While the hikes are manageable by anyone with basic fitness, you will need good fitness levels for the swims. We suggest that to enjoy this trip to its fullest you should be able to swim 2km in roughly a one-hour session (that's 80 lengths of a 25m pool, or 40 lengths of an olympic sized pool) going at a steady but relatively relaxed pace. Having some confidence in open water will help, and while experienced sea swimmers will absolutely love this trip, this is also a perfect chance for anyone who swims in a pool a couple of times a week to try their first sea swimming holiday. Your host will break the group down into two ability levels to ensure each swim section is enjoyable and nobody is pushed beyond their manageable limit.

At any time you can go out to one of the support boats or take a break to feed or rest. However, you will be surprised at the distances you will be able swim in the company of your fellow adventurers and your experienced swim guides. ​

The average water temperature for this adventure is between 20°C (68°F) and 24°C (75°F). Wetsuits are optional at this temperature. You can bring your own or hire one from your host (see kitlist and optional extras).

Click here to read a comprehensive guide on water temperature and required wetsuit thickness.

Yes, feel free to use whatever items help you to complete an enjoyable and successful swim each day. For logistical and safety reasons we only ask you to inform your guide on Day 1 if you are aiming to use any supplementary equipment.

This trip runs between June and October to make the most of the warm seas during those months. July to September are the warmest and sunniest months of the year, with average highs of 24°C (75°F), though temperatures in the early thirties are not uncommon during the summer. September and October are pleasantly quieter months on the island as a whole (though the remote swim spots you'll be visiting will be blissfully devoid of tourists even in the peak of the school holidays). Expect average highs of 22°C (71°F) through September and October.

You will be guided by two experienced and qualified swim guides throughout the week. They will be by your side for every stroke of the adventure. For each swim, the group will be split into two smaller groups based on swimming ability. At all times, with the exception of the warm-up swim on Day 1 at Funchal Lido, your swims will be accompanied by a support boat and a kayak. If at any point you need to stop to rest or refuel with a snack, your guides are on hand to assist you out of the water for as long as you need.

Your swim guides and local boat pilot will be constantly monitoring the sea conditions. If at any point the conditions are not optimal on any given day then an alternative swim spot will be chosen. As such the itinerary is subject to change.

The tap water on Madeira is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotel and at restaurants to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.

You can leave your main luggage in your hotel room in Funchal for the duration of the adventure.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.

Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.