What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major debit and credit cards via our online booking system. You can also pay by bank transfer or send a check – please contact us for further details.
We are a verified Authorize.Net merchant in the USA and Europe. Our payments settle at Chase Bank in the USA and Barclays Bank in the UK.
What debit/credit cards do you accept?
Visa, Visa-Electron, MasterCard, American Express (USA trips), Maestro and Activa.
My payment has been rejected by your payment gateway terminal. What can I do and can you help me?
We outsource our payment gateway and it should work uninterrupted at all times. It does happen sometimes that your card gets rejected and you contact us if we can help. In such cases, please first contact your issuing card provider and explain to them that you are trying to pay for a swimming holiday online at www.strel-swimming.com. We are a verified merchant for several years and receive payments from worldwide customers. At most times your card is rejected due to a security
´Denied by Risk´ parameter which does not allow you to pay such transactions online, or you may have exceeded your monthly limit.
How old do I have to be to come on a Strel Swimming Adventures holiday?
We welcome guests from the age of 16. All guests aged below 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
You generally only need to bring your swimsuit and goggles – we provide everything else. However, you are welcome to bring with you any equipment you want to use for open water swimming (fins, wetsuit, pull buoy, rash vest, gps watch). Please see kit list (PDF Trip Notes) specified in each trip description.
Do you arrange flights?
No, we are unable to book flights for you. However, detailed information on how to get to our swimming bases is set out in the trip notes for each holiday.
Can you arrange transfers to the hotel?
Yes, we have arranged special deals with local transport companies (and hotels) for transfers to and from the airports. Please refer to trip notes for detailed information.
Can I book a single room?
Yes, for most trips you can. Our hotels offer single rooms or double rooms for single use. There are limited rooms on some trips during high season, so please contact us on email if you do not find single option available on our website.
Who will I share a room with?
We will only ever place people of the same sex together, and will endeavour to ensure that you are of similar ages. Please let us know at the time of booking if you are travelling with another person with whom you would like to share a room.
I am single and wonder if this holiday is suitable for me?
Yes, of course, about 40-50% of our customers come as single, but this vary from trip to trip. You will meet like-minded people who love active outdoor activities.
Do you cater for different levels of swimmer?
We welcome all levels of swimmer who are able to swim comfortably at least 2.2 km/hour. Our swims vary from 1.5-3.5 km. We have usually 2 or 3 escort boats (occasionally also kayaks) so that you can swim safely with others of a similar speed. We usually split our group in 2 or 3 speed groups and you can find someone to swim together. Should you not meet this minimum speed requirement we reserve the right to adjust your swimming distance if necessary. Some swimmers are happy to use fins and this usually adjusts the speed required easily.
Do you cater for non-swimmers?
We know that not everyone swims, but that they still want to enjoy a holiday with their friends or family member. Our holidays are focused and designed for swimming and we swim for around 2 hours each day (typically, one swim in the morning and another in the afternoon), but non-swimmers can either walk along the shore or relax on the main escort boat during each swim. We also incorporate daily walks or hikes into our itinerary, and all of our locations feature breathtaking scenery and great sightseeing. We also have kayaks on most of our locations and you can use them if you don´t swim. Please inform us at the time of booking if you are a non-swimmer.
We sometimes get asked if a non-swimming partner can stay in our hotel and not participate in our swimming activities at all. Our trips have limited capacity and are organised for swimmers, but we do understand that sometimes you combine our trip with your holiday with other family members. In such case, please contact us and we will do our best to provide you “only – hotel room” deal. Availability usually depends on current bookings.
Do you like kayaking?
If you are not into open water swimming, but would like to join our trip, you can use our kayaks (Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, Lake Powell tours) to kayak alongside swimmers. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Will we encounter any marine life?
Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, and we often encounter marine life on our swims. The majority of marine life is harmless and swimming with it adds to the unique nature of our holidays. We are always focussed on your safety and we constantly monitor the water around you. The risk of any unfortunate encounters with marine life such as jellyfish is extremely low. All of our guides are fully trained in the event that you are stung, and most guests will feel able to continue swimming.
What happens if I get tired during a swim?
It is important that you are able to swim steady pace for the average tour distance. Average distances are stated in each trip description. However, you are welcome to stop swimming at any time and either hitch a ride on one of our escort boats or follow the route along the shore.
Do I need to train before my Strel Swimming Adventures holiday?
We recommend you that you refer to our training plan and try to achieve the stipulated distances before the start of your holiday. Remember that you are more buoyant in salt water which makes swimming a lot easier than in a normal swimming pool. You will also find that swimming in a group is a fantastic motivator!
How many people will be on each tour?
Up to 12 guests on short trips and up to 16 guests on weekly trips. We can offer a larger capacity if, for example, a private group has more guests interested in joining us. Please get in touch.
Do you cater for groups?
Yes. We offer group discounts and can also arrange bespoke tours for groups of at least 8 guests. Please see link or contact us for further information.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, we do offer group discounts for groups of at least 8 guests. Please contact us at for further information. It differs from trip to trip.
Are meals included in the price?
Most meals are included, but not all. Please see details for each trip what is included.
How many swimming guides will there be on each trip?
Typically, each tour will be guided by two swimming guides and one or two local boat escort pilots.
Do you offer swimming tips and stroke analysis?
Our guides are experienced swimmers and most trips feature a dedicated stroke analysis session. This is different from trip to trip, so please see details per each trip. On our weekly tours we also film your stroke and you have the opportunity to participate in an on-screen stroke analysis session. You can also ask your guides for hints and tips throughout your holiday.
Do you offer creche facilities?
Strel Swimming Adventures are unable to offer creche facilities. However, you may be able to arrange facilities direct with the hotel. Hotel contact details are available in the trip description.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all guests. You must hold a valid comprehensive insurance cover for an adventure sport activity including open water swimming. Your policy must include medical expenses (including transportation), emergency repatriation, travel illness and personal accident on the tour. Please ensure you bring a copy of your insurance details with you as you will be expected to show your policy details prior undertaking any swimming activities with us. Below two companies cover open water swimming activities (professionally escorted tours).
– ENDSLEIG
– HCC INSURANCE
When did Strel Swimming company start running trips?
In 2010 Martin and Borut Strel (father and son) launched the business to offer trips in their home country of Slovenia and neighbouring Croatia. They were both working for many years in the past (1991-2010) on large swimming expeditions worldwide for Martin´s incredible marathon swimming achievements.
Will Martin Strel attend my holiday?
Martin accompanies some of the tours when his schedule permits in order to share his experiences and to motivate you to maintain your swimming lifestyle. Please check our website for announcements as to when Martin will be joining specific tours. You can also contact us for further information or to make any specific requests.