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14th Oct 2023 - 18th Oct 2023
5 days/Iceland /Moderate
Join us on our very first overseas Bluetits adventure to Iceland!
This trip has been designed with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers to allow you to explore Iceland’s ethereal landscapes from its waters. This trip is so much more than just a dip in the infamous Blue Lagoon. You will get the chance to take part in some sea swimming at geothermal beaches, dive into some hot springs and have the unique experience of snorkelling between the tectonic plates that separate Europe from America. We’ll also be taking a plunge at the recently opened Sky Lagoon where if we’re lucky we may be treated to a view of the spectacular Northern Lights.
The Bluetits Chill Swimmers is a social enterprise committed to empowering an inclusive community of cold water dippers. They now have more than 100,000 Bluetits across the globe.
This trip has been graded as moderate, our lowest level of difficulty. You do not need to be a member of the Bluetits Chill Swimmers or a great swimmer to take part in this adventure. The Bluetit ethos is about encouraging people to enjoy the water, even if it is just dipping your toes in!
This is not a challenge, just a chance to meet some like-minded individuals for a fun weekend.
You do not need to be a Bluetit or have any experience of wild swimming to take part in this adventure. It is advised that you know how to tread water to be able to get the most enjoyment out of the trip.
This trip has been graded as moderate for someone of good fitness. A Bluetit motto is ‘No Bluetit Left Behind!’ so what is most important is that you feel able to enjoy the weekend.
You will never be pressured to go out of your depth or beyond your comfort zone when it comes to swimming but you must be able to tread water in order to get the most out of this wild swimming adventure.
Temperatures can typically peak to around 6°C during the day and drop to around 1°C at night however you must be prepared for variations to this which are out of our control. Weather during the adventure will be dry with light winds but rain is possible.
Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.
The average sea temperature in November is around 4-6°C in the winter but it has been known to drop below freezing.
The waters in the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are around 37-40°C. However the Icelandic weather can have a dramatic effect and the temperatures can vary. You can expect pleasant warm waters throughout the year.
At Nautholsvik geothermal beach the large hot tub typically has a temperature between 38-39°C and the steam bath can get up to 47°C.
Likewise the temperatures at Hvammsvik can vary from ocean temperatures to anything up to 42°C.
We encourage you to take part in ‘The Bluetit Chorus’, which involves plenty of singing, shouting and the odd swear word to help your breath to acclimatise to the cold. Only you know your body, and we advise that you take things easy and allow your body and mind to acclimatise to the cold gradually.
You will be provided with plenty of hearty Icelandic meals which typically include fish and lamb and will keep your energy levels high for each day of discovery. Please note that dinner is not included on days 2 and 3 and lunch is not included on days 1, 4 and 5.
Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences.
Anyone aged 18+ can take part in the adventure. You must have a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry) and be in good health. You will enjoy the trip to the fullest if you enjoy being outdoors and want to gently challenge your limits with a supportive group of people. The Bluetit values are Trust, Fun and Inclusivity, and if you share these, you will love this holiday!
Please also note that all participants must be able to swim and tread water comfortably.
You will be accompanied by a Bluetit host who is a qualified swim coach as well as local guides who have an excellent knowledge of culture in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey.
Accommodation will be in a centrally located 3* hotel on a twin share basis. There may be single supplements subject to availability and additional costs.
You will need to wear comfortable walking boots or sturdy trainers for when we walk to swim locations. We advise you to bring waterproofs given the inclement weather we can experience in Iceland.
Normal swimwear is adequate for swimming. A tow float, swim shoes and brightly-coloured hat are essential for safety reasons. Other swimming accessories, such as wet suits, rash vests, swim shoes, gloves, goggles etc., are not essential but may make you feel more comfortable.
You will also need to bring some dry clothes to change into after your swim. Your body temperature continues to cool for 20-30 minutes after you exit the water and warming up immediately is essential. Loose-fitting clothes, such as big fleecy pyjamas and oversized jumpers, are easier to put on with numb hands and fingers. A wooly hat and big gloves or mittens are also helpful.
You will be supplied with snokelling equipent for the activities at Silfra on day 3.
Please see the full suggested kit list below.
London – Reykjavik
You will fly from London to Reykjavik before we transfer to the central Hotel Leifur Erikkson (or similar) before a welcome dinner and a chance to get to know your fellow swimmers.
Meals: Dinner
Nautholsvik and Blue Lagoon
After a hearty breakfast we depart for Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, a popular spot for the locals to go sea swimming. The beach is equipped with changing facilities, steam baths and hot tubs, making for a comfortable start to our adventure! After enjoying the water we will return to Reykjavik for a fun food-tasting walk through the
centre of the city – a chance to try all sorts of local food as well as enjoying the sights. Later on this afternoon we will pay a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon to take a dip in the thermal waters.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Pingvellir, Silfra and Hvammsvik
Today we depart for the National Park of Pingvellir, where we will take a walk along the fault line that divides the geological plate of Europe from America. The day’s
highlight will be the unique opportunity to swim from one continent to the other, as we snorkel in the clear waters of Silfra that mark the continental divide!
After lunch we drive along the coast to Hvammsvik Hot Springs – a stunning location where 8 natural hot springs glide into the ocean, surrounded by majestic mountains and stark black volcanic beaches. We return to our hotel in Reykjavik for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Skarfaklettur and Sky Lagoon
This morning’s adventure brings us to Skarfaklettur, a small beach with, unusually for Iceland, a white sands! We will have exclusive use of a small mobile sauna which provides the perfect contrast from the cool sea water! There is some free time this afternoon before we depart for our evening visit to the recently opened
Sky Lagoon – an oceanside geothermal lagoon with dramatic views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The Sky Lagoon is rapidly becoming renowned for its stunning sunsets
and, if we are lucky, frequent sightings of the Northern Lights!
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Reykjavik – London
After breakfast we will transfer back to the airport to return home.
Meals: Breakfast
N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest health and safety. Â
Deposit: £365
and then…
Balance: £1900
If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
