Swamp is a tough biome due to the stamina regen rate and so many poison dealing mobs. Its probably the best designed biome out there though, and initially it is scary but you will get to grips with it.
To avoid the water you can build a causeway to the crypt, a raised wood platform is easy or hoe it upwards. Yes it takes a lot of effort to make a causeway, but it makes movement easier. Avoid the leeches and blobs, just run away.