MONTENEGRO [Bay of Kotor]

Open Water Swimming in the Bay of Kotor

Swim between the mountains of Europe's most southernmost fjord, and out along the wild Adriatic coast, with all swimmers based in the 5* Hotel Lazure. The founders favourite!

The Bay of Kotor is one of the most dramatic places on earth to swim. Enclosed by limestone mountains that plunge straight into the sea, this UNESCO World Heritage site looks like a Nordic fjord yet sits on the warm Adriatic coast of Montenegro. It is the original UltraSwim 33.3 location, and the founders' favourite.

The Fjords to the Sea Edition runs along the Lustica peninsula from Herceg Novi, moving between the sheltered fjord and the open Adriatic Sea across four days. Weather permitting, the course includes a start line that goes through a vast blue cave, loops the fortress island of Mamula, through an abandoned Cold War submarine pen and includes a country to country crossing back from Croatia into Montenegro. Conditions can be moody like always when surrounded by the (Black) Mountains - but daytime temperatures are usually lovely and warm, and the water temperature at a wonderful end of season high of 22-23C

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SEE OUR OTHER EVENTS

GREECE [Milos]

from €2,057

GREECE [Milos]
GREECE [Skopelos]

from €1,794

GREECE [Skopelos]
MONTENEGRO [Bay of Kotor]

from €1,729

MONTENEGRO [Bay of Kotor]
RACECHECK|5.0
★★★★★

Based on 200+ reviews from swimmers around the world

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Herceg Novi / Meljine, Bay of Kotor

MONTENEGRO [Bay of Kotor]

Water temperature: 21-23°C {70-73°F)

Book now

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

common Questions

When does the Montenegro event take place?

Early October.

Is the Bay of Kotor sheltered?

In large part, yes. The bay is enclosed by mountains that give exceptional shelter, and conditions inside are often flat calm. However, the course ventures through Europe's most southernmost fjords into the open Adriatic around the Lustica peninsula, and routes between the two as the weather dictates.

What is the water temperature in October?

Water in early October is typically 20 to 23°C, warm enough for skins or a wetsuit as you prefer.

Which formats are offered?

The 33.3 CLASSIC across five to seven swims, and the 33.3/2 BUILD at roughly half the distance with all swims under 5km.

What packages are available?

All inclusive packages start from €2,050, but from just €1,794 as a group of 4, covering 4 nights accommodation, transfers, meals on swim days, daily boat support and the full event experience. See the details below for pricing.

Where will I be staying?

The Lazure Hotel and Marina at Meljine, near Herceg Novi: a five star hotel with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and direct access to both fjord and sea. ULTRA+ [5*] offers suites in the historical building with single occupancy included. ULTRA package also in the same hotel in mountain facing rooms. Everyone has access to the amazing spa, and all rooms are just minutes walk from the start or boat departure points.

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

  • Weather permitting traverse of amazing ‘Blue Cave’ on startline of marathon swim day
  • Cold war era submarine pen as part of the course
  • Reviews suggest its the best Hotel breakfast of all our venues! Only event where everyone stays in the same hotel complex regardless of package.
  • Channel crossings including a possible country to country 2km from Croatia back to Montenegro
  • Swim around Mamula fortress island (now a 5* hotel) after lunch on it!
  • Indoor and Outdoor pools with amazing spa at the hotel - ALL package levels are accommodated together
  • Pre-event preparation swim camp option
  • Transfers from Dubrovnik and Tivat airports are exceptionally INCLUDED at ULTRA level
  • The shorter distance ‘Half Channel’ 33.3/2 BUILD is an option here

prep camp

The UltraSwim 33.3 Prep Camp takes place two days before the event and is designed to help swimmers arrive feeling confident, prepared and ready for the challenge ahead. Over two days, swimmers can familiarise themselves with the location and course, take part in guided swims and training sessions, and receive practical advice on pacing, nutrition, equipment, recovery and managing four consecutive days of open-water swimming. It is also a great opportunity to meet fellow swimmers, coaches and the UltraSwim team before race day, creating connections and helping everyone settle into the UltraSwim 33.3 experience. The Prep Camp provides the perfect bridge between training and racing — allowing swimmers to prepare both physically and mentally before embarking on their 33.3km journey.

UltraSwim 33.3 #10 Montenegro, preparation camp training swim

Race formats

what formats are available at this venue?

33.3km

CLASSIC

The full English Channel distance spread across 4 days with 6 swims. The original. The one that started it all. Swims can vary from 2km to a marathon day 3 of 10-11km.

33.3 /2

BUILD

This 'Half Channel' non-competitive format aims to cover c. 17km over the same 4 days as the CLASSIC, but with all swims less than 5km. A great stepping stone to the full.

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?

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Where is it?

Montenegro is one of the most spectacular destinations in the UltraSwim 33.3 calendar, combining a challenging open-water swim with the dramatic beauty of the Adriatic coast. Based near to Herceg Novi, swimmers take on the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by rugged mountains, historic towns and stunning coastal scenery, as well as the wild and rugged Adriatic coastline. Beyond the racing, Montenegro offers a unique opportunity to experience its culture, food and landscapes, making it an ideal destination for swimmers and their families.

Getting there

Fly to Dubrovnik (Croatia) and arrive by 14:00 on Thursday, or to Tivat (Montenegro) by 15:00 for a direct boat transfer with no border crossing. Grouped transfers from Dubrovnik are exceptionally included (due to border crossing making private transfers difficult) even at our most basic ULTRA package level (with a possible wait of up to two hours to group flights). ULTRA+ package gets you flight dedicated transfers, and ULTRA++ private ones. Departures run from 14:00 to Dubrovnik and 15:00 to Tivat for flights as early as 16:00 on the Monday.

Nearby

  • The incredible old town of Dubrovnik across the border in Croatia - with its many islands accessible by boat from there
  • The beautiful fjords and villages of the inner Bay of Kotor, check out Perast in particular
  • The Black Mountains and Lovćen national park right on your doorstep
  • The old town of Herceg Novi
  • Albania is just to the south, North Macedonia to the south east - another voyage of discovery for those seeking a longer trip
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events

Choose your EVENT

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

Open

#21

'Fjords to the Sea' Edition

1 - 4 October 2027

from €1,729

Water temperature: 20 - 23°C (68-73°F)

Formats available: 33.3 CLASSIC, 33.3/2 BUILD

View this event

Open

#16

'Fjords to the Sea' Edition

2 - 5 October 2026

from €1,794

Water temperature: 20 - 23°C

Formats available: 33.3 CLASSIC, 33.3/2 BUILD

View this event

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.

Download the full event packEXPLORE THE FORMAT ›
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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.

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* 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.

Discover event

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.

Discover event

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.

Discover event

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.

Discover event

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.

Discover event

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.

Discover event