4 – 9 June 2026

Beginner Sea Swimmer

  • Short distance swims of no more than 200m per swim
  • Technique and open water skills coaching
  • Ability to swim 4 lengths of a 25m pool

What’s Included

  • Accommodation that includes fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining and sitting rooms with log burners; utility room with an electric drying rack
  • Wood-fired hot tub in garden overlooking Loch Pottie
  • Transportation – Pick up and drop off at Craignure ferry terminal, Isle of Mull
  • Private chef – all meals at Achaban House
  • Wine provided at dinner
  • Two qualified swim guides
  • Boat support
  • Equipment – Changing robe, wetsuit, tow float can all be borrowed on request free of charge
  • Fingal’s Cave Swim
  • Guided tour of Iona
  • Yoga
  • Safety and stroke technique coaching

What’s Not Included

  • Travel to Mull
  • Some activities outwith the itinerary

What you’ll need (apart from swim gear)

  • Warm Clothing – Layers to put on after a swim (vest, long sleeved top/thermal, joggers/sweatpants, hoodie/jumper, gloves, woolly socks, woolly hat)
  • Waterproofs – Light jacket, walking trousers (optional but recommended!), walking boots/sturdy waterproof trainers
  • Drink – Favourite tipple
  • Other – A more detailed kit guide, travel information and itinerary are provided on booking

Additional Information

This retreat is about giving you the knowledge to swim safely in cooler waters – the waters in Scotland are warmed by the Gulf Stream but rarely get above 16 degrees – and helping you build confidence in your outdoor swimming.

  • It’s a great time to try snorkelling as the underwater world is magical at this time of year and the water perfectly clear. We stay close to the shore and in the shallows until you feel comfortable exploring further afield.
  • We spend a day in Iona where local guide David tells us all about island living past and present, rounding off the day with a short swim at one of Iona’s stunning beaches where the waters are clear and emerald green.
  • We also visit the local weavers where we meet the Isle of Mull Gaelic Choir for a re-enactment of the ancient tradition of waulking, accompanied by Gaelic songs.
  • For those who would like to, we have the option of visiting Tobermory, famed for its iconic multicoloured houses, for some retail therapy.


Other activities you can enjoy while you’re here include yoga, massage and walking tours. Not all of these are included in the price so please contact us for more details.

Please note when booking, if you get a message saying No Availability try reducing the number of tickets for that room and booking an additional room.