FASTER FREESTYLE SWIM CAMP
Nadi · Yasawa Islands · Fiji
April 21–30, 2026
Fiji feels magical from the moment you arrive
With 333 islands surrounded by crystal-clear, 80-degree water, it is an open-water swimmer’s paradise—alive with vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life. But it’s not just the water that makes Fiji so special; it’s the people. You’re welcomed with a warm BULA and a genuine smile, and quickly made to feel like a friend rather than a visitor.
Fiji Faster Freestyle Swim Camps blend relaxed island vibes with focused, expert coaching. Each day includes safely guided, beautiful open‑water swims, giving you the time and support to steadily improve your technique as the week progresses.
Hosted by Hall of Fame swimmer Karlyn Pipes, the camp is designed to help you swim with greater ease, confidence, and efficiency. You’ll leave refreshed and renewed, with a smile in your heart AND a faster freestyle.
Dates for the eight day/eight night 2026 Faster Freestyle Swim Camp on beautiful Nacula Island and in Nadi, Fiji are:
Dates: Tuesday, April 21st to Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Start Time: Midday, Tuesday, April 21st (check into Nalagi Hotel, followed by welcome dinner). Swim activities begin Wednesday, April 22nd.
Finish Time: 1 PM, Wednesday, April 29th (check out of Oarsman’s Bay Lodge and ferry back to Port Denarau). Or you may decide to stay longer!
Location: Nadi · Yasawa Islands · Fiji
Length: Eight days / eight nights
Spots Available: Limited to 10 swimmers, four space remaining
Week-long Fiji Faster Freestyle Swim Camps include:
Six to seven beautiful open water swims approximately 2k to 4k in length exploring beaches, bays and islands!
Eight nights accommodation
20 meals including eight breakfasts, seven lunches and five dinners. Vegan options are available,
Video analysis of your freestyle on day one and throughout the camp.
Faster Freestyle and Multi Stroke Swim clinic to help you improve the “other” strokes…fly, back and breast. If you do not know these strokes, we will teach you!
A one-on-one private lesson with video analysis and feedback during the middle of the camp. Time and location TBD
Open water skills and drills along with instruction
Staff will be using Go Pro’s and underwater cameras to capture our fabulous, Fiji aquatic adventures! Videos will be texted to you.
Transportation to and from all swims and/or excursions
Half-day trip to the famous Sabeto Mud baths
One-way ferry to Nacula Island aboard the Yasawa Flyer
Day-trip to Natadola Beach to explore one of the best beaches on the island and to experience Fijian culture and a variety of open water conditions.
On Nacula Island will a swim around “honeymoon” island
Our final swim will start off with boat excursion to another island where we will then swim around a beautiful coral reef and then explore a sea cave
All swims are fully supported by safety staff members both in the water and on a SUP
Silicone swim cap, custom BOCO Visor and a custom long sleeve dry-tech tee shirt
Free Community Swim Clinic for the Village Kids
Giving back is a meaningful part of our Fiji camps, and this community swim clinic is often the highlight of the week. The smiles and laughter of local children as they learn to swim create moments you’ll never forget. For many guests, sharing this experience becomes a lifelong memory and a powerful reminder of why swimming matters.
Because child drowning rates in Fiji are surprisingly high—despite being an island nation surrounded by water—we created this free clinic to teach water safety, build basic swim skills, and to help children develop confidence in the water.
For the past three years, camp participants and staff have volunteered their time to support local kids in a fun, encouraging environment.
We also bring free goggles and youth swimwear—including shorts, shirts, and swimsuits—thanks to generous donations from YOU and our swim community network. In 2025 alone, we distributed over 70 pairs of goggles and 40 youth running shorts. This clinic is a deeply rewarding way to give back and make a real difference—both in the water and beyond.
Swim Ability:
You don’t need to be a fast swimmer to join us—what’s most important is that you feel comfortable in open water and can swim continuously for 500 yards or meters at a steady pace. If you’re wondering whether you’re “fast enough” to participate, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to discuss your individual situation and any concerns—after all, the focus of every camp is helping you discover an easier, more efficient, and faster way to swim.
Accommodation:
During the week-long camp we will be staying on two different islands. For the first four days and four nights we will be on the main island of Viti Levu, staying at the Nalagi Hotel in Nadi (pronounced NANDY, like candy). After that we will take a four hour ferry to Nacula Island and remain at the Oarsman’s Bay Lodge for five days and four nights.
Our host hotel in Nadi is the Nalagi Hotel, which features a 28 m rooftop pool and bar area offering stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The rooms are all located on the 7th floor and boast a contemporary design with balconies that provide an awesome view. Daily breakfast was served promptly at 7:00 AM, offered a wide variety of choices, and was consistently delicious. We also enjoyed the friendly staff, and the location is excellent — just a five-minute walk to a grocery store and several restaurants, about 15 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes to Nadi town, and roughly 15 minutes to Port Denarau by taxi.
After four comfortable nights at the Nalagi Hotel, we’ll board the Yasawa Flyer from nearby Port Denarau and ferry out to the stunning Oarsman Bay Lodge, situated on Nacula Island, where we’ll spend the remaining four nights.
We visited many other resorts and ultimately selected the Oarsman’s Bay Lodge for its cool, deliciously laid-back vibe. It’s an adults-only tropical paradise featuring brilliant-blue Bure’s (cottages) shaded by swaying palms, with plenty of amenities and abundant marine life to explore just beyond your doorstep — you’ll never find yourself bored. The resort intentionally forgoes TVs and telephones to preserve the tranquil atmosphere, though complimentary internet is available in the main restaurant for convenience.
Please keep in mind that, like everywhere else on earth, there has been a huge amount of cost-of-living inflation in Fiji — especially out on the islands where all food and supplies must be shipped in. In addition, when we stay at the Oarsman’s there is a mandatory meal plan. The good news is that, although the Oarsman’s can be a bit pricey, we found it to be good value and absolutely worth it
Accomodation:
WE have FOUR accommodation options…from budget-friendly shared dorms to private deluxe beachfront bures. Prices are listed from low to high and we hope we have a price point for every budget.
Shared “budget” accommodation
While at the Nalagi Hotel for four nights, you will share a well-appointed twin room with a roommate (you provide or if available, we can assign one).
Then, we shift to The Oarsman’s Bay Lodge where you will enjoy four nights in the air-conditioned, comfortable and clean 8-bed dorm room. This shared accommodations offer privacy partitions between beds (see above) and is located above the restaurant, with an added benefit of being the only room type with wifi. Christopher and I stayed in the dorm (along with four other campers in 2024) and truly enjoyed the experience! What I loved most was waking up early (6 am), quietly getting dressed, then going for a walk on the beach and then coming back to the main lodge for a hot cup of coffee (or tea). As a dorm guest, you get first pic of the best lounge chairs to enjoy this gorgeous view of the bay (as seen pictured above).
This budget-friendly option is perfect for a solo traveler or friends traveling together. Cost: $2795 USD pp
Beachfront Studio Bure:
The Beachfront Studio bures are located just steps away from the powdery white sand beach. The water literally is your “front yard” and two private lounge chairs are yours to enjoy. Yup, that’s me below in a lounge chair!
There are four Beachfront Studios available. One unit features a King size bed perfect for a couple or solo traveler.
The other unit offers a Queen size bed and a single bed, which would suit two friends that would like to share accommodation. There is a solid wall between the two units and all the studio bures have their own private porch and outdoor shower.
The four Beachfront Studios are air-conditioned with a private bathroom, ceiling fans and fully screened louvered windows to allow for the beautiful sea breeze to sneak in. Outside, each Bure offers a private deck with chairs, a hammock and two lounge chairs where we know you will enjoy the beautiful tropical sunsets and stunning ocean views.
While in Nadi at the Nalagi Hotel, for four nights you will be in a well appointed King bed or twin room, depending on if you are traveling solo, with another camper or with a non-swimming spouse/friend.
Cost:
$3495 if you are sharing a room with another camper
$3995 if you prefer a private room or are sharing with a non-swimming friend/spouse/partner (meals not included for non-swimming guest)
Beach View Bure private or shared:
At 32 sqm, this freestanding bure is larger than the studio units. This cozy cottage is tucked away in a tropical garden setting offering a lovely view of the inviting turquoise water just a few meters away. With a king sized bed and a single bed, this bure is ideal for couple or two friends sharing. Fully air-conditioned, ceiling fans and screened louvered windows allow for the beautiful sea breeze to cool you by day and night AND an outdoor tropical shower surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens. The hammock and private deck are surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants.
For comparison purposes, the Beach View bure is a standalone unit, is larger than the Studio both inside and out, but it is set back about 50 feet so it is not “beachfront.”
While in Nadi at the Nalagi Hotel, for the first four nights you will be in a well-appointed King bed or twin room, depending on if you are traveling solo, with another camper or a non-swimming spouse/friend.
Cost:
$3595 if you are sharing a room with another camper
$4295 if you prefer a private room or are sharing with a non-swimming friend/spouse/partner (meals not included for non-swimming guest)
Beach Front Deluxe Bure private or shared:
Located literally steps from the water – you can hear the waves at night! Perfect for one or two, this bure offers a 32 sqm freestanding, air-conditioned bure. Furnished in a fusion of contemporary style with Fijian design, including an outdoor tropical shower under the stars.
This is the view from one of the Deluxe Bure’s at the Oarsman Bay Lodge on Nacula Island.
The hammock and large private deck deliver amazing tropical sunsets and your private loungers are great for soaking in the sun, taking naps or star gazing in the evening. Perfect for a couple or two friends that prefers more space, a touch of elegance and an awesome outdoor shower.
While in Nadi at the Nalagi Hotel, for four nights you will be in a well-appointed King bed or twin room, depending on if you are traveling solo, with another camper or a non-swimming spouse/friend.
Cost:
$3895 if you are sharing a room with another camper
$4495 if you want a private room or are sharing with a non-swimming friend/spouse/partner (meals not included for non-swimming guest)
