Kemer has hosted Türkiye’s two best-known open water swimming series, Arena Aquamasters and Arena AquaChallenge, on several occasions. Their signature routes are around Üç Adalar (the Three Islands) off Tekirova and the ancient harbours of Phaselis. This guide explains the difference between the two events, describes Kemer’s open water routes and includes an important note about the 2026 calendar.
Important: no Kemer round in 2026
Some event listings show “Aquamasters 5–7 May” and “AquaChallenge 18–20 October” in Kemer for 2026. Those dates belong to earlier years: the 18th Aquamasters took place on 5–7 May 2023, and the 23rd AquaChallenge on 18–20 October 2024. The 2026 AquaChallenge calendar includes Kaş (6–7 June) and Marmaris and Göcek (late October). Check the organiser’s official announcements to see whether Kemer returns for future rounds.
Two events, two personalities
Arena Aquamasters
A championship focused on masters (age-group) and amateur swimmers, with an emphasis on friendship and participation. When it was held in Kemer, the event ran over three days on eight routes with thousands of swimmers, and the final two days were swum in the turquoise water of Phaselis and the Tekirova Three Islands. The 2023 edition was shared between Konyaaltı and Kemer.
Arena AquaChallenge
An international open water championship with races over several distances for age-group and elite swimmers. The 23rd edition, in Tekirova on 18–20 October 2024, attracted around 600 swimmers from several countries across nine races. It opened with a night swim on the evening of 18 October and closed with relays on 20 October.
Kemer’s open water routes
- Tekirova: Üç Adalar. Clear, sheltered water around three small islands close to shore. It’s planned to become the area’s first marine protected area (more in our Underwater Days guide).
- Phaselis: the ancient harbours. Swimming in the harbours of a 2,700-year-old city is a memorable experience for any open water swimmer.
Quick tips for open water
- Pool distance feels longer in open water. Practise sighting and swimming in choppy conditions.
- Study the course from land before the race, including buoy positions and turning directions.
- The water can be cool at spring events. Read the organiser’s wetsuit rules in advance.
- Wear a bright cap that’s visible from the shore. Most organisers provide one.
Kemer for a swim training holiday
Race or no race, Kemer’s calm bays make a great open water training ground, and the sea is warm enough for long sessions from May to October. Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, close to the beach, so you can swim in the sea in the morning and in the hotel pool in the afternoon. Tekirova and Phaselis are about 15 km away by road. Browse our rooms or check availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aquamasters 2026 in Kemer?
We found no confirmed Aquamasters date in Kemer for 2026. The “5–7 May” date seen in some listings belongs to the 2023 edition.
Where is AquaChallenge 2026?
The 2026 AquaChallenge rounds are in Kaş (June) and Marmaris and Göcek (October). The most recent Kemer/Tekirova round was on 18–20 October 2024.
Where can I swim in open water around Kemer?
The waters around Tekirova’s Three Islands and the ancient harbours of Phaselis, both used in races, are the best known. Choose areas with lifeguard or boat cover.
Related events
Kemer Underwater Days, the Phaselis Festival and the full Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: Rigorius, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted with typography and shared under the same licence.