Guided Swim Experiences
River to Reef Water Safety is based in the South Hams, Devon, an area known for some of the UK’s most stunning open water swimming locations. From the iconic Burgh Island swim to quieter, lesser-known coves, we offer tailored swim experiences for groups, friends, and corporate days out. We have also partnered with some great local businesses, so you can build your own package experience – check out what’s on offer below.
Click here to book now! Or if you would like to discuss a custom swim experience, get in touch!
Our Guided Swims
All of our swims are bookable within the River to Reef Experience Builder below.
Burgh Island
Join us for a unique open water swim at Burgh Island, where a rugged coastline, hidden coves, and deep blue waters create an unforgettable experience. This swim is designed to challenge and inspire, offering a unique way to experience the island from the water.
Avon River Swoosh
The Swoosh is a 5.5km river swim, set in a calm and scenic stretch of the South Hams. Using the natural flow of the river, this swim offers an immersive experience that is as much about taking in the wildlife and landscapes as it is about the swimming. The final 1-2km is the famous Swoosh, where you can either kick back and go with the flow or swim like an Olympic swimmer with a sprint finish.
Mattiscombe Sands
Starting with a 2km hike down from Start Point car park, we will wind our way through the fields towards Mattiscombe Sands. Once on the beach, you can notice the distinctive maze of rocks and gullies that are carved into the beach and sea. These make for a brilliant swimming route, carving between different gullies. Being near Start Point, where a seal colony is located, we have the possibility of seeing some seals! The distance of this swim can be completely tailored to meet the needs of the group, from a 1km route exploring the gullies immediately around Mattiscombe Sands, to a 5km swim where we head to Lannacombe Beach and back (via a few gullies along the way).
Thurlestone Arch Swims
Swim out from South Milton Sands to the iconic Thurlestone Arch, around 300 metres offshore, and experience swimming through one of the South Hams’ most famous natural landmarks. Depending on the group, we will swim to Thurlestone Beach (2 km) or Hope Cove (5 km) and back. For a bigger adventure, it can also be combined with our Burgh Island or River Avon swims with a scenic coastal hike between locations.
Hallsands Beach
Entering the water at Hallsands North Beach, we swim towards Start Point Lighthouse, following the base of the dramatic cliffs along this beautiful stretch of coastline. The distance can be tailored to the group. A popular 2 km route heads halfway to the lighthouse, loops around a large rock that juts out from the cliffs, and returns to Hallsands Beach. This swim can also be combined with the Mattiscombe Sands Gully Swim, linked by a 1.5 km coastal hike.
Experience Add-ons
All of our add-ons are bookable within the River to Reef Experience Builder below.
Steam Works Sauna
Set against an unbeatable backdrop on the beach at Bigbury, our wood-fired sauna is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Steam Works isn’t just about heat, it’s about the connection between warmth and cold water, land and sea, meeting people, making friends, sharing stories and having an unforgettable experience.
You can pair any of our swims with a sauna session, though it works particularly well with the Burgh Island or River Avon swims, which finish right by the sauna ready to warm you up. Read more at steamworkssaunas.co.uk
Swim Coaching with Wild Swim Devon
Julia is an STA Open Water Swim Coach with extensive experience supporting swimmers of all levels, from their first time in open water to preparing for Ironman events. Julia will join our swim to provide you with in-water feedback and guidance on your technique to help you feel more comfortable, swim further, and enjoy more amazing experiences in the sea. Read more about Julia at www.wildswimdevon.co.uk
Simply Soulful Yoga
Enhance your outdoor wellness experience by adding a Beach Yoga or SUP Yoga session with Simply Soulful Yoga for the perfect blend of nature, movement, and mindful relaxation.
SUP Yoga in Kingsbridge - Take your yoga practice onto the water and try something truly unique. Flow through gentle poses on a paddleboard as wind and tide challenge your balance and strengthen your core. It’s playful, invigorating, and wonderfully grounding for body and mind.
Beach Yoga at Hope Cove - Practise yoga beside the sea with breathtaking views of Bolt Tail. Feel the sand beneath your feet, the sun on your face, and the calming rhythm of the waves as you stretch, breathe, and reconnect in the beautiful Devon outdoors.
Discover more about Simply Soulful Yoga and our coastal wellbeing experiences at www.simplysoulful.co.uk