A swimming cruise in Poros, Greece - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine

Mariana Santos joined Olympian Ioannis Drymonakos for a week of swimming around beautiful islands and across hidden bays

Imagine swimming around the Greek islands while being guided and coached by an Olympian. And not just any Olympian but one that grew up sailing around those islands and who knows all the best places to swim.

That’s what happened to me in September 2024, when I travelled to Athens where I met Ioannis Drymonakos, a three-time Olympic swimmer and founder of Swimming Cruise.

There’s something incredibly energizing about spending time with Olympians – they bring a level of drive, discipline, and intention that’s truly inspiring. Over dinner, as we discussed Ioannis’s Open Water Swimming Cruise trips, he extended an irresistible invitation: “Why not come with us to Poros for a week of swimming?”

I eagerly accepted, excited to dive into this new adventure. Two days later I was on Ionnis’s sailing boat, alongside his colleague Angelo, and a swimming family from Australia.

After starting each day with a freddo cappuccino from Perel, a delightful lounge bar (that incidentally also served the most delicious food), we sailed to one of Ioannis’s secret swimming spots. We swam in beautiful bays, around spectacular islands and past ancient ruins. While we swam Angelo followed us in a dinghy, filming us above and below the water.

Later, back on the boat, we reviewed the swim videos while Ioannis gave us detailed and constructive feedback on how to improve.

The swimming was perfect. The water was warm, clear and full of colourful fish. On one day, we swam to a Greek restaurant on an island. On another day we swam between two islands. With Iannis’s guidance, we covered the 4km with ease. We stopped at the enchanted island of Hydra that has no cars or motorcycles, only donkeys. On the way back, we saw dolphins jumping on the horizon while the sunset turned the sky pink. We ended the day with a celebratory glass of wine, while struggling to believe our luck at finding such a magical swim adventure.

Week tours start on Saturdays from Poros Island. Find out more at swimmingcruise.com

About the author – Mariana Santos, Portugal

In 2024, I embodied swimming as the activity that brings me more joy in life. Reaching my 40s made me aware that my time is priceless and limited, so I had better spend it doing the things that make me feel alive. I decided to dedicate more time to swimming in open water, together with other swimmers who are passionate about all the good feelings swimming brings. I’m deeply drawn to the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers.

I’ve been fortunate enough to explore open waters around the world. I joined UltraSwim 33.3 Croatia in the spring. I then organised the Swim Party 10km Algarve where I live and then rejoined UltraSwim 33.3 on the beautiful island of Skopelos in Greece. Each event has reinforced my love for the challenge and the resilience that open water swimming brings, while also connecting me with a global tribe of swimmers sharing the same values.