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Pacific Open Water Swim Co.

Swim Alcatraz | San Francisco Open Water Swimming with 26+ Routes

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Home/Daily Alcatraz Swims!


Daily Alcatraz Swim Options, Year-Round

The Alcatraz swim is a bucket list challenge for open water swimmers worldwide. At Pacific Open Water Swim Co., you can complete this iconic 1.5-mile swim year-round with unmatched safety, professionalism, and support. Pricing is $279 per swimmer, with available group, team, and private swim options. We’ve been swimming in San Francisco Bay for over 22 years—this is our home, and you’re invited.

Ready to Swim Alcatraz?

We have over 90 Alcatraz swims scheduled for 2025, including special Alcatraz training swims in April and May to prepare for the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Complete the Registration/ Inquiry Form with your travel dates or desired swim dates, and we will reply with swim, current, pricing, and booking information.

June 2025 Alcatraz Swims

  • June 2: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 11: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 12: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 13: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 14: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 15: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 16: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 17: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 18: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 19: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 27: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 28: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 29: Alcatraz Escape swim
  • June 30: Alcatraz Escape swim

    + Golden Gate Bridge TO Alcatraz dates available – Ask us!

It’s Easy to Swim with Us…

Due to the number of swims we offer and the dynamic nature of the San Francisco’s currents, we work directly with swimmers to set up the ideal swim that matches their availability, experience, and goals. Reach out with questions or to book a swim.

SWIM REGISTRATION / INQUIRIES

We respond quickly—most inquiries are answered within a day.


Looking for a date in July or beyond? Ask us!


Learn more about our Alcatraz Swims

Learn More About Swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco

We offer more Alcatraz swims than anyone—year-round and tide-optimized. Because conditions in San Francisco Bay vary daily, we work directly with swimmers to schedule the best possible swim based on availability, experience, and goals. Visit our Alcatraz swim page to learn more, or contact us to book your swim.

ALL ALCATRAZ COURSeS
Alcatraz swim route map showing multiple swim variants, including Escape, Round-Trip, Horseshoe, Angel Island, Golden Gate, Pt. Bonita, and Mile Rocks.
So many options, so little time—this map highlights most of our Alcatraz swim variants, from regular routes to special event swims.

Why Choose Pacific Open Water Swim Co.?

We are professional, experienced open water and marathon swimmers, and USCG-licensed captains who are on the water daily. We own and operate our own vessels—designed specifically for swimming—not borrowed fishing boats, tour boats, water taxis, or recreational vessels like others.

Our maritime expertise allows us to coordinate seamlessly with the U.S. Coast Guard and commercial traffic in San Francisco Bay, ensuring every swim is safe, smooth, and efficient. Each course is planned with precision, drawing on nearly a decade of current modeling and tide forecasting to optimize safety and swimmer performance.

We offer more Alcatraz swims than any other company and a broader range of courses for everyone, from beginners to experienced channel swimmers.

A group of smiling swimmers preparing for an Alcatraz swim in San Francisco Bay, with wetsuit and skin swimmers ready for the challenge.
Nothing but smiles as this group prepares to escape Alcatraz—wetsuit and skin swimmers alike, ready to conquer the legendary San Francisco Bay waters.

Why Choose Pacific Open Water Swim Co.?

We believe safety and enjoyment go hand in hand. Our exclusive fleet of modern, comfortable boats is dedicated to escorting open water swimmers. Small groups of matched abilities ensure a personalized and supportive experience.

A modern Axopar 28 escort vessel from SwimAlcatraz.com floats in calm water at sunrise, equipped for open water swimming support.
Designed for Swimmers. Built for the Bay. One of our purpose-built Axopar 28 escort vessels—modern, low-emission, and Finnish-designed, then modified specifically for open water swimming. Stable, responsive, and outfitted with the right tools for safe, serious swimming.

Alcatraz Swims Done Right

Every swim is customized to align with your availability, experience, and goals. With the dynamic nature of Bay currents, we work closely with each swimmer to schedule the ideal time and course for their swim.

This is the future of Open Water Swimming.

Kara and Nate with angel swimmers Sylvia and Jeff.

Swimming Alcatraz:

Requirements and Recommendations

Water temperatures vary throughout the year in San Francisco, but we swim year-round and know plenty of you want to. Fall (August–October) is the warmest season, with water reaching up to 65°F (18°C). In Spring and Summer (May–July), temperatures range between 53°F and 59°F (12°C to 15°C). Winter (December–March) is the coolest, dipping as low as 50°F (10°C) and rarely exceeding 52°F (11°C). Bring your wetsuit or rent one locally to stay comfortable. Skin swimmers, like us, are always welcome.

Average San Francisco Water Temperature

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Avg Temp (°F) 52.2 50.4 50.2 52.6 54.6 56.8 58.7 60.4 60.9 58.5 55.1 52.6
Avg Temp (°C) 11.2 10.2 10.1 11.4 12.6 13.8 14.8 15.8 16.1 14.7 12.8 11.4


Learn More About San Francisco Bay Water Temperatures: [14 Year HIstorical Water Temperature Data]

Wetsuit rentals are available in San Francisco year-round if you’re flying in to swim with us or don’t already own one. Additionally, we offer dozens of other fantastic swims, including night swimming, the Bridge to Bridge 10 km, and a Golden Gate Bridge swim, to name a few. Choose us for an unforgettable swimming experience, and confidently conquer Alcatraz and all your San Francisco open water goals.

Fly in and swim… This team stopped by before completing the Molokai Strait!

Small Group or Solo
You decide!

We offer a variety of swims to cater to individual experience levels, availability, and goals. Get in touch with us today to arrange a swim that’s perfect for you.

Fill out the form below to get started. We’ll reply within 24 hours or less.

SWIM WITH US

Tailored Swims for Your Unique Needs and Goals

We understand that every swimmer has unique needs and goals, so we tailor each swim to the individual or small group. Let us know your availability and swimming experience, and we’ll work with you to coordinate a swim that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Lots of big smiles from this group. They organize group swims with us regularly!

Our team of three full-time USCG-licensed captains operates daily on our fleet of modern, comfortable escort vessels. With advanced navigation systems like radar, AIS, and optional live GPS tracking, we provide unmatched safety and quality—letting your family and friends follow your swim in real time. Owning our boats allows us to keep pricing competitive without compromising excellence. No one else on the water offers our level of expertise, professionalism, and personalized care.

If you’re ready to take on the Alcatraz swim or any of our other 26 excellent open water San Francisco swims, reach out via the form below for more information. Our quick and easy scheduling process takes just a minute, and we’ll be sure to get back to you within a day or so.
Trust us to provide a unique, safe, and unforgettable swim experience.

How about a prison-to-prison swim? Alcatraz to San Quentin anyone?

How to Register

Complete our Inquiry & Registration Form with your preferred date(s), swim pace, and open water experience. We’ll respond within 24 hours with availability and booking details—no payment is due until we’ve confirmed a swim that matches your needs.

What Swimmers Are Saying

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Phone: +1-415-737-9870
Email: swim@pacificswim.co
@PacificSwimCo

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