Swim Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay

Daily Alcatraz Swims, Year Round

Swim Alcatraz with Pacific Open Water Swim Co.

The Alcatraz Escape is a 1.85 mile open water swim from Alcatraz Island to the San Francisco shoreline. We run Alcatraz swims year round with experienced captains, professional oversight, and tight operational control. We also offer other, exciting swims including Golden Gate Bridge swim to Alcatraz, Bridge to Bridge, and more.

We have been swimming in San Francisco Bay for over 20 years. This is our home water.

Ready to Swim Alcatraz?

We schedule Alcatraz swims daily, with over 100 dates planned for 2026.

Submit the Inquiry Form with your travel window or preferred dates. We will respond with current timing, availability, pricing, and booking options.

Alcatraz swim schedule last updated August 11, 2026.

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.

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

Be sure and have your swim pace available – Swim Pace Calculator

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Looking for another date in 2026 or 2027? Ask us!

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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.

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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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