Swimming
The world's most beautiful open water swim races
Whether it's incredible scenery, lagoon waters or balmy temperatures you're after, these race events are paradise for fans of open water swimming.
Open water swimming competitions might conjure up images of thrashing about in grey, rolling seas but there are a raft of events that combine aquatic prowess with incredible scenery and often balmy temperatures.
That’s not to say our bucket list of beautiful open water races are easy – there are still jellyfish, currents and the odd shark to keep watch for – but at least you get a drop dead gorgeous view while you’re pushing yourself to your limits.
Come on in, the water’s lovely…
1. Big Swim: Palm Beach to Whale Beach, Australia
The shores around Australia's Whale Beach
© Oceanfit
When: 30 January 2022
What: The fifth and final instalment of the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series powers through the surf from north Sydney’s affluent Palm Beach to the blissful shores of Whale Beach. It’s a biggie – around 2,000 competitors – but you can’t beat the honey coloured sand, crashing waves and a 2.5k route that is sometimes calm, often fierce but always rewarding.
2. Chia Sport Week, Sardinia
Racers compete on the stunning Sardinian coastline
© Chia Laguna Resort
When: 26 April 2019
What: Chia Sport Week usually combines triathlon, running and cycling events but this April sees the launch of its first swim-only race. Competitors in the three distances (1.9km, 3.8km and 5km) will start on the golden sands of Dune di Campana beach on the islands southern tip, before following a course through the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea and back to land.
3. The Castle Swim Series: Lough Cutra Castle, Ireland
Lough Cutra Castle makes for a charming backdrop
© Castle Triathlon Series
When: 28-29 May 2022
What: Originally a triathlon only event, the swim part of the race was so popular the organisers launched a 5km, 2.5km and 1 mile swim. And what a setting for a race, with swimmers departing in front of the fairytale facade of 18th century Lough Cutra Castle before powering across the lake, around a series of markers and back to shore. Stick around and you can watch the triathlon, too,
4. El Cruce, Mexico
El Cruce, Mexico, is home to some crystal clear water
© Global Swim Series Championship
When: 27-29 May 2022
What: The final event in the Global Swim Series Championship Races takes place in tropical El Cruce in Cancun. Along with the knockout coastal views, you’ll also get the chance to swim over an underwater museum during the 10km race. Too far? Sign up for the 3.8km or 1 mile swim, which take place the day before.
5. Flowers Sea Swim, Cayman Islands
You'll struggle to find waters more lush than those of the Cayman Islands
© Flowers Sea Swim
When: 11 June 2022
What: Taking place on the postcard-worthy stretch of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, this year’s 1-mile Flowers Sea Swim has the addition of a 3km and 10km distance. This is a busy event – expect over 1,000 people in the one miler alone – but you won’t care much when you’re padding out across crunchy white sand to the start line and then diving into the vivid waters of the Caribbean Sea.
6. Green Island Swim, Honduras
Green Island Swim, Honduras
© Green Island Swim
When: tbc
What: For exotic scenery, calm conditions and a friendly welcome, you can’t match this race on the island of Guanaja, 70km north of Honduras. There are three distances (800m, 2.5km and 5km), all taking place in waters teeming with marine life and lively coral reef. Entry fee includes pre-race welcome reception, transport to and from the event within the island, a swim cap and race T-shirt.
7. Ullswater Epic Lake Swim, England
Racers in the Ullswater Epic Lakes Swim
© Alamy; Mick Hall
When: 5 June 2022
What: Take your pick of 500m, 1 mile or 3.8km distances in this tough Lake District event. Yes, the water’s likely to be nippy and choppy and the weather probably hard-going but you wont care a bit when you’re out there swimming in the shadow of England's third-highest mountain, Helvellyn. Epic is most definitely the word for this event.
8. Swim the Arctic Circle, Sweden
Swim under the midnight sun in the Swedish Arctic Circle
© Swimac
When: 16 July 2022
What: The dangerous Vansbrosimningen race draws thousands of swimmers to Sweden, but for a more atmospheric experience, try Swim The Arctic Circle. Now in its ninth year, swimmers race from Finland to Sweden across the idyllic Torne River – and it all takes place under the glow of the midnight sun. There are two distances, 2,000m and 3,000m, but sign up for the latter, which starts at midnight and the route will take you over the International Date Line, technically arriving in Sweden the day before you started the race.
9. San Clemente Ocean Festival
When: tbc
What: Running annually for over 40 years, this multi-sport event draws hundreds of competitors to the gorgeous, laid back surfer haunt of San Clemente. The one-mile swim race has swimmers battling through the waves out to sea, around a set of markers and back to shore to a lively crowd of local supporters.
10. Waikiki Rough Water Swim, Hawaii
Say aloha to your new favourite swim event
© Waikiki Rough Water Swim
When: 6 September 2021
What: This September marks the 50th year of Waikiki’s 3.8km ocean swim. From the deep blue swell and the looming mountain ranges, to the towering palm trees and warm sunshine that bathes the shoreline, this is a top notch, Instagram-friendly race. Expect fierce competition and a lot of energetic supporters on the beach.
11. St Croix Coral Reef Swim, British Virgin Islands
Mermaid Beach sounds as good as it looks
© Active.com
When: 7 November 2021
What: Just under 200 competitors took part in last year’s St Croix Coral Swim. There are three races (1 mile, 2 mile and 5 mile) and thanks to the limited participants and tropical location you can gaze at the live coral while you glide through the balmy waters of the Caribbean Sea. To top it off, finishers are greeted with a steel pan band and rum cocktails on the windswept shores of Mermaid Beach.
