Swim Alcatraz and more…
World-Class Open Water Swimming in San Francisco
Epic Swims, Every Day.
Since 2017, we’ve offered personalized small-group swims, expert guidance, and unmatched access to San Francisco’s iconic open waters. From Alcatraz to Bridge to Bridge and beyond, we swim daily—24/7, 365 days a year—ensuring every swim is safe, confident, and unforgettable.
This is the Future of Open Water Swimming—Professional, Safe, Unmatched
Swim Alcatraz—and So Much More
Conquer the iconic Alcatraz to San Francisco Escape swim with San Francisco’s premier open water swimming company. With over 20 years of expertise and daily operations, we’ve guided thousands of swimmers safely across this bucket list challenge and dozens of other iconic courses.
Our tailored swims prioritize safety and professionalism. Led by US Coast Guard Master Captains, our modern vessels are equipped with radar, AIS, and advanced safety electronics to ensure a seamless experience. With personalized attention and care, we deliver unmatched open water swims—far from the crowded, poorly equipped alternatives.
Explore more with breathtaking courses like the Bridge-to-Bridge 10k, Golden Gate Bridge swims, or marathon training sessions and swims—designed for every level.
Swimming Is Our Only Business
What Swimmers Are Saying About Us
Dozens of Great SF Swims Available…
Alcatraz Swims
Experience the thrill of Alcatraz with one of six unforgettable swim routes, each perfectly timed to align with the Bay’s dynamic currents and calm morning waters. Whether it’s the iconic Alcatraz Escape or a route showcasing breathtaking views of San Francisco, every swim offers a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Other SF Swims
Enjoy San Francisco Bay’s diverse and breathtaking beauty with our super-fun, challenging courses, each offering a unique adventure. Bridge-to-Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, the challenging Angel Island Circumnavigation, incredible night swims, and many, many more.
Marathon Swimming
Swimmers with English Channel, Catalina, Lake Tahoe, and other big goal swims train with us annually. We have the conditions and expertise to prepare you for your upcoming swims. We also regularly pilot the 10-mile Round-Trip Angel Island course––one of the most challenging swims you’ll find!
Nothing compares to the triumph of completing your first Alcatraz swim!
Marathon Swimming
Pacific Open Water Swim Co. was born out of our passion for marathon / ultra-marathon / channel swimming, and we strive to share this with both experienced and aspiring marathon swimmers. We offer training programs, training plans, extended training swims, webinars, crew training, 6-hour English Channel Qualifying Swims, and more for both aspiring and experienced open water marathon swimmers.
Our challenging San Francisco marathon courses include Round-Trip Angel Island, 3 Rocks, 4 Islands, Crazy 8, and the 21-mile SF Circumnavigation.
We also pilot a significant number of marathon swims on Lake Tahoe each summer. You can learn more about swimming the 12-mile True Width, 21.3-mile Length, and 10.6-mile Vikingsholm at SwimTahoe.com.
Swim With Us
(or Ask a Question)…
Have questions, or are you ready to book? Reach out today. We can help plan or book a swim that fits your schedule and preferences.
Kara and Nate’s Alcatraz Adventure on YouTube
Check out Kara and Nate’s unforgettable Alcatraz attempt! As two fit but novice open water swimmers, they embraced this iconic challenge with our expert guidance, angel swimmers to assist, and robust safety measures. In water, safety and support was led by Sylvia Lacock—our co-founder and a USCG Master Captain—alongside Jeff Cooperman. Kara and Nate showed that anything is possible with the proper preparation and support. Their inspiring attempt, which garnered over 3.9 million views and trended in YouTube’s top ten for weeks, is a must-watch for anyone new to the sport or wanting to swim Alcatraz!
Bring the Team!
We’ve hosted dozens of fun team swims designed for all levels, from beginners to seasoned swimmers. Whether it’s a casual group adventure or a shared open water challenge, we’ll make it an experience to remember.
We’re A Full-Service Swimming Company
Our stroke clinics and individual coaching are led by certified, full-time swimming coaches who are also accomplished channel and marathon swimmers. These are dedicated professionals—not part-time swimmers posing as coaches—who bring real experience and proven expertise to every session.
Whether you’re refining your stroke, training for a marathon swim, or preparing for your next big challenge, we provide personalized guidance every step of the way. With custom training plans, structured programs, and focused webinars, we give you the tools to swim smarter, stronger, and farther.
We’re serious about swimming—and committed to helping you achieve your goals.
About Us…
Founded in 2017, Pacific Open Water Swim Co. builds on over 20 years of open-water swimming experience in San Francisco Bay. We complete more Alcatraz Swims, Bridge-to-Bridge crossings, and Marathon Swims annually than any other company, helping swimmers achieve their goals with unmatched expertise and professionalism.
Owned and operated by open water swimmers who are also US Coast Guard-licensed Master Captains, rated to 200NM offshore, we bring a level of dedication and experience unmatched in the industry. Logging over 2,500 hours on the water each year, we ensure the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and attention to detail.
As swimmers, we understand what truly matters. Yes, safety comes first, but we also know the importance of creating fun adventure swims, supporting marathon swimming, and honoring the commitment it takes to conquer courses, cold water, and conditions that challenge and inspire. Our experience in the water shapes everything we do, ensuring every swim is as safe, memorable, and purposeful as it should be.
In 2023 and 2024, we successfully escorted more than 85 marathon swims each year and guided hundreds of swimmers through courses in San Francisco Bay with our expertly managed small-group swims. This unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and care sets us apart, reflecting our passion for delivering exceptional open water experiences.
We own and operate a fleet of Axopar adventure boats from Finland in San Francisco Bay, custom-configured for open water swimming. These sleek, modern vessels feature ideal swim ladders, advanced navigation systems, and cutting-edge electronics for precise safety and planning. Complementing the Axopars, our 25-ft high-performance Nouvarania RIB delivers exceptional comfort, stability, and versatility—far surpassing traditional zodiac-style boats.
Diesel fishing boats, water taxis, inexperienced operators, and volunteer kayakers have no place escorting swimmers through San Francisco’s complex shipping lanes and challenging currents. Most lack modern safety essentials like radar, AIS, and proper swim platforms or ladders—tools we consider non-negotiable.
Don’t end up in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong team. We’ve invested in the right vessels, the best technology, and expert crews to provide the safety, professionalism, and performance that open water swimming truly deserves.
Through SwimTahoe.com, we bring the dedication of Pacific Open Water Swim Co. to iconic alpine marathon swimming in Lake Tahoe, the jewel of the Sierras. With a deep connection to the water, an unwavering focus on safety, and a true passion for adventure, we’ve earned our reputation as a trusted leader in open water swimming across the Bay Area, California, and beyond.
On Lake Tahoe, we raise the bar further with our twin-engine Cobalt and Formula cuddy cabins, delivering unmatched safety, performance, and comfort alongside our Axopars. We’ve invested heavily in modern, low-emission engines to ensure reliability and environmental responsibility.
Focusing relentlessly on safety, professionalism, and comfort, we’ve redefined what it means to swim in some of the world’s most challenging and stunning waters. Supported by expert crews, purpose-built vessels, and a deep passion for open water swimming, we’re raising the bar every day. Join us and become part of a community redefining open water swimming—one extraordinary swim at a time.
Alcatraz swims in such gorgeous conditions never get old. The light was stunning and Heather, Claire, and Carol had a lovely and successful swim with family and friends cheering for their arrival on the beach. #alcatrazswim #coldwaterswimming #openwaterswimming #wildswimming #swimalcatraz #bayswimming #bayswim #sfbayarea #sfbucketlist #bucketlist #swimgoals
Alcatraz swims are the best way to start the day. Adda and Sandra flew in from Iceland and had a grand time! Quite a few Alcatraz swims this week and everyone with a smille from their success. #alcatrazswim #swimalcatraz #bayswimming #bayswimmers #coldwaterswimming #openwaterswimming #sfbayarea #sfbucketlist #bucketlistadventures #bucketlisttravel #swimgoals
SAFETY ALERT!! SailGP will be back in the San Francisco Bay next week practicing for race days the weekend of March 22-23, 2025.
We have been in communication with them once again ahead of their arrival and provided information and maps with a request that this be distributed to ALL SailGP teams and drivers as they have done in year’s past.
Team members change from year-to-year and may not know that we have an active open water swimming community. Chase boats zipping at high speeds within 15’ of the opening of Aquatic Park, and closer to Muni Pier and Fort Mason pose a risk for anyone in the water.
We conveyed that most of the time swimmers are generally active in the morning but then usually out of the water (outside of Aquatic Park) by 11 am or so.
Everyone involved in the SailGP event comes from a water sports background and they do not want to upset anyone or cause an incident, injury, or worse.
So - mark your calendars that next week there will be ‘extra’ busy on the Bay and to be aware.
Thank you @SailGP for your consideration and we look forward to watching some great racing!
@sailgp @sailgpusa @sailgpesp @sailgpnzl @sailgpfra @sailgpcan @sailgpaus @sailgpger #sailgp #bayswimming
Success!! Maya Merhige (17) @chasing_channels completed the Cook Strait today in 14:08:36 - that’s some swimming!
Celebrate and donate:
SwimAcrossAmerica.org/Maya
(Swim history & photos too!) to help Maya’s fundraising for pediatric cancer research.
Maya is 17 and this is her 10th marathon swim. Dad (Chris) and Coach Kelly Gentry were on the boat to crew. Mom (Liz), sister Lucy and what seemed like a million friends, family, teachers, and fellow swimmers were following along with every stroke.
Congratulations to Maya, her crew, the pilots - Bo McLean, Andrew Fishburn, Deck - Don Latimer of Katabatic Charters - and the John Scobie (Observer) for the New Zealand Open Water Swimming Association. #channelswimming #channelswimmer #openwaterswimmer #openwaterswiming #coldwaterswimming #swimacrossamerica
Alcatraz & Success. Three friends, one unforgettable swim. Cold water, clear skies, and nothing but strong strokes and stronger vibes. There’s no better way to reconnect than swimming from Alcatraz.
Ready for your own escape? Join us—link in bio or at swimalcatraz.com.
#AlcatrazSwim #SwimAlcatraz #SwimTheBay #OpenWaterSwimming #ColdWaterSwimming #SanFranciscoBay #BucketList #WildSwimming #BaySwimming #SFBayArea #AlcatrazAndSuccess #SwimWithFriends #MarathonSwimming #OpenWaterSuccess
OPEN WATER SWIM CLINICS!
Sharpen your open water swimming skills with our March and April swim clinics in Sausalito, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Our experienced coaches will guide you through sighting, navigation, breathing techniques, and stroke efficiency.
Each 2.5-hour session blends practical in-water drills with informative onshore discussions. Boost your confidence and skill—ideal for swimmers focused on safety, efficiency, and precision.
Details at the link in our bio or SwimSF.com
#OpenWaterSwimming #SwimClinic #SanFranciscoBay #SwimAlcatraz #SwimTheBay #SwimTraining #OpenWaterSkills #PacificSwimCo #HorseshoeBay #Sausalito #SwimmerSafety #ColdWaterSwimming #wildswimming #sfbayarea
Starting the week off with an Alcatraz swim…35 min start to finish, 53.7°F water, sunshine and oh, yeah, it’s Monday!
We swim Alcatraz 7-12 times a month - and swimming in the San Francisco Bay for 22 years. Come swim for miles of smiles.
#swimalcatraz #alcatrazswim #swimSF #SFBayArea #bayswimmer #bayswimming #openwaterswim #openwaterswimming #coldwaterswim #wildswim #wildswimming #escapefromAlcatraz #alcatrazescape #triathlete
Nothing like finishing the week with a 10km Bridge to Bridge swim. Juan flew in to take on another, longer swim with us again—this time from bridge to bridge in 53.8° water. It’s warmed up a bit this week, so if you’ve been waiting for these warmer conditions 🥶, now’s the time.
Link in bio or SwimSF.com
#B2B #OpenWaterSwimming #ColdWaterSwimming #SanFranciscoBay #SwimAlcatraz #SwimTheBay #SanFrancisco #sfbayarea #wildswimming #bayswimming #bayswim #bucketlist
