The Bridge to Bridge Swim is the premier 10-km (6.2-mile) fast, current-assisted open water swim in the San Francisco Bay. This point-to-point course utilizes a powerful incoming tide to propel swimmers from the starting location beneath the Golden Gate Bridge to the finish under the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
Most swimmers complete the route in 1.5 to 2 hours, taking in unparalleled views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the city skyline along the way. Whether you are stepping up to a longer distance or time in the water, we bring the specialized planning and expert piloting required to navigate this iconic route safely through the Bay’s active shipping lanes.
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (current-assisted)
- Price: $395.00
With over 36 Bridge to Bridge swim events each year, we swim this more than any other operator, all without the premium pricing found in large-scale, once a year swims.
2026 Bridge to Bridge Swim Dates
Pacific Open Water Swim Co. runs 36+ Bridge to Bridge 10k swims in 2026, with dates now available from May through December. We are the primary year-round operator of this iconic 6.2-mile San Francisco Bay crossing, offering more scheduled dates than any other provider. Unlike mass-start events that only happen once per year, our frequency and professional USCG-licensed captains provide swimmers with unmatched safety and scheduling flexibility.
| Date | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, July 11, 2026 | SOLD OUT | |
| Sun, July 12, 2026 | SOLD OUT | |
| Sat, July 25, 2026 | SOLD OUT | |
| Sun, Aug 23, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Tue, Aug 25, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Wed, Aug 26, 2026 | Request this date | Limited space |
| Thu, Aug 27, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Thu, Sept 10, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Sat, Sept 26, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Sun, Sept 27, 2026 | Request this date | Private Swim |
| Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Mon, Nov 9, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Tue, Nov 10, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Wed, Nov 25, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Thur, Nov 26, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Fri, Nov 27, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
| Thur, Dec 24, 2026 | Request this date | Space available |
Swim Requirements
Bridge to Bridge should not be your first open water swim. Experience swimming in the San Francisco Bay or cold water environments similar to our conditions is strongly encouraged.
Swimmers must be able to:
- Swim comfortably for up to two hours in open water
- Maintain a 2:15 per 100 yard pool pace or faster
- Sight and navigate in open water
- Maintain situational awareness within your swim group and escort vessels
If you’ve completed an Alcatraz Escape swim, Bridge to Bridge typically takes twice as long and is a good next level swim in the San Francisco Bay.
Distance vs Duration
On paper, the Bridge-to-Bridge swim is 10-km / 6.2 miles. In the water, it is a 90 to 120 minute effort. That distinction matters.
This is not a novelty swim. It is a controlled, current-assisted effort for experienced swimmers who can hold pace, stay present, and handle open water without hesitation.
You should be able to swim comfortably for two hours. With the exception of an optional feed in the water near Alcatraz, this is a continuous swim.
Note: While the distance is 10km, this is not a marathon swim due to the heavy current-assist. Swimmers should not use this 10km as a qualifier for marathon swim events such as Rottnest.
FAQ
Most swimmers finish in 90 to 120 minutes. Be prepared to swim comfortably for two hours.
Bay water temperatures typically range from the low 50s°F in winter to the low 60s°F in early fall. View historical water temperatures by month and season – San Francisco Bay Water Temperatures for Swimming
Wetsuits are a personal choice and not required. Some swimmers wear wetsuits. Some do not. Choose based on your experience in cold water and personal preference.
It is a sustained effort in moving water. The push from the incoming tide helps, but you are swimming the entire time. This is not an entry level swim. The course has some reliable spots with ‘texture’ (waves, chop, swirling water) that a swimmer must have the skillset and endurance to power through.
Yes. It is longer and often has more diverse conditions (waves, chop, wind) over the course of the swim. Swimmers must have the endurance for the duration this swim requires.
Knowing your pace is important when registering for a swim. It allows us to ‘pod’ swimmers together and plan the timing of the swim given the pace and level of swimmers are are putting in the water. If you are having an off day or just unable to stay safely with the swim, you will be required to board one of the escort vessels for the remainder of the swim.
==> Swim Pace Calculator
==> Understanding and Calculating Your Pool Pace
There aren’t any rest breaks. Some swimmers take a quick feed near Alcatraz. Others find the time to flip over for a few backstrokes and take in the views. Otherwise it’s a continuous swim.
Swimmers are welcome to bring a small backpack to keep on the boat during the swim for their belongings (phone, wallet, car keys, etc.).
Goggles (light tint recommended), backup goggles, swimsuit, wetsuit (optional), earplugs (recommended), swim buoy/tow float (recommended), parka/jacket, towel, a warm change of clothes for after the swim.
If taking a feed (gel or drink) during the swim, have this pre-mixed and in the bottle you intend to feed from in the water. We will handout bottles and gels to swimmers from the boat.
==> Open Water Swim Gear Checklist
Meeting times vary based on the day, tides and course. We will send you an email with logistics regarding the day of your specific swim.
Arrive on time and swim ready. If wearing a wetsuit, have it pulled up to your waist only, wear a warm coat, hat and shoes. We will have a check-in, safety briefing, course overview, swim instructions and an update on conditions for the day.
Once we board the vessel(s) it’s a quick ride out to the swim start. Swimmers leave their parkas, hat, shoes, towel, etc. on the boat during the swim. Once the swim is complete, swimmers board the escort vessel(s) to towel off and layer up for the ride back to the marina.
Safety is our #1 priority – always. High winds or fog can cause a swim to be cancelled. If conditions are deemed unsafe, we will cancel the swim. Swimmers receive a full credit and may reschedule to a future date. Those who opted for the Cancel for Any Reason plan will receive a full refund.
We understand that life happens and plans change. Swimmers who opt for the Cancel for Any Reason plan during registration are provided with a a sliding scale of opt-out dates and refund options.
Yes, swimmers must be 14 or older and have a parent/coach present on the escort vessels. Please contact us for more information regarding swimmers under the age of 18 or note this when requesting a swim.
Guests can sometimes be accommodated on swims, but our priority is for swimmers. Inquire about guest availability and fees. Children are not allowed to join as guests.
Yes, we offer photo/video packages for personal use which are available during registration. We also have special packages for social media influencers/YouTube stars/commercial work that will help make your online adventures amazing. We have extensive experience in capturing production-level footage of open water swims.
How We Run The Swim
This is where the safety and success is determined. We own, operate, and maintain our own fleet of vessels used exclusively for swimming. Your swim and safety is not outsourced to fishing, tour or taxi boats, volunteers or occasional mariners.
We run Bridge to Bridge in small, pace-matched groups. Each group is built before the swim so everyone moves as a ‘pod’, at a similar speed.
We operate multiple vessels, each with a swim-focused USCG licensed captain. Pods are typically 3-5 swimmers per escort vessel and are not spread across the course. Escort vessels provide support and navigation for each pod.
As with all of our swims, swimmers stay in close proximity to the escort vessel. Position, spacing, and direction are adjusted in real time as the swim progresses. It’s a natural, easy way to swim and enjoy the iconic views San Francisco Bay is known for.
Conditions
Wind, surface texture, vessel traffic, and visibility are part of the San Francisco Bay environment, not variables we ignore. Each swim is carefully planned around the tides, current timing, traffic patterns, and real conditions on the water. Safety, preparation, and success are the priorities, in that order.
Navigation of the course and swimmer position are managed continuously from the escort vessel(s) by our swim-focused and experienced USCG Captains, all experienced swimmers. Real-time adjustments are made as the swim unfolds, not after the fact and coordinated with San Francisco Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and other vessels.
Typical Bay water temperatures range from the low 50s in winter to the low 60s in late summer (°F). Water temperature varies throughout the year.
==> San Francisco Bay Water Temperatures for Swimming
Both wetsuit and non wetsuit swimmers are welcome on the swim. Your choice should match your experience in cold water.
Related Swims
Looking to build up to a Bridge to Bridge Swim?
- Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz swim – 5km in 45-60 minutes
- Alcatraz Escape
- Longer duration training swims