11-17 February 2023
From: £3,240pp

THE EXUMAS

A SWIMMING HOLIDAY IN THE BAHAMAS

This trip is the ultimate, exclusive ‘get-away-from-it-all' treat for any open water swimmer. We have designed this trip carefully to ensure we provide you with the perfect combination of activity and relaxation. Based at Sugar Beach Private Estate on the pristine, remote island of Little Exuma, expect breathtaking turquoise swimming, panoramic ocean views, and unbeatable relaxation in this truly spectacular Bahamian paradise. Swimming Holiday Bahamas

ABOUT THE EXUMAS

Located 35 miles south east of Nassau, The Exumas are the epitome of Bahamian paradise, with stretches of secluded white beaches, washed by swirls of multi hued- turquoise waters and enough wildlife for an instagram safari. This exotic destination is divided into three areas, Great Exuma, Little Exuma (where we will stay) and The Exuma Cays.

IS THIS FOR ME?

During the week, we will complete two swims a day, aside from Wednesday when we will have an afternoon at leisure to rest and recover. Swims will be a mixture of stunning reef and coastal swims. You should be comfortable swimming in open water, however if you wish to swim shorter distances than our itinerary suggests, it’s fine to hop back on board once you’ve had enough. Ideally you should have some open water experience and be able to swim at least one kilometre in the sea. If you’re unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact the office for a chat. This trip is ideal for anyone looking for a pampered week away, with a combination of swimming, wonderful food and time to relax. Throughout the week, you are more than welcome to swim both or just complete one swim a day – it is your holiday. Each swim will be escorted by a main boat and an additional tender that will have ample room for anyone wishing to watch or simply soak up some sun.

AT A GLANCE

Places available from £3,240pp
This trip is ideal for anyone looking for a luxurious swim vacation, with a combination of swimming, wonderful food and time to relax.
This trip runs from Saturday – Friday
Non-swimmers are welcome to join the trip and can be on the boat if they wish. A 10% discount is offered to non-swimmers.
Max group size 12
Water temperature is between 22^oC and 24^oC, in February and 24^oC and 27^oC in November
Everything is included except transport to and from Sugar Beach Estate, dinners on three evenings, and lunch on one day, to allow us to explore local restaurants, plus any additional items or activities you wish to participate in
You will need to fly to George Town airport (flights from Europe usually between £650-£1000)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Six night’s accommodation at the Sugar Beach Estate (various room options are available, please see accommodation tab)
Housekeeping service (4 x weekly)
All breakfasts, four lunches, and three evening meals
A full guided swimming itinerary, based on two swims a day
Qualified SwimQuest guides
A local ocean and area guide
Optional stroke video analysis and one-to-one swim coaching sessions
A 10L SwimQuest dry bag and a SwimQuest swim cap
VAT

The only costs that are not covered are your travel to and from Sugar Beach Estate (see getting there tab) , any alcohol purchases, 3 x dinners out, and lunch on two days, wetsuit hire (please bring your own wetsuit if you would like to swim in one) and any additional items or activities you wish to participate in outside of the tour schedule (e.g. massages, merchandise). Please note, it is also customary to leave a tip for the local staff (our house manager and our boat pilot).

ABOUT SUGAR BEACH ESTATE

Sugar Beach Estate is a spectacular residence on Little Exuma. This oceanfront, seaside paradise boasts three private beaches, panoramic ocean views and a wonderful, laid back Bahamian vibe. With a maximum of 10 SwimQuest guests, we will have this wonderful estate to ourselves. In addition to breezy, spacious accommodation, there are countless outdoor living spaces. Enjoy the sunrise and your morning coffee on the wrap-around deck, laze on the day bed in the breeze for an afternoon nap amongst the beautiful vistas, and between swims, rest your eyes on the azure sea as it changes hue.

There are various room types available to you - please indicate your preference on your booking form. If your preference isn’t available, we will be in touch with you to arrange an alternative room.

standard bedroom (double use) £3,400PP or (sole use) £3,855pp

This comfortable double bedroom is an ideal space for a couple or solo traveller looking for a little extra space.

SOLE USE SINGLE ROOM £3,240PP

A basic but comfortable single room, with it’s own bathroom, based in the main house. Ideal for a solo traveller.

MAIN HOUSE MASTER SUITE (DOUBLE SHARE) £3,675PP or (sole use) £4,455pp

MAIN HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM EXUMAS SWIMQUEST

Situated in the main house, this beautiful spacious master bedroom has its own bathroom and balcony, and panoramic views of the ocean.

Master Suite (double share) £4,115pp or (sole use) £4,860pp

The suite is located on the west side of the property and named after the beautiful Casuarina tree. The luxurious space has a King size bed, bathroom, bar and seating area, along with a view of the jungle and the crystal water. Enjoy total privacy and seclusion in this beautiful suite. This suite is suitable for double use, ideal for a couple loking for a little seclusion.

VILLA MASTER BEDROOM (DOUBLE SHARE) £3,880PP or (sole use) £4,650pp

This beautiful master bedroom next to the main house, comes with its own bathroom and living area. It is an amazing place for a solo traveller looking for some extra space and comfort, or, a comfortable apartment for a couple.

THE ITINERARY

N.B. Please note, this is a rough guide to the week. We will adapt the week carefully for each individual and the prevailing weather. All swim activities are planned with safety as the paramount concern. Swim distances are adaptable and we can deal with a mixture of abilities on this tour.

SATURDAY

You are welcome to arrive any time after 3pm on Saturday. A SwimQuest representative will meet you at Sugar Beach Estate when you arrive. You can settle into your room, and meet your fellow guests and guides for an evening meal on the terrace and your safety briefing

SUNDAY

On Sunday morning, we will complete a coastal swim (1-2km) along the famous Tropic of Cancer Beach. This sheltered coastline is an ideal spot to get used to the stunning waters and for the swim guides to assess your ability and set you up for the week. Your swim guides can also (if you wish) film you swimming above and below the water so that we can provide coaching advice later on in the evening. In the afternoon, we will venture along the coastline and towards Moraiah Cay (2km).

MONDAY

Its an early start for breakfast before our first swim, when we will swim from the end of Little Exuma to Hog Cay (2km). We will enjoy a well-desreved picnic at Sandy Cay sand bar, before getting in the water after lunch to swim along this spectacular sand spit.

TUESDAY

Today we head out for the day to visit Stocking Island, where we will complete two spectacular reef swims (approx 4km divided into two swims), stopping for a BBQ lunch in between. Watch out for the many rays and teeming colourful fish.

WEDNESDAY

This morning we will attempt to circumnavigate Hogs Cay (4km) before heading back to Sugar Beach for some well-deserved R&R, or an optional massage

THURSDAY

After breakfast, we head down to Sugar Plum Beach for a 3.5km swim, followed by lunch at Exuma Point, with an option to visit the swimming pigs! On the way home, we will complete a short swim at Hooper’s Bay - keep an eye out for the friendly turtles. On the way home, we will stop at Peach & Plenty Beach Club for a drink as the sun goes down.

FRIDAY

Wake up, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before saying our goodbyes and heading back to George Town. Checkout is at 10.00am.

TRAVEL & TIMINGS

This trip officially begins on Saturday evening with a welcome and dinner, once all guests arrive at Sugar Beach. You are welcome to arrive any time after 3pm. The trip finishes on Friday morning (check out 10am), usually after a leisurely breakfast.

FLY TO EXUMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OR GEORGE TOWN AIRPORT

A taxti from Exuma International Airport to Sugar Beach will take around 45 minutes, a taxi from George Town Airport will take about 35 minutes. Frequent domestic and international services are available. We advise searching flight options via a flight engine such as www.skyscanner.net to find the cheapest fare. For European guests, it is often cost effective to fly from Europe via the US and then into the Bahamas.

GETTING TO SUGAR BEACH ESTATE

When you get to George Town or Exumas International, you will need to take a taxi (we can organise this for you) which will take 35 minutes (George Town) or 45 minutes (Exuma International).

CHECK OUT

Check out from Sugar Beach is at 10.00am on Friday morning.

WHAT TO PACK

In addition to your everyday

clothing and personal travel items, we would also recommend packing:

At least two swimming costumes
Lightweight skin suit or rash vest for sun protection
Wetsuit, should you wish to wear one (optional)
Two pairs of swim goggles
Swim ear plugs if you are used to wearing them
A beach / swim towel (the villa provides room towels)
Sandals, aqua shoes or flip flops which you would be happy to get wet if necessary
Warm clothes for evenings
Suncream, sunhat and sunglasses
Insect repellent
Comfortable sportswear (optional - running / stretching / yoga)

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Non-residents of the Bahamas require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for at least 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 the Bahamas, however, if travelling via the U.S., you may need to obtain a visa or an ESTA. For further information, please visit www.bahamas.gov.bs. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

VACCINATIONS

There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for Bahamas, however we advise you to check this information eight weeks before you travel. It is also advisable to check that you have up to date tetanus and polio. UK health authorities have classified the Bahamas as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website. Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in the Bahamas. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Use insect repellent and try to cover up at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are present.

INSURANCE

As a SwimQuest guest, you are required to have in place travel insurance that covers you for all activities you will be taking part in during your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered for these activities.

Whatever travel policy you decide on, you will need to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the start of your SwimQuest holiday. Your swim Guides will need to take a note of your insurer, policy number and the number to call in case of an emergency claim.

If you are looking for a travel insurance policy, we love worldnomads.com because they make choosing the right policy as painless as possible.

Worldnomads.com do not offer cover over 65s, however if you are over 65 and looking for insurance, please feel free to contact us and we can put you in touch with alternative providers.

SwimQuest Swimming Holidays

Open water swimming holidays

BAHAMAS