18 Places for Open Water Swimming, Near and Far
Open water swimming ranges from a gentle dip at a Singapore beach to crossing an ocean channel. Here are eighteen places, grouped from closest to home to the world's toughest.
Safety first: open water is very different from a pool. Only swim where swimming is allowed, never alone, and check conditions before you go. Read our ocean swimming tips.
In Singapore
NEA monitors water quality at Singapore's popular recreational beaches and publishes weekly updates, so check before you swim.
1. East Coast Park
A long stretch of beach popular with swimmers and open-water groups. NParks advises people entering the water to cover exposed skin and take precautions against box jellyfish.
2. Siloso Beach, Sentosa
A lively beach on Sentosa's western side.
3. Palawan Beach, Sentosa
A family-friendly beach in the middle of Sentosa's coastline.
4. Tanjong Beach, Sentosa
A quieter beach at Sentosa's eastern end.
The Oceans Seven
The "Oceans Seven" is a challenge made up of seven of the world's toughest channel swims. They are for experienced marathon swimmers with escort boats and official observers.
5. English Channel
Between England and France, around 33 km at its narrowest, with strong tides that push swimmers well beyond the straight-line distance. The most famous channel swim in the world.
6. North Channel
Between Northern Ireland and Scotland, known for cold water and jellyfish.
7. Cook Strait
Between New Zealand's North and South Islands, known for strong currents.
8. Molokai Channel
Between the Hawaiian islands of Molokai and Oahu, about 42 km of deep ocean.
9. Catalina Channel
From Santa Catalina Island to the Californian mainland, about 32 to 34 km, often swum at night.
10. Tsugaru Strait
Between Japan's Honshu and Hokkaido islands, with strong currents.
11. Strait of Gibraltar
Between Spain and Morocco, about 14 km, crossing busy shipping lanes.
Famous mass-participation swims
12. Midmar Mile, South Africa
A one-mile race across Midmar Dam that attracts many thousands of swimmers, making it one of the largest open-water events in the world.
13. Rottnest Channel Swim, Australia
From Cottesloe Beach near Perth to Rottnest Island, around 20 km, swum solo or in relay teams.
14. The Hellespont, Turkey
A historic swim across the Dardanelles between Europe and Asia, made famous by Lord Byron in 1810 and now held as an organised annual event.
15. Manhattan Island, USA
Marathon swims around Manhattan, through the city's rivers, are a classic test for experienced swimmers.
Calm, clear water for beginners
16. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Known for calm, clear Caribbean water, a pleasant place for a first open-water swim on holiday.
17. La Jolla Cove, California
A sheltered cove popular with open-water swimmers, with marine life to spot.
18. Bondi Beach, Sydney
One of the world's best-known beaches. Swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards patrol.
Before your first open water swim
- Be able to swim comfortably well beyond the distance you plan, tread water and float to rest.
- Swim with an organised group or a buddy, never alone.
- Check water quality, weather and local rules; leave the water at the first sign of a thunderstorm.
- Wear a bright cap and tow a swim buoy.
- Practise sighting and bilateral breathing in the pool. See bilateral breathing and swim workouts for triathletes.
Build your endurance with our adult swimming course or private swimming course.
More in water safety
- Singapore Life Saving Society certificationsLifesaving awards, Bronze Medallion and Pool Lifeguard Award
- Do you need to swim to snorkel?Skills to learn and safety tips
- 20 water activities in SingaporePaddling, sailing, team sports and more, and the swim skills they need
- Water safety tips for familiesSupervision, condo and public pools, the beach, lightning and emergencies
Sources
- National Environment Agency, Water quality at recreational beaches. Grades and weekly water quality information for East Coast Park and Sentosa's Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches.
- National Parks Board, East Coast Park. Visitors entering the water are advised to cover exposed skin and take precautions against box jellyfish.
- Wikipedia, Open water swimming. Overview of open water swimming and famous channel swims, including the Oceans Seven.
- Active.com, The world's 7 most challenging open water swims. English Channel, Rottnest Channel, Midmar Mile, Strait of Gibraltar, Catalina and Molokai Channel details.
Want to build open-water confidence?
Tell us how you swim now and what you are training for. We will suggest a suitable course, format and pool. Lessons run at public swimming complexes, private venues and condominium pools across Singapore.