Alcatraz is undoubtedly San Francisco Bay’s most famous and iconic open water swim option. However, the bay offers a diverse range of waters and conditions, making it a fantastic place to swim. The challenge of swimming in the cold waters of San Francisco Bay is a unique and memorable experience. It’s an ideal swim for experienced open water swimmers, offering invigorating challenges that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Affordable and Enjoyable
Our shorter-duration swims start at $279/per person or less for groups of six or fewer. If space is available, guests over 18 years of age who are not swimming may join us for $125/per person. We also offer solo and private swims, with prices varying by duration and the number of people swimming. If you’re traveling or need additional flexibility to join us in San Francisco, consider our Cancel for Any Reason plan, which offers flexible refunds in the event of cancellation for any reason.
IMPORTANT: For group swims to be a success, all participants must be roughly the same pace. As always, we’ll work with you to find the best swim for your ability and speed.
Easier Swims – 60 Minutes or less
Classic Alcatraz Escape
Difficulty: 3.5/10
Duration: 45-Mins +/-
The most popular Alcatraz course for good reason. This 1.5-mile cross-current swim is challenging but not particularly difficult if you’re a moderately experienced swimmer. It takes about 45 minutes to complete.
GGB to Alcatraz
Difficulty: 2.0/10
Duration: 40-Mins +/-
We think this is the best Alcatraz course. This 3-mile swim is super fun, gorgeous, and fulfilling. It’s also the easiest Alcatraz swim, thanks to a solid push from the current. Most of the course often has somewhat calm seas and has the best possible SF views!
Alcatraz to Angel Island
Difficulty: 3.5/10
Duration: 45-Mins +/-
This course is specially designed to accommodate time-limited schedules. It’s the perfect Alcatraz swim for a day when the current is flooding and your schedule doesn’t permit the Classic Escape due to the current.
Moderate Swims – 60 Minutes or more
Bridge to Bridge
Difficulty: 4/10
Duration: 90-Mins +/-
Join us for this ‘Outside the Gate’ swim – a six-mile adventure through open ocean waters and rolling swells! For those with moderate experience in open water, this swim is perfect for pushing yourself and challenging your swimming skills.
Prison to Prison
Difficulty: 5.5/10
Duration: 3-Hrs +/-
Alcatraz to San Quentin is a great swim that locals love. This eight-mile, current-assisted swim is a lot of fun, offering various views and water conditions. If you’re training for a longer event, add this to your schedule… You won’t regret it.
Angel Island Circumnavigation
Difficulty: 5.5/10
Duration: 3-Hours +/-
A fun way to challenge yourself. Swim from SF out, around, and back to the city waterfront. It takes about two hours and is only available when the current permits, since it requires a slack tide as you round the island. We love this one!
Swim Today or Tomorrow!
We’re on the water daily with affordable
small group and solo swims or inquire
about all of our upcoming swims.