Crossing the Equator With FORM Goggles
The Galapagos Islands are truly a living museum of evolutionary wonder and if you ask anyone who has been here, it’s also a dream destination for swimmers and nature lovers alike
As a SwimTrek guide, I recently had the privilege of leading a group of swimmers through these extraordinary waters. Every stroke brings you face-to-face with some of the most unique marine life on Earth. From gliding past playful sea lions to sharing the sea with majestic hammerhead sharks, the Galapagos offers an unrivalled swimming experience, and there is no better way to explore it than with SwimTrek.
Meet Your SwimTrek Guide: Benjamin McIvor
Swimming has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I first learned to swim at the age of four, and from then on, the water became my second home.
Over the years, I have honed my swimming skills, initially breaking state records but then venturing into Biathle (a sport that combines running and swimming) - I’m proud to have been a five-time British Champion and to have earned the title of World No. 3 over the years, too. These experiences not only deepened my love for swimming but also shaped my approach to endurance, technique, and performance. Since these achievements, I have worked very closely with various top swimming clubs around the UK.
I’ve been guiding with SwimTrek for over a decade now, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding roles I’ve ever had, sharing my love for the water, adventure, and exploration with swimmers from all walks of life never gets old!
Unlike any other destination, the Galapagos offers swimmers an opportunity to immerse themselves in an untouched aquatic paradise. The archipelago’s waters provide (at times) some incredible visibility, allowing you to fully appreciate the abundant marine biodiversity beneath the surface. Schools of vibrant fish, graceful rays, and the occasional marine iguana swimming alongside you make every swim a mesmerizing journey! The variety of swim locations keeps every experience fresh and exhilarating and you never know what you are going to encounter each hour you are on the trip. Our carefully crafted swim routes ensure that a swimmer not only experiences the best of the islands and wildlife but also minimizes environmental impact while maximizing enjoyment.
The Galapagos is famed for its fearless wildlife, and swimming here brings you closer to nature than ever before. Curious sea lions often join in, darting and twisting around swimmers in an aquatic ballet. Green sea turtles gracefully cruise through the waters, and if you’re lucky, you might even encounter the otherworldly sight of marine iguanas paddling to their next sunbathing spot. One of the most thrilling moments for many is spotting a squadron of eagle rays gliding effortlessly beneath them or catching a glimpse of a reef shark cruising through the depths.
Training for the Adventure with FORM Goggles
Preparing for a swimming expedition in the Galapagos requires endurance, technique, and a sense of adventure. Leading up to my trip, I trained using FORM goggles, which provided real-time metrics that helped me refine my pace and stamina. The heads-up display allowed me to track my distance, stroke rate, and heart rate without breaking my rhythm, which was perfect for open-water training. Whether you’re refining your technique or building endurance, these smart goggles offer invaluable insights that make training more engaging and effective.
In the lead-up to any SwimTrek trip, my go-to training includes a mix of endurance and technique-focused sets. One of my favourite sessions to do is a straight 3km swim, where I aim to maintain a consistent pace and monitor my heart rate using the FORM goggles. Alongside sets like this, I also incorporate drill sets focusing on catch and body position, often using a set like: 6 x 200m alternating swim and drill, with drills such as fingertip drag, catch-up, and single-arm to reinforce form.
For swimmers gearing up for a SwimTrek trip, I can see how FORM goggles could be a game-changer! Whether you’re refining your technique or building endurance, these smart goggles offer invaluable insights that make training more engaging and effective.
Why SwimTrek is the Ultimate Way to Explore the Galapagos by Water
While many visitors explore the Galapagos by boat or on land, nothing compares to the immersive experience of swimming through its waters. SwimTrek’s expert guides ensure you navigate safely through diverse marine landscapes, providing support and knowledge that enhance your journey. Our itineraries are designed to balance adventure and relaxation, allowing swimmers to appreciate some of the world’s most spectacular waters. With small groups, SwimTrek offers a truly unique way to discover the Galapagos. Whether you’re swimming through dramatic volcanic landscapes or drifting alongside mesmerizing marine life, every stroke tells a story of adventure, discovery, and connection with the natural world.
Ready for Your Own Galapagos Adventure?
If swimming alongside sea lions, turtles, and sharks in one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems sounds like your kind of adventure, a SwimTrek trip to the Galapagos is an experience not to be missed. And with FORM goggles in your training toolkit, you’ll be primed for an unforgettable journey through these enchanted waters.
If you are ready to take the plunge, contact us or click here, and let's plan the trip of a lifetime for you!
