Event Spotlight: Morocco Swim Trek

I had the absolute pleasure of virtually meeting Edith Molina Edith, the founder of Morocco Swim Trek, and wanted to share her answers to some of my questions about the event. Although it's not on my agenda right now, seeing the incredible landscape and learning more from Edith has made me crave going to this event as a "once in a lifetime" trip that I need to start budgeting for.

I know I've only featured US-based events in my event spotlights so far, but this is such a unique event, imagined by a catalyst who created an open water swimming community and iconic event in a place where OWS culture didn't really exist. Edith is an inspiration, and Morocco Swim Trek is a bucket list goal for me now.

https://www.moroccoswimtrek.com/

Q: What inspired you to start Morocco Swim Trek?

A: Morocco is an incredible playground, and I was immediately fascinated by the lagoon in Dakhla.

It was there that the idea came to me to create an event in harmony with nature and the elements, centered around a noble and silent sport: open water swimming. But I wanted to offer something different, something that would spark the curiosity of swimmers and give them a new kind of challenge: swimming over the course of four days, covering a cumulative distance.

That’s how the concept was born and with it, the beautiful paradox of swimming in the heart of the desert.

Q: How did your personal relationship with swimming and Morocco shape the vision for the company?

A: Morocco is my home country, and swimming has been a part of my life since childhood. The connection between the two has naturally shaped the vision for the event.

It was important for me to design an experience that goes beyond the sport itself, one that reflects the warmth, hospitality, and raw nature of Morocco, while honoring the personal and introspective spirit of swimming.

Q: How did this event start?

The initial goal was to introduce and test this race concept, and above all, to bring people to Dakhla, Morocco, a place where no open water swimming event existed. Very quickly, and with almost no communication beyond a simple Facebook page, we welcomed 60 participants for the very first edition.

Since then, the event has continued to grow and now offers multiple race formats in order to bring together a wider and more diverse swimming community.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges in establishing an open water swimming event in Morocco?

A: One of the biggest challenges was introducing open water swimming to Moroccans, as the discipline was still largely unknown in the country. Another major hurdle was convincing local authorities of the event’s potential and ensuring their support. We are proud to have overcome these challenges and thrilled to have succeeded in attracting more than 25 nationalities to participate each year.

Q: Can you walk us through a typical Morocco Swim Trek experience?

A: Each day, swimmers take to the waters of a vast lagoon set between desert dunes and the Atlantic coast. The landscapes are striking, endless sand, wide open skies, and a wild, natural lagoon. What makes it special is the contrast: swimming in open water while surrounded by arid desert and, at times, flocks of flamingos gliding nearby.

After each swim, there’s a warm, communal atmosphere on land. Swimmers gather to enjoy generous Moroccan meals, fragrant tagines, seasonal vegetables, always followed by traditional mint tea and local pastries. It’s not just about the swim, it’s about sharing a moment, a place, and a culture.

Q: What sets your swim adventures apart from traditional tours or swim holidays in other parts of the world?

A: What truly sets The Morocco Swim Trek apart is the location itself is unlike any other. Swimming in a lagoon between desert dunes and ocean, in such a raw and expansive environment, is already an unforgettable experience. Moroccan hospitality plays a huge role from the warm welcomes to the shared meals, there’s a deep sense of generosity and connection that defines the whole event. And above all, it’s the spirit of the concept, a unique blend of passion, personal challenge, human connection, and self-discovery.

Q: How do you ensure the safety and comfort of swimmers, especially in open water conditions?

A: Safety and comfort are absolutely central to the Morocco Swim Trek experience. We have a highly experienced safety team both on land and at sea. Throughout each swim, boats and kayaks accompany the swimmers along the entire course. Over 30 members of our team are strategically positioned across the swimming distances to monitor and support participants in real time. There is always a safety boat closing the swim from behind, ensuring that no one is left unattended.

In addition, medical staff and rescue professionals are present at all times, both at sea and onshore. On land, we have two ambulances, emergency doctors, and a dedicated arrival zone ready to receive and assist swimmers if needed. Our goal is to create a challenging yet secure environment where every swimmer feels supported from start to finish.

Q: How does Morocco Swim Trek incorporate Moroccan culture and natural landscapes into its experiences?

A: From traditional Moroccan meals served after each stage, including tagines, fresh fish, and delicious local pastries, to moments of relaxation with mint tea under desert tents, we bring the country’s hospitality and warmth into every aspect of the event.

Q: What role does sustainability play in your event?

A: Hosting an event in such a pristine and fragile environment like the Dakhla lagoon comes with great responsibility. We are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint by reducing single use plastics, carefully managing waste, and ensuring that all race logistics respect the natural surroundings.

We work closely with local partners and communities to promote responsible tourism and raise awareness about environmental preservation. Our goal is not only to create an unforgettable experience for swimmers, but also to protect and honor the landscapes that make it possible.

Q: Are there partnerships with local communities or businesses involved in your tours?

A: We collaborate with artisans, logistics providers, artists, and associations from the Dakhla region. This not only helps support the local economy but also deeply roots the event within its territory.

Q: How has your organization been received by local communities and international tourists?

A: We had to build a strong foundation of trust with the local communities and take the time to convince them that swimming such long distances was achievable with proper training. Over time, the number of Moroccan participants has significantly increased from just 4 in the early editions to over 50 Moroccan swimmers today. They now represent around 35% of our total participants.

On the international side, we didn’t face much difficulty in attracting swimmers. Many were curious and excited to experience a completely new open water format, especially in such a unique location. Often, international swimmers are also more experienced, as open water swimming is more established in Europe and other regions.

Q: Can you share a particularly memorable story from a participant?

A: We’ve been deeply moved by many stories over the years, but a few stand out as truly unforgettable. Some swimmers have taken part in all 10 editions without missing a single one driven by a deep love for the event and the spirit it represents. I’ll never forget the Italian swimmer who once surprised me by showing me a tattoo of our event’s logo on his shoulder a powerful gesture that left me speechless.

We’ve also seen beautiful human stories unfold in Dakhla including couples who met during the event and are now building families together. Moments like these remind us how much this event means to people, beyond just the sport. They motivate us to keep growing, innovating, and giving our community even more unforgettable experiences.