F.A.Q.
SwimmingTravel
Can I bring my swim accessories, such my wetsuit, paddles, fins etc.?
If I only want to swim once a day, is that ok?
If I bring a family/firmed support member who is not a swimmer, what will he do while we are swimming?
How do I know if I am a good enough swimmer for this camp?
Are you going to share with us additional information of the event?
YES of course. Once you are registered and have paid the first amount, you will be added to a mailing list. You will therefore receive from us different emails containing important information about your event.
What about flights and booking? Are you taking care of it?
NO, you will be responsible with booking and paying for your flight. There are a lot of low cost airlines flying to Istanbul so you shouldn't have major problems.
Can I personalize my Swimming Travel offer (going earlier or leaving later for example)?
Absolutely, we can custom and personalize your stay and offer to your preference. Just contact us via email and we will provide further information.
Can I book my flights immediately?
We recommend waiting for the official day of registration and the confirmation email from the Turkish Olympic Committee. Afterwards, you can go ahead and book your flights.
How do I register to the race?
If you pre registered to the Swimming Travel Team you will be fully assisted with registration and we will notify you and help you when the time comes.
How much does the race registration cost (not the Swimming Travel package)?
The cost of the race has to be announced every year by the Turkey Olympic Committee and it is about €270 (to be paid at registration).
Is it a really hard race? Do I need to be a competitive swimmer?
The race is about 6.5km long and most of it is with the current. We therefore compare this race distance to about a regular 3km race in open water swimming.
Is it possible to wear a wetsuit, a watch and special accessories?
Unfortunately NOT, you are not allowed to wear any of those above since it is race policy.
How are the water conditions?
The water temperature is about 24-25 C degrees or 68-75 F. 95% of the race you will have clear and clean water to swim in, while you could find some slightly less clean water towards the end, 200/300 meters from the finish line; nothing to worry about.
Is there going to be a briefing the day before the crossing?
YES, there is going to be a technical briefing (and a potential practice swim) the day before the event at 5PM on the local beach.
Is there any assistance/help with travel plans, hotels, places to visit near by etc.?
YES, Swimming Travel can provide help with your logistics and travel plan. Please contact us in the contact us section for further information.
Can I swim with a wetsuit?
YES, it is possible. It will simply be added as a note in the result list next to your name.
I would like to participate in the Messina Strait Swim Crossing but I'm not sure I am fit enough and can make it across. Are there any indications on how good of a swimmer you need to be?
YES, we suggest you take your 2000 meters swim time (in the pool) as a measure. If you are able to swim 2km under 60 minutes in the pool, than you should be able to complete it. We say “should” since it also really depends on the sea and weather conditions, such as currents and winds.
Can we shorten our stay?
YES absolutely, we can customize and personalize your stay and offer to your preference. To receive more information about prices and custom requests, just contact us in the
Is the package fee the same for support members that do not train or race?
NO, support members have a different fee. We encourage you to check out our costs & fees section.
Is the registration form also valid for the race?
YES, exactly. The registration form you fill out is needed for both our Swimming Travel Camp as well as for the Best Fest races. Every athlete who wants to participate to either of these HAS TO fill it out.
