Free beach meetups, organized groups, and everything in between.
San Francisco Bay is one of the great open water swimming venues in the world. The water is cold, the views are unmatched, and the community is welcoming.
Informal swims happen every week at multiple locations: Aquatic Park and Crissy Field in San Francisco, Horseshoe Bay in Sausalito, Crown Beach in Alameda, Keller Cove in Richmond, and more.
Organized groups also run structured sessions at Aquatic Park and Crissy Field. Some cost nothing. The most expensive option on this page is $175 a year.
Whether you are local, visiting for work, or just curious about open water swimming, you will find experienced swimmers and a welcoming crowd.
Where People Swim
All swims are free and community-led. These are informal meetups in public water.
- Horseshoe Bay – Sausalito
- Crissy Field / East Beach – San Francisco
- Aquatic Park – San Francisco
Swims typically happen in the mornings, but times shift with tides, daylight, and group schedules. If you want to know when people are swimming or want to connect with regulars before showing up, email us at swim@pacificswim.co and we will point you in the right direction. We have been swimming these locations for years.
These typically occur in the mornings, but times can shift depending on tides, daylight, and group schedules. Because we can’t pilot a boat and swim simultaneously, we often join in. Great people, big smiles, lots of laughs. If you plan to drop in or want to swim with others, email us for the latest info and we’ll let you know when people are swimming or connect you with regulars.
Safety
These are not supported swims. There are no kayaks, boats, or oversight, so swimmers participate entirely at their own risk. There are no lifeguards!
Do not swim alone. Always use a tow float for visibility. Know your limits, understand the weather forecast, and be prepared to self-navigate and self-rescue in cold, fast-moving water. Did we mention cold?
IMPORTANT: Currents in San Francisco Bay are faster than the strongest swimmers and flow in ways that aren’t always obvious. They are unforgiving. People who underestimate or misread them have died, been pulled out to sea, or required emergency rescue. (One reason Pacific Open Water Swim Co. exists is to help mitigate these risks and keep swimmers safe.) Do you have a waterproof phone case or watch with cellular?
Also, all swim locations listed above are active maritime zones. Motor vessels, ferries, and commercial traffic may be present and may not see swimmers. Even Aquatic Park sees vessel traffic—and not every operator behaves predictably or appropriately.
Situational awareness is always essential.
Want to Join or Learn More?
We don’t manage these swims, but we’ve been part of them for years. If you want to check when people are swimming, connect with regulars, or stay safe your first time out, we’re happy to help.
And if you’re looking for more than a beach swim—Alcatraz, Golden Gate, or long-distance prep—we’re the team that takes it further.
Email swim@pacificswim.co and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Want More than a Beach Swim?
We offer professionally guided swims year-round: Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, Bridge to Bridge 10km, and long-distance prep for channel swims and major crossings. Safety support, expert navigation, and iconic courses. Same water, different mission.
Learn more here → Explore Our Courses Swims
