Swim Alcatraz and more…
World-Class Open Water Swimming in San Francisco
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Swim Alcatraz—and So Much More
As San Francisco’s premier open water swimming company, we specialize in the iconic Alcatraz to San Francisco Escape swim, delivering the most trusted and expertly managed experiences. With over 20 years of local expertise and as a company on the water daily, we guide hundreds of swimmers each year—and have helped thousands over the past seven years—to conquer this bucket-list challenge with a focus on safety, expertise, and unforgettable memories.
For those seeking more, we offer dozens of courses tailored to all levels, including the breathtaking Bridge-to-Bridge 10k, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge swims, and marathon training sessions to help you achieve your goals.
Safety and Expertise You Can Trust
Every swim is managed by US Coast Guard Master Captains on modern, swimmer-specific vessels equipped with radar, AIS, and a full suite of safety electronics to ensure proactive safety and prevention. Years ago, we raised the bar for safety and professionalism, setting a new standard in open water swimming. Unlike others relying on repurposed fishing boats, water taxis, minimally equipped vessels—many without even swim ladders—and inexperienced crews, we ensure exceptional experiences through meticulous planning and unmatched expertise.
This is the Future of Open Water Swimming
Our expertly operated small group swims are led by a team that truly cares—because we guide every swim ourselves, bringing the dedication and care that comes from building, running, and being part of this company as swimmers ourselves. As dedicated swimmers and seasoned maritime professionals, we bring a commitment and passion that large, impersonal companies cannot match. Unlike crowded group swims with mismatched paces or vessels unsuited for open-water safety, we prioritize attention to detail, high standards, and personalized experiences. Our hands-on approach ensures a swim like no other for those who value authenticity, professionalism, and safety.
Swimming Is Our Only Business
Tailored Swims for Every Level
With over 2,500 hours a year spent on the water, we offer safe, memorable swims for everyone—from seasoned marathon and channel swimmers to those taking their first strokes in open water. Each swim is thoughtfully planned to match your pace, experience, and goals. Whether it’s a clinic, training session, or iconic course like Alcatraz, we’ll guide you to success and safety.
What Swimmers Are Saying About Us
Nothing compares to the triumph of completing an Alcatraz escape swim!
Swim With Us (or Ask a Question)…
Alcatraz swims start at $295 per swimmer, and Bridge to Bridge swims begin at $425, with pricing depending on group size and other factors. We also offer private swims and can sometimes accommodate guests at a reduced rate. Every swim is thoughtfully planned to ensure safety, enjoyment, and a tailored experience that meets your goals.
Have questions or ready to book? Reach out today—we’ll help plan a swim that fits your schedule and preferences.
Explore our Courses…
Challenge yourself with our iconic Alcatraz swims, including the famed 1.7-mile Alcatraz Escape to San Francisco or one of our five other unique Alcatraz courses. Experience the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge during one of our three Bridge-to-Bridge courses or the thrilling Golden Gate crossing.
With over two dozen swim options, we have something for everyone—from first-timers taking on their first open water challenge to seasoned swimmers who’ve conquered the Oceans Seven. Find your next swim adventure with us!
Swim Alcatraz in Six Unique Ways!
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.
Ready for more? Expand your journey with our three Bridge-to-Bridge courses or explore dozens of other exciting swims, ranging from beginner-friendly options to elite-level challenges for Triple Crown and Oceans Seven swimmers. Whatever your experience, we’ll help you find the ideal course to match your goals.
More than 30 Courses to Swim…
Experience the diverse and breathtaking beauty of San Francisco Bay with our curated open water swimming courses. Each course offers a unique adventure from the exhilarating Bridge-to-Bridge swim and the challenging Angel Island Circumnavigation to the magical Sausalito City Lights Night Swim and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge swim. Explore the Bay like never before and create unforgettable memories on the water.
Kara and Nate’s YouTube Alcatraz Adventure
Check out Kara and Nate’s unforgettable Alcatraz adventure! As two fit but novice open water swimmers, they took on this iconic challenge with our expert guidance, a tailored training plan, and the safety measures needed to succeed. Guided by Sylvia Lacock (our co-founder and a USCG Master Captain) and Jeff Cooperman as Angel Swimmers, they proved that anything is possible with the right preparation and support. Garnering over 3.9 million views and trending in YouTube’s top ten for weeks, their inspiring journey is a must-watch if you’re new to the sport!
Marathon Swimming
Pacific Open Water Swim Co. was born out of our passion for marathon/ultramarathon/channel swimming, and we strive to share this with both experienced and aspiring marathon swimmers. We offer training programs, plans, extended training swims, webinars, crew training, 6-hour English Channel Qualifying Swims, and more for 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 via SwimTahoe.com.
Safety is the Priority!
Our swims are guided by US Coast Guard-licensed Captains who are also experienced swimmers. Our fleet of modern vessels is equipped with the latest safety features and is configured exclusively as swimming escort vessels.
Let us help you make the most of your San Francisco open water swimming adventures!
A Full-Service Swimming Company
Whether you’re refining your stroke, training for a marathon swim, or exploring new challenges, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our clinics are led by certified, full-time swimming coaches—professionals dedicated to your success, not part-time swimmers posing as coaches. For those pushing the limits, we offer training plans, programs, clinics, and webinars to help you achieve your goals. Whatever your experience, we have the expertise to elevate your swimming journey!
Capture Your Swim
Relive your swim with our personalized SwimTracker and photography options. We’ll document the experience with photos and videos, and for those seeking something extra special, an optional professional photographer or videographer can create storybook-style videos or stunning imagery. From candid moments to epic highlights, we ensure you’ll have lasting memories to cherish and share.
We Swim Daily. Join us!
We offer swims every day of the year, even on short notice. Whether you’re flying into San Francisco, hosting a college buddy, craving adventure, or seeking a dose of saline salvation, we’ve got you covered. Reach out today—let’s get you in the water!
YouTubers Welcome…
We offer professional content options for creators and YouTubers to craft a swim experience worth sharing. We worked with Kara and Nate to design their unforgettable Alcatraz adventure, meticulously planning every detail to ensure their video succeeded. The result? A trending YouTube video with over 3.9 million views and weeks in the platform’s top ten!
About Us…
Founded in 2017, Pacific Open Water Swim Co. builds on over 22 years of open-water swimming experience in San Francisco Bay. We are proud to complete more Alcatraz Swims, Bridge-to-Bridge, and Marathon Swims annually than any other company, helping swimmers achieve their goals with unmatched expertise and professionalism.
Our reach extends beyond the Bay—through SwimTahoe.com, we bring the same dedication to iconic marathon swimming in Lake Tahoe, the jewel of alpine open water swimming. With a deep connection to the water, a focus on safety, and a passion for adventure, we’ve become a trusted leader in open water swimming in the Bay Area, California, and beyond.
Follow Us on Instagram…
Sometimes you just need to change the channel for a few days #ocean #swimming
Another lovely morning out on the San Francisco Bay. Happy Wednesday! #openwaterswimmimg #coldwaterswimming #openwaterswimmer #bayswimming #bayswimming #wildswim #wildswimming
Amazing women, amazing swims. While everyone else was asleep on Monday night, Sept 9, two women set out to do incredible swims.
Erika Gliebe, a member of the South End Rowing Club set out and completed her FIFTH Round-Trip Angel Island in a time of 06:30:19. Erika has completed every 10-Mile Round-Trip Angel Island attempted and has more completions on this course than any other person.
Lisa Yamamoto of Vancouver, WA set out and completed a Double Round-Trip Angel Island, two loops of the 10-mile course in 12:00:36. Lisa is the first woman to complete a ‘double’ RTAI.
The swims were observed by the Northern California Open Water Swimming Association.
#marathonswim #marathonswimming #marathonswimmer #openwaterswimming #coldwaterswimming #bayswimming #bayswimmer #swimming
Happy birthday 🎁🎈swim tour, @eppletonhall_mermaid !! #swimsf #coldwaterswimming #openwaterswimming #openwaterswimmer
Congratulations, Dezider Pék of Slovakia who completed the 21.3-Mile (34.3km) Length of Lake Tahoe on August 12, 2024 in a time of 15:33:28 (pending ratification – Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association / TahoeOpenWater.org).
Dezider had challenging conditions with wind on and off throughout the night. He was crewed by Tibor Hideghety of Sportfanatic Slovakia and Viktor Dluhoš
Congratulations, Dezider! It was a tough swim and you conquered it! #marathonswimmer #marathonswimming #wildswimming #openwaterswimming #coldwaterswimming #marathonswim #swimtahoe #laketahoe #laketahoeswim #swimming @viktordluhos