Ponza Circeo

The event

Ponza – San Felice Circeo: 35 km across the Tyrrhenian Sea

The 35 km swim crossing from Ponza Island (one of the six Pontine Islands) to the shores of San Felice Circeo takes place across a breathtaking stretch of sea, connecting this stunning island, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and its history as a strategic Roman colony, to San Felice Circeo, celebrated for its legends and scenic landscapes. A challenge linking two gems of Lazio and the Tyrrhenian Sea, set amid extraordinary natural and historical beauty.

Solo or relay

The crossing can be completed in two formats. In the solo format, one athlete swims the entire 35 km continuously. The relay format involves up to six athletes who share the same boat and manage their turns in the water. All participants must follow the rules in the "Participation rules" and "Safety and decisions" sections.

Services for every participant

A support boat with pilot, fuel and lifeguard for the entire crossing; additional safety boats with a first-aid team; manual event timing; a certificate of participation and exclusive event gear. A professional photographer will capture the most significant moments.

Because the date may change due to adverse weather and sea conditions, participants are advised to plan their trip allowing for the crossing to be brought forward or postponed by up to two days.

The race

The crossing is timed and has separate categories based on the use of a neoprene wetsuit.

Individual category

Athletes may freely choose whether or not to wear a neoprene wetsuit.
Athletes wearing a wetsuit will be classified in the “wetsuit” category.
Athletes swimming without a wetsuit will compete in the “non-wetsuit (skins)” category.

Relay category

For relays, the category depends on the equipment worn by the team members.
If even one swimmer in the relay wears a wetsuit, the whole team will be classified as a “wetsuit relay”.
Only relays in which all swimmers compete without a wetsuit will be classified as a “non-wetsuit (skins) relay”.

Check. Compliance with this rule is checked before the start.

The program

The crossing is scheduled for 13 June 2026. Due to possible weather and sea conditions, participants are advised to plan their trip allowing for an additional flexible day afterwards. In the days leading up to the event, athletes will stay in close contact with the organising team and will be informed of any changes.

12 June 2026

Technical briefing

5:00 PM Briefing at the Town Hall of San Felice Circeo.

13 June 2026

Crossing day

6:30 AM Meeting at the Port of San Felice Circeo and departure towards Ponza, followed by check-in, athlete marking and preparation for the crossing.

14 June 2026

Flexibility day

Reserved for any schedule changes due to weather and sea conditions.

Participation rules

Solo crossing (1 athlete)

The athlete may not climb onto or hold on to the support boat at any time during the crossing. One seat on board is reserved for the athlete’s coach or assistant.

Relay crossing (2 to 6 athletes)

Each relay team must appoint a captain responsible for coordinating the group. The order of changeovers is at the team’s discretion and may be changed at any time. Every team member must swim at least one leg (no minimum distance or time). Changeovers must take place in the water only, without climbing onto or touching the support boat.

No contact with the boat. In relays too, any voluntary or involuntary contact with the boat immediately ends that swimmer’s leg: another team member must enter the water and resume from the exact point where the previous swimmer stopped.

Mandatory certificates

All athletes, solo or relay, must hold a valid competitive medical certificate for swimming or triathlon, in addition to the Libertas membership (included in the registration).

Meeting point

Participants must be ready to swim at the meeting point (Port of San Felice Circeo) at least 1 hour before the official start time.

Useful tips

Train adequately in the pool and in open water, being able to swim for at least 60–70 minutes continuously.
Have a light breakfast, rich in carbohydrates and low in fat; no alcohol before the race. Start at a moderate pace and find your breathing rhythm before pushing.
To ask for help in the water, signal the nearest safety boat by raising one arm straight up.
The organisers accept no responsibility for theft or loss of valuables, wallets, watches, clothing, etc.
Each athlete/companion should prepare a thermal bag with what they need to hydrate and eat during the crossing; the organisation will provide light refreshments. Focus on liquids and light, energy-rich snacks.
Besides a towel and swimming gear, bring a sweatshirt, a spare T-shirt and a windproof jacket.

Race pack

Event swim cap.
Gadgets from the event partners.
Certificate of participation.

Regulations

Participation implies full acceptance of the competition regulations, including FINA and FIN rules. Participants release Swimming Travel from any liability related to their participation and consent to the use of their photos and videos for promotional purposes related to the event. Every athlete must be a member of a recognised federation such as FIN or FITRI; otherwise Swimming Travel will provide membership through the Libertas sports promotion body. Full insurance cover is guaranteed for all participants for the whole event.

Judges and timing

A jury service will be provided. The event will have manual timekeeping.

Rankings

All individual athletes who finish the crossing. The first relay team, winner of the edition.

Safety and decisions

Swimming Travel, together with the competent authorities, has full authority over all decisions regarding the safety of the event, including the right to cancel or suspend it at any time. These decisions are final and binding for all participants. Decisions communicated by the crew to the coach and/or the relay captain regarding the end of the race cannot be appealed; non-compliance will result in the intervention of the competent authorities.

Results

Official results will be announced and published on www.swimmingtravel.com.

Fees

Price per person

Staffetta

: €300