The escape swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco covers approximately 1.8 miles (3.0 km). Most swimmers complete it in 30 to 60 minutes, with the average finish around 40 minutes, depending on conditions.

The Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz route is longer at 3 miles (4.8 km), but with current assistance, swim times are often similar, typically ranging from 35 to 60 minutes.

Water temperatures in San Francisco Bay typically range from 50°F to 63°F (10°C to 17°C) depending on the season.

• Mid-Season (April – August): Temperatures range from 54°F to 60°F (12°C to 16°C).
• Warmer months (Late August – Late October): Temperatures peak between 58°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C).
• Colder months (Mid-November – March): The Bay is at its coldest, dipping to 50°F to 54°F (10°C to 12°C).

Wetsuits are common for warmth and buoyancy, but many experienced open water swimmers complete the swim “skin” (without a wetsuit). At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice. Wetsuit rentals are available in San Francisco.

Yes, open water swimming experience is essential for an Alcatraz swim. Swimmers should feel comfortable in cold, choppy water and capable of swimming 1-2 miles without assistance. Freestyle is the required stroke unless you arrange otherwise, and participants are responsible for sighting and staying on course, with escort vessels providing general safety and logistical support.

Our swims are small group, pace-matched events, meaning participants must maintain the pace they indicate at registration. Swimmers who fall behind may be brought on board for safety, while those who underestimate their pace (sand-bagging) can disrupt the group by circling back too often to stay with the pod. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, we accommodate various speeds with multiple boats and swim options—making it essential to accurately represent your pace during inquiries and registration. This keeps the swim safe, rewarding, and seamless for all participants.

Shark encounters in San Francisco Bay are extremely rare. The Bay’s marine life is primarily seals, sea lions, and smaller fish. Murky water and strong currents are believed to deter large predators, like great whites, from entering the Bay.

In over 20 years of swimming Alcatraz, we’ve yet to encounter or even see a great white. The last recorded shark incident was in 1957, outside the Golden Gate. Hundreds of swimmers enter the Bay daily, particularly at Aquatic Park, just across from Alcatraz, and it’s far more common to spot seals or porpoises swimming alongside. These moments offer a welcome distraction from the challenge of the swim, reminding participants that the Bay is full of life—but not the kind that bites.

While the possibility exists, the risk remains minimal. Most swimmers focus on the thrill of the challenge, the stunning views, and the playful seals and porpoises they’re far more likely to encounter.

Our modern escort vessels, captained by experienced open water swimmers, provide continuous oversight and support throughout the swim. Each event begins with a comprehensive safety briefing and course overview, ensuring participants fully understand the route, conditions, and essential safety procedures.

With over 20 years of experience and more Alcatraz swims completed than any other provider, we prioritize swimmer safety through expert navigation, pace-matched groups, and individualized support. Swimmers can signal for assistance at any time, and escort vessels remain in close proximity to monitor progress, provide guidance, and assist if needed.

Our track record, attention to detail, maritime credentials, and deep knowledge of the Bay set us apart as the most trusted and experienced provider of open water swimming in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Bay’s currents are powerful and dynamic, but every swim is carefully scheduled to align with the tides for the safest and most rewarding experience. Planning and navigating these waters is our specialty – a responsibility we take seriously and have refined through years of experience. Before each swim, we provide a detailed briefing on the route, conditions, and key safety points, allowing you to focus entirely on the swim with confidence.

Our routes are designed to work with the flow of the Bay, never against it. Depending on the course, you’ll either “ride the tide” or swim across it, with our team alongside to guide you. However, sighting – lifting your head to confirm you're on course is a critical and required skill during all Alcatraz swims.

Sighting helps keep you aligned with visual landmarks, ensuring you stay on track and swim efficiently. While escort vessels provide oversight and direction, swimmers are responsible for staying oriented and making adjustments as needed. Communication between swimmers and escort vessels, when needed, is simple and seamless.

We cover sighting landmarks required for your swim during pre-swim briefings. If you’re new to it, we highly recommend practicing beforehand – search for drills, watch instructional videos, or consult your coach. You’ll need to know how to sight before you swim.

Yes, our Alcatraz swims have a cutoff time of 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) to ensure swimmer safety. If a swimmer is struggling or falling too far behind, they may be repositioned or brought on board for assistance.

That said, it’s rare for swimmers to approach the cutoff. We carefully assess each swimmer’s experience and pace beforehand, placing them in the right swim group. Additionally, we time the start of each swim (the jump) to match the current’s speed with the group’s pace. This approach enhances safety, improves the experience, and ensures swimmers can enjoy the challenge without unnecessary pressure.

Participants should bring essential swim gear, including:

• Swimsuit or Wetsuit – A wetsuit is recommended for warmth and buoyancy if you’re not acclimated to the water temperatures—arrive with it on, but only pulled up to your waist until it’s time to swim. Diving or surfing wetsuits can restrict movement and make swimming more difficult. Affordable wetsuit rentals are available in San Francisco if needed. Many experienced open water swimmers prefer to swim “skin” (without a wetsuit). The choice is yours, and we fully support both options.
• Goggles – Clear or tinted goggles depending on the time of day and visibility conditions. Bring a backup pair in case of leaks.If you require glasses for distance vision, we strongly recommend vision-corrected goggles. They’re inexpensive and significantly improve sighting, making navigation far easier and more accurate during the swim. This small adjustment can greatly enhance your experience, ensuring you stay on course without unnecessary strain or guesswork.
• Swim Cap – Brightly colored swim caps are required for visibility. We provide amazing swim caps for most events, but bringing an extra cap is always a good idea.
• Earplugs – Recommended for all swims. In winter,  helpful for reducing heat loss and preventing swimmer’s ear.
• Thermal Caps or Neoprene Caps (Optional) – Optional, recommended during colder months for added warmth. Wear them under your brightly colored silicone cap.
• Lubricant (e.g., Vaseline or Body Glide) (Optional) – To prevent chafing, especially around the neck and underarm areas, if wearing a wetsuit.

Additional Recommendations:

• Sun Protection (Optional) – For swims extending through midday, apply waterproof sunscreen. In San Francisco, a heavy application is rarely needed before noon. Most marathon swimmers (skin swimmers) use a blend of Aquaphor and Desitin (zinc oxide) to prevent chafing and protect the skin. While typically unnecessary for shorter morning swims, applying it to the neck, shoulders, underarms, and inner thighs/groin helps prevent irritation during non-wetsuit swims. It’s easily removed with mineral oil and a microfiber towel.
• Medications (if needed) – If you have conditions requiring medication (e.g., inhalers), please advise us in advance and carry the necessary items in an accessible, waterproof pouch.
• Mental Preparedness and Situational Awareness – Swimmers are responsible for assessing their fitness, comfort, and staying aware of their surroundings/conditions during the swim. Our pre-swim briefings cover safety protocols, routes, conditions, and sighting landmarks in detail – active listening and following instructions are essential during the briefing and event. Before the jump, we encourage questions or clarifications about the course. Escort vessels provide oversight and logistical support, but swimmers must stay alert, adjust as needed, and monitor their well-being throughout. Knowledge, experience, and awareness are essential for a safe, rewarding swim.

Post-Swim Essentials:

• Towel – A large, warm towel
• Change of Clothes – Dry, warm layers to put on immediately after exiting the water. Consider a hat and gloves during colder months.
• Parka/Changing Robe – Essential for staying warm and shielding against wind and salt spray after the swim. It adds comfort during post-swim recovery. Highly recommended.
• Shoes/Sandals – Something easy to slip on post-swim. Required while on the docks.
• Hand Warmers (Optional) – Disposable/re-usable hand warmers are a simple and effective way to restore warmth after the swim. Many swimmers use them post-swim, especially during colder months, to help with circulation.
• Snacks and Hydration (Optional) – A thermos with hot tea or water is perfect for warming up post-swim. Bring a light snack for before the swim or to refuel afterward. Alcatraz swims typically last about an hour and aren’t endurance events, so energy gels (GUs) aren’t necessary mid-swim—leave them in the car, bag, or have them beforehand if you feel you need the boost.

Safety Gear and Requirements:

• ID and Medical Information – Required, per our waiver and safety protocols.
• Tow Float (Optional) – A tow float is not required but can enhance visibility and offer a floating aid for brief rest periods. It won’t interfere with your stroke and provides peace of mind in open water. We offer high-quality tow floats for purchase before your swim if you’d like to add one to your gear.

What Not to Bring:

• Luggage or Large Bags – Space on our vessels is limited, and we are unable to accommodate large bags, hard-sided luggage, or coolers. A small backpack or tote with your essentials is fine.
• Non-Sealable Drinks (e.g., Open/Disposable Coffee Cups) – For safety and practicality, please avoid bringing non-sealable or open-top containers. Water and tea in sealed, reusable bottles or thermoses are welcome aboard. Our vessels are custom-built—although extremely well-equipped they're not designed for cupholders. This keeps the focus on swimming, safety, and efficiency on board. Thanks for your understanding.
• Lanolin and Lanolin-Based Products – Lanolin, a tallow rendered from sheep’s fat, is strictly prohibited on our vessels. If you need anti-chafing protection, we recommend Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Zinc Oxide (Desitin) as effective alternatives. Lanolin is extremely difficult to remove from upholstery and any surface on our boats, requiring extensive cleaning. This policy is non-negotiable to maintain the condition of our vessels.
• Glass Containers – For safety reasons, glass bottles or jars are not permitted on board.
• Alcohol, Tobacco, Vapes, or Cannabis (Any form) – All forms of alcohol, tobacco, vapes, cannabis, and being under the influence are prohibited aboard our vessels. Federal maritime law applies, overriding California cannabis regulations. Violations result in immediate removal without refund. This policy ensures safety, compliance, and smooth operations. We appreciate your cooperation.

Large Alcatraz events host hundreds of swimmers with kayak escorts and volunteer support, creating a “herd” environment where swimmers follow the group and hope for assistance if needed. Kayakers can signal for help, but they lack the ability to actively intervene or manage swimmer safety directly.

Our small group swims are fully managed, pace-matched, and limited to maintain a 6:1 swimmer-to-escort ratio. Led by experienced, US Coast Guard licensed captains and professional escort vessels—not kayaks—our swims offer real-time oversight, immediate assistance, and expert navigation. We prioritize control, safety, and a personal experience, with swims planned around the current and conditions to minimize risk and challenges.

Unlike large events, we adapt to swimmer needs, adjust in real-time, and ensure every participant feels supported. The result? A safer, more enjoyable swim at a better value.

We own and operate a fleet of custom-built escort vessels designed specifically for open water swimming—no rented fishing boats, water taxis, or part-time operators. Our captains are not only licensed mariners but also experienced open water swimmers, ensuring unmatched oversight and expertise on every swim. This is a company built by swimmers, for swimmers—led by professionals with thousands of hours of maritime experience.

We are the only full-time open water swimming company in San Francisco Bay, on the water daily—tracking tides, currents, and conditions—refining swims and guiding swimmers from around the world. For us, this isn’t a side gig or weekend operation. Our deep understanding of maritime law, shipping traffic, and local conditions guarantees that every swim is professionally managed with the highest level of care.

The San Francisco Bay is a busy and complex environment for open water swims, with heavy ship traffic, unpredictable conditions, and narrow windows for safe crossings. Operating swims here requires precision, experience, and a deep understanding of maritime activity. Large cargo ships, ferries, and recreational vessels regularly navigate these waters, making coordination and timing essential for swimmer safety.

This isn’t a place for guesswork. Every swim must align with tides, vessel traffic schedules, and real-time conditions to avoid unnecessary risks. Without proper planning and oversight, swimmers can end up in dangerous situations—which has occurred recently. Even worse, some organizers mislead participants about these incidents and downplay the risks. This is why we emphasize true maritime knowledge, expert navigation, and tightly managed swims—ensuring safety, professionalism, and integrity at every stage.

In contrast, mid-sized event companies (12-95 swimmers) rely on volunteer kayaks, recreational boats, and volunteers. These setups often lack the individual attention, experience, and properly equipped vessels needed for complex environments like the Bay. The result is disorganized swims with limited oversight, where swimmers are pulled, drift off-course, or worse—jeopardizing the safety of swimmers and mariners alike.

This lack of structure has led to near-misses with large cargo vessels and, in some cases, forced ships to alter course to avoid swimmers. These operators often bypass maritime regulations, presenting a polished image of safety while prioritizing profit over swimmer welfare. Their flags on the beach might look impressive, but that won’t keep you safe in the Bay.

Our approach is different.

  • Small Group, Fully Managed Swims – Each swim is pace-matched and limited to a 6:1 swimmer-to-escort ratio. We track every swimmer’s progress in real-time, making immediate adjustments to ensure safety and success.
  • No Kayaks, No Volunteers – Our swims are led by experienced, licensed captains operating professional escort vessels designed for open water swimming—not recreational boats or kayak escorts. This ensures tighter control, enhanced safety, and a seamless experience.
  • State-of-the-Art Navigation – Our fleet is equipped with top-tier technology, including RADAR, AIS, SONAR, and three VHF radios per vessel, providing unparalleled oversight and operational precision.
  • Direct Coordination with Maritime Authorities – We maintain continuous communication with the US Coast Guard, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), San Francisco Bar Pilots, ferries, and commercial operators during every swim—ensuring smooth navigation in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
  • Focused on the Swim, Not the Show – We prioritize serious swimming and personal attention over gimmicks and crowded events. No overpriced memberships or inflated promises—just expert-led swims built around safety and delivering results.

We specialize in marathon and channel swim training for experienced open water swimmers. Through SwimTahoe.com and Marathon Swim Club, we log over 3,750 hours annually piloting swims across Lake Tahoe, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco Bay.

We’ve helped swimmers tackle some of the world’s most iconic challenges—from the English Channel and Catalina to Oceans Seven.

In short:
  • We’re full-time, not part-time.
  • We use custom escort vessels, not rented fishing boats.
  • We pilot swims daily, not occasionally.
  • We focus on safety and results—not crowd sizes
  • We're licensed, knowledgable, and professional
  • And, we're more affordable and a better value

If you’re serious about open water swimming, we’re the team that gets you there, safely.