Top 6 reasons to cross the sea of Galilee in 2026
Swim in history Reunite with a cradle of human culture
The sea of Galilee is the most familiar body of water in the Bible, the seat of the tribes of Israel, the place where Jesus walked and the gospels came into the world to be later spread by the 12 messengers who lived by its shores, where Saladin defeated the Crusaders at the decisive Battle of Hattin, and so many other stories throughout history. Recorded swims have taken place since 1944
Pick your goal, Push your limitsFrom 10km to 41km, 16°c to 26°c
The sea of Galilee offers a range of crossing options, from 10km width crossing to 20.5km length crossing and 41km 2-way crossing. If that isn’t enough for you, perhaps you’ll rise to the challenge of being the first ever swimmer to complete the 3-way crossing! Some like it hot and some like it cold, so the lake offers 16 degrees water temperature during the winter and 26 degrees during the spring or fall
Make peaceThe source of freshwater to the entire region
The sea of Galilee is the source of freshwater to the whole region and thus the hope for good neighboring, friendship and peace on earth. We invite you with open hands and warm hearts to come and contribute to this vital mission
Follow the birdsSwim along one of the largest bird migration routes
The region is a major stop-over site along the African-Eurasian Flyway where hundreds of millions of birds of nearly 400 species travel each year
Make historyComplete your Stillwater 8 global challenge
The sea of Galilee is part of the Stillwater 8, a group of 8 marathon swims in lakes for seriously-minded marathon swimmers who are focused on still-water marathon swims. Since its creation in 2020, GMSA provides observers to document your swims and make sure they enter the history of this amazing site and of international marathon swimming.
Feel the bottom of mother earthSwim the lowest freshwater lake in the world
At minus 210 meters below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake in the world