BARCELONA [Costa Brava]

Open Water Swimming on the Costa Brava

The Hidden Coves Edition — 16.65km along one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastlines, in a new COMPACT two-day weekend format

The Barcelona [Costa Brava] event brings a new format to the UltraSwim 33.3 family. The Hidden Coves Edition is our 16.65km COMPACT format with two days of swimming along the rugged Costa Brava, connecting secluded coves, sea caves and cliff backed beaches that most visitors never see from the water. Based at the elegant resort of S'Agaró which will be the start and finish point on day 1, and the finish line for a marathon 10km on the Sunday, it is barely an hour from Barcelona and about thirty minutes from Girona.

This is the ideal event if you want the full UltraSwim 33.3 community experience but in a more concentrated 'end of summer' form. The same world class safety standards, the same community and the same sense of achievement, in a programme that fits a two-day weekend. With our complete packages starting from €750, and super connectivity and low prices to fly in to BCN or Girona, ts also the lowest cost way to discover UltraSwim 33.3!

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RACECHECK|5.0
★★★★★

Based on 200+ reviews from swimmers around the world

BARCELONA [Costa Brava]

20-22°C (68-72°F)

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Places are limited and held on a first come basis. The booking team will confirm your spot and answer any questions.

common Questions

Is this a shorter event than the Classic format?

Yes. The Hidden Coves Edition is our 16.65km COMPACT format across two days, rather than 33.3km over four days for the CLASSIC. It is an ideal entry to the UltraSwim 33.3 events, and a fine companion to a CLASSIC for experienced swimmers.

When does the Barcelona event take place?

It runs over a weekend with arrival on Friday by 18:00 and finishes at 14:00 on the Sunday allowing swimmers to return home Sunday night if needed (or enjoy a night in Barcelona!). See the Editions below for details.

What is the water temperature in October?

End of summer water on the Costa Brava is typically 20 to 22°C, with favourable daytime temperatures but cooler evenings.

Do I need to qualify to enter?

No qualifying time is required. We ask that all swimmers are competent in open water and prepare properly for the distance, with a minimum pace of 2km/h, and our programme guides you through it.

What is included in the package?

All inclusive packages from  from €750 (covers accommodation, breakfast and post swim refuel lunch, daily boat support, safety crew and the full event experience. See the Editions below for details.

UltraSwim 33.3 #17 Barcelona, Cami de Ronda coastal path on the Costa BravaUltraSwim 33.3 #17 Barcelona, Cami de Ronda coastal path on the Costa Brava

UNIQUE TO this event

Welcome to our new 16.65 COMPACT format

  • SATURDAY - SUNDAY event at a well connected destination - for time-challenged  swimmers, a great end of summer swim escape
  • 1h15 from Barcelona airport, 30 minutes from Girona airport - hire a car or go ULTRA+ to have transfers included
  • 7km day1 split in to a 2km and a 5km - and a 10km marathon point to point swim on day2
  • SUPER VALUE ULTRA package €750 inc 2 nights hotel, breakfasts, refuel lunch and 2 amazing swims with all the usual UltraSwim 33.3 quality support

Race formats

what formats are available at this venue?

16.65km

COMPACT

Two swims across one weekend, covering the half Channel distance of 16.65km. The stepping stone format for time poor swimmers, offered at Barcelona [Costa Brava].

Packages and Pricing

4 package levels - but one world class delivery

Every package includes a full premium swim race experience over 4 days - the service package choice defines the extra support options like post-swim sports massage, the accommodation rating and room size, the airport transfers and many other extras.

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE:

  • Hotel 4 nights twin shared accommodation including early breakfasts.
  • Pre-event training plan, training support channel and webinars
  • Finish line refuel lunches (excluding drinks)
  • Guided stretching sessions post race
  • Upcycled  Participation and Finisher's medal
  • Swimmer’s Pack (towel, water bottle)
  • Tow float and drybag loan (refundable €50 euro cash deposit to pay on collection)
  • Professional photos and video content
  • Group of 4 discount (4th swimmer half price) book at same time, including two new swimmers
  • Optional partner (F3, Family, Friends, Fans) supporter activity package, and accommodation package
ULTRA
Everything you need without the frills of the + packages
Everything listed above is included in the ULTRA package. It is important to note that you will be responsible for your own airport transfers except for Montenegro and Milos where they are exceptionally included.
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ULTRA+[4*]
Recommended
4* Hotel for four nights (shared accommodation, single occupancy available as an extra)

Dedicated airport transfers from/to airport to the event, except in Switzerland where there are fantastic train connections from Geneva and Zurich which make it easy for you to get to Lausanne.

Personal 1:1 Video Analysis pre-event (you must provide the video)

Swimmer’s Pack (towel or poncho, water bottle, woolly / sun hat, dry bag)

Post race sports massage (days 1-3)

Top sports injury physio on-site injury assessment (fee if further services required)

Single occupancy option guaranteed
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ULTRA+[5*]
All inclusive
All the benefits of the 4* Package

5* Hotel for four nights (single occupancy included in price)

Direct access to boutique hotels and upgrade options.
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ULTRA++
All inclusive
For the VIP experience, the ULTRA++ package, upgrades everything to a premium level.

This comprehensive package includes everything from specialist coaching to luxury hotel accommodation, concierge service and dedicated support. It includes 5 nights of accommodation instead of 4 and includes a space on the F3 package for your partner.

Email us for a personal consultation
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Event Format

HOW to get there?

Where is it?

Our new Costa Brava location brings UltraSwim 33.3 to one of Spain’s most spectacular coastlines. Stretching along the Mediterranean, the Costa Brava combines crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, hidden coves and beautiful coastal villages, creating an incredible setting for an unforgettable swim adventure. Away from the water, swimmers can enjoy the region’s rich Catalan culture, fantastic food, historic towns and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s a destination that offers the perfect balance of challenge, adventure and discovery — both in and out of the water.

Getting there

Fly to Barcelona (BCN), around an hour away, or Girona (GRO), about thirty minutes away. Arrive by 19:30 on Friday 16 October ideally - but later arrivals can be accommodated. On Sunday the swimming will be done by 1300, and for ULTRA+ the first transfer leaves at 14:00, reaching Barcelona airport by 15:30 and Girona by 14:30.

Nearby

  • The resort village of S'Agaró and its coastal path
  • The medieval old town of Girona
  • The city of Barcelona
  • The coves and villages of the wider Costa Brava

events

Choose your EVENT

Each running of this location has its own dates, price and booking. Pick the edition that suits you.

Open

#17

Hidden Coves Edition

17 - 18 October 2026

from €750

Water temperature: 20 - 22°C

Formats available : 16.65 COMPACT

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Event Format

HOW DOES THE EVENT WORK?

Every event follows the same simple rhythm. A supported swim each morning, an easy afternoon to rest and explore, and evenings together with the group. It is this shape, repeated across four days, that turns 33.3km into something you build towards rather than survive.

Start early, swim strong

Every edition follows the same simple rhythm over a long weekend. Early starts for the best weather and safety, a post swim refuel, recovery massage*, and return to the hotels for an easy afternoon to rest or explore, and evenings together cementing new friendships.

Build distance, build confidence

As the event progresses, distances build from 4km, with a marathon (10km+) swim on day 3 weather permitting - and what feels like a celebration c.4km final day course.  You'll be tired some days, you'll feel like superman on others - in the moments of doubt on or off the water, the group energy will carry you forward.

More than just a swim

The overall experience will mark you positively, and for many even life-changing and you'll give your very best whether you finish every leg or not. Our aim is to send you home a better swimmer, person or both.

* ULTRA + / ++ packages only

All our events so far have won awards. See reviews from other swimmers.

Gold Award 2025 RaceCheckGold Award 2024 RaceCheckGold Award 2023 RaceCheckTop Rated 2024 RaceCheck

Our events

Seven events across six countries, all built around the iconic 33.3km English Channel distance.

GREECE [MILOS]

Swim the volcanic coastline of Milos in the Cyclades over four days of warm Aegean water. Dramatic sea caves, hidden coves and some of the clearest water in the series, in early June when the island is at its best.

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Switzerland for léman hope

A 33.3km 4-day event including a crossing of Lake Geneva, from France to Switzerland, in one of the world's most iconic freshwater settings. Warm, flat water and a dramatic Alpine backdrop.

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Greece [Skopelos]

Swim the island-hopping route through the Northern Sporades, one of the most beautiful corners of the Aegean, with warm late-summer water and golden light that makes every session memorable.

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Montenegro [Bay of Kotor]

The founders' favourite. The Bay of Kotor combines warm, sheltered water with a UNESCO World Heritage setting that stops swimmers mid-stroke. Warm swimming well into October.

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Barcelona [Costa Brava]

Pioneer edition

The first UltraSwim 33.3 along the Costa Brava, one of Europe's most dramatic coastlines. Warm Mediterranean water into late autumn and a host city that needs no introduction.

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Caribbean [Nevis]

Pioneer edition

The first UltraSwim 33.3 in the western hemisphere. Turquoise Caribbean water, a historic volcanic island, and a sunrise-to-sunset rhythm that will stay with you for life.

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Croatia [Hvar]

Completed 2026

Three sold out years swimming from Stari Grad to Hvar Town through secret bays and clear Adriatic water. The Islands Edition pauses for 2027.

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