The Open Water Odyssey & The Splendours of the Adriatic
Do you dream of swimming in Europe’s purest waters, far from crowded beaches and in time with the ocean currents? Meridian Tours has designed a unique itinerary, specially crafted for open-water swimming enthusiasts.
Combining the best of our two flagship itineraries, this week-long island-hopping cruise offers the rare privilege of swimming in secret coves that are inaccessible by land. Our intimate yacht stops at least once a day – and sometimes twice – in the heart of Dalmatia’s most beautiful wild bays. Whether you’re a regular swimmer, a swimrun enthusiast or simply someone who loves swimming in the great outdoors, you’ll enjoy daily swimming sessions in complete safety, supervised by our crew, before heading off to explore the charm of our cultural stopovers.
Dive into the deep blue sea – we’ll take care of the rest.
Your Swimming and Sailing Programme (7 nights / 8 days)
The itinerary
Day 1: Boarding in Split & First swim off Brač
The stopover: A warm welcome aboard your yacht at the port of Split, followed by a smooth departure.
Swimming: On this first afternoon, the yacht drops anchor in a sheltered cove to the north of the island of Brač. It’s time for your first swim to stretch your muscles in crystal-clear water, before spending the night in the harbour at Postira or Milna.
Day 2: The wild shores of Hvar
The stopover: Sailing along the rugged coastline of the island of Hvar, famous for its lavender fields and small stone villages.
Swimming (two sessions):
Morning: A morning swim in the Brač Channel, alongside wild pebble beaches.
Afternoon: The yacht stops in the heart of the unspoilt Pakleni Islands archipelago, a labyrinth of wooded islets offering turquoise lagoons perfect for a long swim, before the evening stopover.
Day 3: The Odyssey of Mljet, the green island
The stopover: Heading south towards Mljet, the most forested island in the Adriatic, enveloped in the scents of pine and rosemary.
Swimming: A unique experience awaits you. After sailing close to the island’s cliffs, you’ll swim in the calm, sheltered waters of the National Park’s famous saltwater lakes. The water here is warmer and incredibly pure, ideal for swimming laps in absolute tranquillity.
Day 4: The secret coves of the Elaphiti Islands & Arrival in Dubrovnik
The stopover: A scenic cruise through the Elaphiti Islands archipelago (Lopud, Koločep, Šipan) before reaching majestic Dubrovnik.
Swimming (Two sessions):
Morning: Anchor in a hidden bay on Šipan for a long swim along the rocky cliffs.
Afternoon: A memorable swim opposite Dubrovnik’s medieval ramparts, to admire the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ from the sea, powered solely by your own strength.
Day 5: The fjords and cliffs of the Pelješac Peninsula
The stopover: The yacht begins its journey northwards, sailing along the rugged Pelješac Peninsula, renowned for its steep vineyards.
Swimming: We drop anchor in a deep, sheltered bay. The deep waters of this region offer exceptional underwater visibility, creating the magical sensation of flying above the seabed.
Day 6: Korčula, where history meets lagoons
The stopover: Explore the magnificent medieval fortified town of Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo.
Swimming (Two sessions):
Morning: Explore the uninhabited islets surrounding Korčula by swimming – veritable natural pools of emerald water.
Afternoon: A technical or leisurely session in a wild bay shaded by pine trees, before returning to the harbour for the evening.
Day 7: The spectacular Makarska Riviera & Return to Split
The stopover: The final full day of sailing along the impressive Biokovo mountain range, which plunges straight into the Adriatic.
Swimming: To round off this trip in style, the yacht stops at a secret cove on the Riviera. You’ll swim whilst enjoying a magnificent view of the monumental cliffs overlooking the sea, before returning to the port of Split in the late afternoon.
Day 8: Disembarkation in Split
Final breakfast on board and disembarkation in the morning, your mind filled with memories and your body re-energised by the ocean.
Galerie
Moments inoubliables de notre croisière natation
Swimming daily in secluded bays made this cruise unforgettable and truly relaxing.
Emma L.
The expert coach and peaceful Adriatic stops created a perfect swimming adventure.
Marc D.
★★★★★
★★★★★
FAQ
Who can join?
Swimmers of all levels and clubs year-round are welcome.
What is the ship like?
Our 50m ship has 19 cabins, sun deck, restaurant, and easy sea access.
How is safety ensured?
A pneumatic speed boat monitors swimmers at every stop, ensuring safety.
When does the cruise run?
From April to early May, ideal for calm seas and fewer crowds.
Who leads the swimming?
An experienced coach with water polo and swimming expertise.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to make a booking, please write to us here.