A designated open-water swimming channel located in the natural bay of La Azohía, one of the most protected and authentic coastal settings in the Region of Murcia. A safe and peaceful environment, ideal for beginners, training sessions and progressively longer open-water swims.

Total distance (km)

0.5 km

Water temperature range

(Spring – Autumn): 16–26°C

Estimated duration

7–12 min

Difficulty

LOW

Route type

Closed circuit

Start / Finish points

San Ginés Beach – Lifeguard station and Los Amigos del Azul Diving Club

Recommended season

Spring – Autumn

Sports beach

Yes

Detailed Description

The San Ginés Beach swimming channel is located in the bay of La Azohía, one of the most protected and peaceful natural areas along the Cartagena coastline. Specifically designed for open-water swimming and promoted by the Cartagena City Council, it provides a safe environment that is ideal for both beginners and regular training.

San Ginés Beach is officially designated as a sports beach, reinforcing its active character and its role as a venue for organised water sports and recreational activities along the Cartagena coast.

La Azohía—whose name historically refers to a "corner" or sheltered place—has preserved a strong maritime and fishing identity. The bay combines generally calm waters, limited urban development and a close connection with the sea, creating a sense of authenticity rarely found in more heavily developed Mediterranean destinations.

The swimming channel is marked by a double line of buoys and runs parallel to the shoreline through crystal-clear waters with very straightforward navigation. The sheltered configuration of the bay provides stable conditions throughout much of the year, making it one of the best locations on the Murcian coast for regular training and recreational open-water swimming.

One of La Azohía's most distinctive features is its historical connection to the traditional almadraba tuna fishing system, being one of the last places in the Mediterranean where this centuries-old method is still practised.

The route can easily be extended towards Isla Plana, following the coastline while remaining within the buoyed area, adding approximately 2.5 km to the swim. This makes the channel an excellent starting point for progressively longer routes suitable for swimmers of different experience levels.

The area is also home to specialised diving centres and marine activity providers, further strengthening the connection between sport, nature and maritime heritage.

Points of Interest (POIs)

• San Ginés Sports Beach
• Swimming channel with double buoy line
• Protected natural bay of La Azohía
• Traditional almadraba tuna fishing heritage
• Los Amigos del Azul Diving Club
• Option to extend the route towards Isla Plana
• Crystal-clear seabed
• Traditional maritime setting

Accessibility

Easy road access.

Parking is available near the beach.

Restaurants, showers and tourist facilities are located nearby.

Access to the water is easy under normal sea conditions.

Recommended Season

Spring – Autumn

The sheltered nature of the bay provides particularly favourable swimming conditions throughout much of the year.

The early morning generally offers the calmest sea conditions and the best underwater visibility.

Recommendations / Safety

Navigation within the channel is very straightforward thanks to the double line of buoys that clearly defines the swimming area. The lifeguard station and the Los Amigos del Azul Diving Club serve as permanent visual landmarks throughout the route.

The channel offers a very high level of safety thanks to its naturally protected bay and complete separation from boat traffic. It is suitable for swimmers of all abilities and is particularly recommended for beginners, technical training and regular swimming sessions.

The possibility of extending the route towards Isla Plana allows swimmers to easily adapt the distance and physical challenge according to their level.

• Check sea conditions, weather forecasts, water temperature and currents before swimming.
• Choose a route appropriate to your swimming ability and always swim with a companion.
• Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen and use appropriate equipment (goggles, brightly coloured swim cap, tow float and wetsuit where necessary).
• Respect the sea and marine wildlife; do not disturb or collect marine organisms.
• Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
• In case of emergency, call 112.