From the Water's Edge
Wild Swimming In Montenegro
By Natasha Shuttleworth | Founder, Wild Wellness
There are few things more exciting than arriving somewhere completely new, finding the open water for the first time and wondering what it will feel like beneath your feet. For me, every swimming adventure begins long before I reach the shoreline. It starts at home, laying out the small collection of kit that I know will earn its place in my suitcase.
Travelling light has become part of the adventure. Rather than packing lots of specialist equipment, I prefer a handful of well-designed essentials that take up very little room, and allow me to explore with confidence, wherever the water takes me.
This summer that destination was Montenegro.
Tucked between dramatic mountains and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Montenegro feels wonderfully undiscovered. One morning we were lowering ourselves from a traditional wooden boat into the still waters of Lake Skadar National Park, the largest freshwater lake in the country. The next we were floating in the impossibly clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic, discovering hidden coves, quiet beaches and peaceful swim spots around the Bay of Kotor. Two very different swimming environments.
Travelling light, swimming confidently
One thing I loved about this trip was how little equipment I actually needed. Three carefully chosen pieces of swim gear from Dippy Swim Co supported every wild swim we did throughout the week, while also making travelling easier between locations. More importantly, my kit gave me something you cannot pack into a suitcase. It gave me peace of mind, something that is invaluable when in new places. Knowing my belongings were secure, knowing I was visible in unfamiliar waters and knowing I was prepared meant I could simply enjoy every open water swim.
The dry bag that became my constant companion
If I could recommend one piece of swim gear to anyone planning a wild swimming holiday, it would be a quality dry bag tow float. Most people think of it purely as a safety aid while swimming, but I discovered it became so much more than that. It carried my towel, lightweight clothing and flip-flops down to the beach. It kept my phone, hire car keys, holiday money and passport safely protected whilst we same and explored quieter coves. It became my beach bag, day bag and tow float all in one. What I hadn’t expected was just how often I reached for it when I wasn’t actually swimming in the open waters of Montenegro. That versatility is invaluable when you’re travelling.
Lake Skadar: Freshwater, lilies and quiet confidence
One of the highlights of our trip was swimming in Lake Skadar National Park.
Stepping down the wooden ladder from a traditional boat into warm freshwater surrounded by water lilies was one of those moments that instantly slows your breathing. Everything felt calm.
In these peaceful surroundings, I still chose to wear a bright swim cap as well as use my faithful tow float. Going on holiday and outdoor swimming somewhere unfamiliar doesn’t mean safety shouldn’t still be the priority. My usual water safety habits were continued in Montenegro. Whether entering from a boat, exploring a new lake or swimming in a different body of water the first time, being highly visible allows you peace of mind that you are ensuring your own safety which in turns allowed me to enjoy the experience with confidence.
Floating in the Adriatic
The Adriatic offered a completely different experience. Crystal-clear turquoise water, tiny fish swimming beneath us, paddleboarders gliding across the bays, the occasional small boat and jet ski passing further out, with mountains rising dramatically above the coastline. One of the most magical parts of swimming in salt water is the buoyancy. The sea gently holds you higher, encouraging you to slow down, to float and simply be present.
It also reinforces why visibility is so important. Busy coastal waters are shared with many different water users. Wearing a bright, high-visibility swim cap alongside a tow float makes you much easier to spot, allowing everyone to enjoy the water safely.
Keeping memories close
Like many people, I love taking photographs while travelling. The waterproof phone holder that comes with Dippy Swim Co’s dry bag tow float quickly became one of those items I wondered how I’d ever managed without. Instead of worrying about leaving my phone hidden beneath a towel or tucked away in a bag on the shore, I knew it stayed protected while we explored new swim spots and moved between beaches. But the even bigger bonus was using it for the car hire keys and holiday money. This is something we did every place we swam and gave complete peace of mind.
What’s in my swim bag?
Before travelling, this was my simple packing list:
-
Dry Bag Tow Float
-
Waterproof Phone Holder
-
Bright Swim Cap
-
Swim Goggles
-
Lightweight Microfibre Towel
-
Swim Shoes
-
Reusable Water Bottle
Travel Tips
Many of Montenegro’s quieter beaches are pebbled rather than sandy, so lightweight swim shoes are well worth packing if you’re planning to explore swim locations that are not sandy beaches. You can also try the Dippy swim socks that provide protection as well for your outdoor swims.
Instead of rolling your dry bag, fold in half and pack it flat when packing your suitcase. This helps protect the valves and takes up surprisingly little space.