming 1km in 25 mins. Not sure if you qualify?
📍 Pinzón Island
- About This Camp
Why the Galápagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on Earth. Over nine unforgettable days, you’ll swim through crystal-clear volcanic waters, explore remote islands only accessible by boat, and encounter extraordinary wildlife including sea lions, sea turtles, eagle rays, marine iguanas and, if conditions allow, even whale sharks. Every swim takes place in a new location, making each day a completely unique adventure in one of the world’s most protected marine ecosystems.
This isn’t just an open water holiday—it’s a fully coached swimming experience. Throughout the trip, you’ll receive personalised stroke analysis, underwater video feedback, technique sessions and open water coaching designed to improve your efficiency, confidence and skills. You’ll leave not only with unforgettable memories and incredible wildlife encounters, but also with a clearer understanding of your stroke, greater confidence in open water, and the experience of sharing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure alongside a small group of passionate swimmers.
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Open Water
2.5–5km of guided swimming per day
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Video Analysis
Underwater & above water stroke review
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ISLAND EXPLORATION
Swim across Santa Cruz, Isabela and surrounding islands
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Meals
Daily breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks included
- Day By Day
Your 9-Day Journey
Every day is designed to build your confidence, technique, and love of swimming.
- Day 01
Welcome to the Galápagos
📍 Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
🏊 Afternoon: Easy Welcome Swim
Arrive on Santa Cruz Island and settle into our waterfront accommodation in Puerto Ayora (Hotel Barranco) before heading out for your very first Galápagos swim. This relaxed session is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in the crystal-clear volcanic waters while enjoying your first encounters with the incredible marine environment.
Back at the hotel, we'll complete your underwater filming and personalised stroke analysis, giving you a clear understanding of your technique and the key areas we'll focus on throughout the week. After some time to unwind, we'll come together for our welcome dinner and trip briefing before the adventure truly begins.
- Day 02
Technique Meets Adventure
📍 Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
🏊 Morning Swim: 2.0 km | Afternoon Swim: 2.0 km
Start the day with a spectacular swim around Baltra Island, where crystal-clear, current-swept waters provide the opportunity to encounter an incredible variety of marine life. As the gateway to the Galápagos, it's the perfect introduction to the archipelago's vibrant underwater world.
Back at the hotel, we'll review your underwater video analysis and refine the key technique changes that will make the biggest difference to your swimming before putting them into practice that afternoon.
We'll then head out for our second swim from Playa Los Alemanes to Rocky Point, following Santa Cruz's volcanic coastline through calm bays and crystal-clear water. Along the way, keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, colourful reef fish and marine iguanas as you begin to experience what makes swimming in the Galápagos so unforgettable.
- Day 03
THE SEA LION PLAYGROUND
📍 Santa Fe Island
🏊 Morning Swim: 2.5 km | Afternoon Swim: 2.0 km
Today we head to the spectacular Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest and most wildlife-rich islands in the Galápagos. Our morning swim follows the island's rugged coastline, where crystal-clear waters are home to colourful tropical fish, eagle rays and playful sea lions that often swim alongside us.
After lunch in the sheltered waters of Barrington Bay, we'll return to the water for a second swim, exploring another section of the coastline. With dramatic volcanic scenery, abundant birdlife, colonies of land iguanas and curious sea lions, Santa Fe offers one of the most memorable open water swimming experiences in the Galápagos.
- Day 04
VOLCANIC WALLS & HIDDEN COVES
📍 Pinzón Island & Daphne Minor
🏊 Morning Swim: 2.0–2.5 km | Afternoon Swim: 1.35 km
Today we explore two of the Galápagos' most spectacular swim locations. We begin at the remote Pinzón Island, swimming through secluded coves and along rugged volcanic coastline, where sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles and an abundance of tropical fish are frequent companions.
After lunch and time to snorkel from the boat, we'll head to Daphne Minor for an unforgettable afternoon swim. The island's dramatic underwater walls are covered in colourful marine life, with black corals providing a home for seahorses, while Galápagos sharks, rays and sea turtles are often spotted in the crystal-clear water.
We'll return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon, giving you time to relax and soak up another incredible day before dinner.
- Day 05
Where Volcanoes Meet the Sea
📍 Isabela Island & Tortuga Island
🏊 Afternoon Swim: 2.5 km
This morning, we'll travel by boat from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos. On arrival in Puerto Villamil, we'll check into La Casa de Marita, our beautiful beachfront hotel, before enjoying some time to settle in.
In the afternoon, we'll head to Tortuga Island, the remains of an ancient volcano sculpted by thousands of years of wind and waves. Swimming through its sheltered turquoise cove, you'll be surrounded by dramatic lava formations while keeping an eye out for seabirds, marine iguanas, sea lions and the incredible marine life that calls these waters home.
- Day 06
Swimming with Whale Sharks
📍 Los Túneles & Bahía Ballena, Isabela Island
🌊 Morning: Tour & Snorkel | 🏊 Afternoon: Whale Shark Swim
For many swimmers, today is the highlight of the entire expedition. We'll head offshore in search of the gentle whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean, for the rare opportunity to share the water with one of nature's true giants.
Combined with spectacular volcanic scenery and an abundance of marine life, this is a genuine bucket-list experience that only a handful of swimmers will ever have.
- Day 07
The Sea Lion Playground
📍 Cuatro Hermanos, Isabela Island
🏊 Morning Swim: 1.6 km | Afternoon Swim: 2.2 km
Today we'll explore the dramatic volcanic islets of Cuatro Hermanos, located off the eastern coast of Isabela Island. Our morning swim follows the rugged underwater walls, where you'll discover a vibrant world of marine life, from colourful reef fish and rays to sea turtles and, if we're lucky, playful sea lions.
After lunch onboard and time to snorkel, we'll head back into the water for a second swim around another of the islets, experiencing a different section of this spectacular volcanic landscape. Returning to Puerto Villamil, you'll have time to relax or enjoy a walk along the beautiful beach before another unforgettable day comes to an end.
- Day 08
The Grand Finale: Volcanic Reefs & Hidden Worlds
📍 Bahía Ballena, Isabela Island
🏊 Morning Swim: 3.0 km | Afternoon Swim: 2.0 km
Our final full day takes us back to the spectacular waters of Bahía Ballena for two unforgettable swims along Isabela's dramatic volcanic coastline. The nutrient-rich currents attract an incredible diversity of marine life, making this one of the Galápagos' premier locations for open water swimming.
Our morning swim is followed by time to snorkel, giving you another opportunity to explore this remarkable underwater world. Keep an eye out for giant manta rays, reef sharks, schools of tropical fish and, with a little luck, even hammerhead sharks cruising the deeper waters.
After lunch, we'll head back into the water for one final swim, soaking up every moment in this extraordinary marine environment before returning to Isabela to celebrate an unforgettable week of adventure, wildlife and open water swimming.
- Day 09
FAREWELL, GALÁPAGOS
📍 Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Airport
After one final breakfast together, we'll ferry back to Santa Cruz Island, taking time to reflect on an unforgettable week of swimming, adventure and incredible wildlife encounters.
From Santa Cruz, we'll travel through the island's lush highlands before crossing to Baltra Island for departures. As the landscapes shift from volcanic coastline to green forests and back to the coast, it's a fitting final glimpse of the remarkable beauty that makes the Galápagos so unforgettable
- The Package
What's Included
✓ Included
All accommodation (8 nights)
Daily breakfasts and lunches, along with snacks, drinks/water, coffee/tea during included swims and swimming days
All coaching sessions & video analysis
All transportation (boat and other) as outlined in the itinerary, including conservation entry and park fees.
Services of a local professional multilingual naturalist guide from Galapagos National Park for 7 days of swimming.
Open water safety support (kayaks & boats)
Airport transfers: arrival to the hotel and departure from the hotel to the airport.
Effortless Swimming camp kit
The best week of swimming
✗ Not Included
International & domestic flights
Visas (check requirements for your nationality)
Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
Meals & beverages not listed above or purchased outside the resort
Personal expenditure (souvenirs, laundry, tips)
Early check-in / late checkout charges
Dinners
Taxes (around USD$220 payable on arrival)
- Your Team
Meet your Coach
Our coaches combine elite competitive experience with a genuine passion for helping every swimmer reach their potential.
- Full time effortless swimming Coach
Tasmynne Roe
For the past 15 years, I’ve coached swimmers of all ages and abilities—from first-time swimmers to competitive athletes. My own swimming background includes being a multiple South African national champion and record holder and a two-time World Cup finalist.
- Past Swimmers
What They Say
- Secure Your Spot
🇪🇨 Ready to Swim in the Galápagos Islands?
Spots are strictly limited. Secure your place with a deposit.
01-09 April, 2027
Single room
$8400 USD
Twin share (per person)
$6600 USD pp
Deposit: 25% deposit is required for your booking.
Please note: If you are booking twin-share, we will place you with another swimmer of the same sex unless you are booking with a friend/partner. Please advise us after booking (each person must complete a separate booking)
Your deposit secures your spot.
**Balance is due 120 days before departure. Twin-share bookings: change quantity to 2 at checkout.
- Common Questions
FAQ
What fitness level is required?
There will be two swimming groups during the trip which are supported by a boat and a kayak. We have a minimum requirement for swimmers attending the trip to be able to complete 1km in 25 mins.
What's the name of the hotels we stay at?
Hotel Barranco on Santa Cruz and La Casa de Marita Boutique Hotel on Isabela
What do I need to bring?
- Goggles (at least one tinted pair for sunny conditions)
- Swimwear
- Fins / flippers
- Wetsuit (recommended for open water)
We’ll send a full packing list before you travel.
What are the visa / entry requirements?
Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality. Many travellers can enter Ecuador visa-free for short stays. We recommend checking the latest visa and entry requirements with your local government or the Ecuadorian embassy before you travel.
How much swimming will I be doing during the week?
You can expect to swim 2-5km each day. There may be opportunities to do more than this for swimmers who would like to swim further.
Will there be coaching on the trip?
Of course! You’ll be joined by Effortless Swimming Coach and multiple South African champion Tasmynne Roe, who’ll be coaching you throughout the week. You’ll start with underwater filming and video analysis to identify the biggest opportunities for efficiency and speed in your stroke, followed by regular feedback as often as you like and open water swim tips through the week.
What’s the food and drink like?
Breakfasts and lunches are covered during your trip. Dinners are on you, offering a chance to discover local eateries at your leisure and we will have opportunities for some special group dinners during the trip.
Typically, dinner prices vary between $25-$35 for set menus or buffets, with soft drinks at $1-$2 and beers at $2-$4. Keep in mind, some dining spots may only take cash, so it’s good to have some on hand.
For health reasons, we advise sticking to bottled water for drinking and even brushing your teeth in the Galapagos. Both hotels provide water refilling stations for your convenience.
What is the cancellation & refund policy?
Your deposit is fully refundable within 14 days of booking. Cancellations 120 days or more before the trip start date allow your deposit to be held as credit for another trip within 12 months. Cancellations within 120 days of the start date are non-refundable. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance in case of injury or illness that would prevent you from attending the camp.
What’s the payment and booking process?
Bookings can be made directly through this website. If booking a twin shared room, BOTH swimmers must book a spot separately. Your 25% deposit secures your spots, and final payment of the balance is due 120 days before the start of the trip.
If I'm booking twin-share, who will I share with?
If you are booking twin-share, we will place you with another swimmer of the same sex. However if you are booking with a friend/partner please let us know after booking. Each person must complete a seperate booking.
Can I bring a non-swimming partner?
Yes! Non-swimming partners can attend this trip. There are many opportunities for them to snorkel at some of the different areas we visit. Because of the limited space available on the boat the pricing is the same for swimmers and non-swimmers.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to talk through fitness requirements, the location, payments, or anything else. We want you to feel 100% confident before you book.
