Six of world's best wild-water swims
Mexico Can’t do cold water? Then the Sea of Cortes should tick your boxes; the average temperature in the briny here is 25C . You will be based on Espiritu Santo island in Baja California, and the swimming during the week-long trip (about 6km each day) is along beaches and through coves and bays where you may be an object of curiosity for inquisitive sea lions.
Details Trips take place this October and cost £845, including accommodation, guiding and most meals, but not flights. Swimtrek, 01273 739713, swimtrek.com
Wales Enthusiastic novices who fancy giving wild swimming a go can simply turn up at Bala in Gwynedd on July 10 for a 1km lake swim — bring a cozzie, cap, goggles, registration fee and some Vaseline (to stop chafing). A Thermos of hot tea for afterwards might be a good idea, too. There’s another “turn up and swim” event for amateurs at Lynn Regis, Norfolk, on September 18.
Details British Long Distance Swimming Association (0191-526 4215, bldsa.org.uk).
Finland Taking lazy swims in lakes and rivers under the midnight sun is the attraction here, as well as being able to warm up afterwards in a traditional sauna. You are based in a rural, 19th-century manor house in Kormu, and there is also some walking during the week.
Details Swimtrek (see above) runs two tours in July ( full for 2010 but you can register for next year) for £785. For DIY options, see visitfinland.com.
Ireland On July 24 you can swim for 2km along the Lee river through the centre of Cork, along with 350 or so fellow enthusiasts — there are several age categories, including ones for 12-17 and 80 to 84-year-olds, but the time limit for finishing is 1 hour 15 minutes..
Details corkmasters.ie. Online registration is €35 (about £30).
Egypt Chase away the winter blues by swimming in Sinai. Based in the popular dive spot at Dahab, you can glide over coral and around the Blue Hole, which has an 80m drop-off only 5m from shore. There is also a camel ride one day to reach one remote swim, and you certainly don’t get that down at the council pool.
Details Swimtrek (see above) runs tours in November and February, from £615.
Alcatraz, USA “Escape from the Rock” across the 2km stretch of water that separates the infamous former penitentiary from downtown San Francisco. You will need expert guidance, a knowledge of the tides and a wetsuit. Local swimmer Gary Emich has zipped across, sans ferry, more than 500 times so is definitely the man to organise the trip.
Details Emich (001 650 359 3773, lanelinestoshorelines.com) can organise an Alcatraz swim for $370 (£255) for up to five swimmers with at least 65 days’ advance notice. The water is warmest in late August to mid-October.