2025 dates: For Groups by Arrangement
From: £3,499pp
A SWIMMING HOLIDAY IN THE EXUMAS - 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 breath-taking turquoise swimming, panoramic ocean views, and unbeatable relaxation in this truly spectacular Bahamian paradise.
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 £3,499pp
- 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 22oC and 24oC, in February
- 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 SwimQuest poncho and a SwimQuest swim cap
- VAT
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
The only costs not covered in your trip price are travel to and from Sugar Beach Estate (see getting there tab) , any alcohol purchases, 3 x dinners out, and lunch on one day, 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.
standard DOUBLE bedroom (double SHARe) £3,499PP or (sole use) £3,999pp
This comfortable double bedroom is an ideal space for a couple or solo traveller looking for a little extra space.
standard TWIN bedroom (TWIN SHARE) £3,499PP or (sole use) £3,999pp
This twin bedroom is a great option for two friends or two guests who are travelling independently.
MAIN HOUSE MASTER SUITE (DOUBLE SHARE) £3,799PP or (sole use) £4,699pp
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) £4,360pp or (sole use) £4,990pp
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 looking 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-deserved 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 taxi 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) - our Partners at Zone3 offer a wide range of wetsuits, including the eco Yulex natural rubber range HERE and you get 20% OFF all full price Zone3 products with code : SWIMQUEST
- Two pairs of swim goggles
- Swim ear plugs if you are used to wearing them
- Tow float (required) - if you haven’t got one yet, you can purchase from our online shop here
- Rash vest (optional) - available from our online shop here
- 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.
READY TO BOOK?
We’re excited about meeting you on tour. To discuss your group trip to Bahamas, simply click Enquire. Once you have submitted the form, Sarah (our bookings co-ordinator) will be in touch to request payment and to help you with any additional requirements,
- Sarah Broadley | +44 7917 033670 | sarah@swimquest.uk.com
- Alice Todd | +44 7825 301443 | alice@swimquest.uk.com
Travel 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.
Please note, if you are a UK resident and eligible for free health cover via the NHS, you do not need to take our a travel insurance policy for our UK based trips. You may still wish to take out insurance to cover you for events such as trip cancellation, luggage and personal liability.
If you are travelling from the US or another country, we suggest you use a travel insurance comparison site based in your own country in order to decide on a suitable policy.
You can find more information on our Insurance page.
Columbus Direct offers three levels of cover Bronze, Silver and Gold, with differing levels of emergency medical, cancellation and baggage so you can choose the cover to suit your needs. All levels of cover include over 150 sports and activities covered as standard including open water swimming within 12 miles of shore (you will not be swimming more than 12 miles away from the shore on SwimQuest Holidays).
You will also benefit from free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for 1hr or more*. Optional cover is available including Gadget, Winter Sports and Cruise, along with cover for many pre-existing medical conditions subject to online screening. Columbus Direct offer single trip cover up to 85 years old and annual multi trip cover up to 74 years old.
*The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four additional travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay service. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for their flight. View terms and conditions here
