Odyssey Alcatraz Swim
Have you always wanted to swim from Alcatraz? You’re not alone. The Odyssey Alcatraz is one of the most famous, desirable, and enjoyable open water swims in the world. Despite lore that swimming from Alcatraz is impossible, for experienced swimmers with proper support, swimming from Alcatraz can be safe and fun. But make no mistake about it, the Alcatraz swim is a challenge.
Odyssey Open Water Swimming offers a wide range of open water swims, including the world-famous Odyssey Alcatraz swim. Each swim is led by coaches and guides, and swim support is available on-hand to assist with exiting the water if needed.
2024 Alcatraz Swims: June 1, June 29, July 13, July 27, August 10, November 9
All events are subject to Coast Guard permit approval.
Come join us for the ultimate Bay Area open water swim!
This event is not a race -- just a friendly swim in an exciting, safe, and comfortable environment. It is a great opportunity for those training for similar events, including the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, or people who just want an unforgettable, world-famous swimming experience!
The Alcatraz Swim is an approximately 2-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. We will occasionally swim to San Francisco’s Ferry Building, which takes the swimmers east instead of west, but is comparable in terms of difficulty. Check the registration site for specific course info. Regardless of course, this swim is for strong swimmers. Before taking on Alcatraz, you should be able to swim two miles in a pool (140 lengths of a 25-yard pool) or during our regular group open water swims in Berkeley with minimal stopping in less than an hour and a half. The Alcatraz Swim should not be your first open water swim. Feel free to contact us if you're not sure if you are up for it.
Alcatraz swims are $295 per event. There is a $50 late registration fee within one month of the swim. In addition to the swim itself, registration includes an event t-shirt, an Alcatraz Swim sticker, and a yellow silicone Alcatraz swim cap.
All Alcatraz swims will take place in the morning, meeting in San Francisco between 5 and 8am. The registration page shows an approximate check-in time, but all swimmers will receive an email prior to the event with final details.
Click the button below for registration. Space is limited, so sign up soon!
Private Alcatraz Swims
Want to have your own private Alcatraz swim? Odyssey Open Water Swimming is available to schedule private solo or group Alcatraz swims. All Alcatraz Swims include a pre-swim briefing by one of our experienced guides, a yellow silicone swim cap, and an Alcatraz Swim sticker. Swims are supported by a Coast Guard Certified Boat Captain and one or more Odyssey guides.
Note: All Alcatraz swims require Coast Guard approval, which mandates paperwork being submitted 60 days or more in advance of the date of the swim. To ensure we can reserve your private swim date, submit interest 75 days in advance.
Enter your info below if you're interested in a private Alcatraz Swim and continue reading below for additional information. Questions? Email us at christina@odysseyopenwater.com.
"Flash" Alcatraz
We often host solo Alcatraz swimmers who would enjoy company! Many of these swims are weekday mornings, and may be on short notice. If you'd like a chance to participate, join the list below. We'll send an email out and accept swimmers first-come-first-serve. $225 per crossing.
Alcatraz FAQs
How long is the Alcatraz swim (distance and length)?
The Alcatraz swim is approximately two miles from Alcatraz Island to the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. Due to the added difficulty of swimming in the open water compared to pool swimming, you should be able to at least 2-2.5 miles in a pool.
The swim can last between 30 minutes and an hour-and-a-half depending on your level of comfort, ability, and the conditions. You will be well supported with Odyssey Open Water Swimming support crew nearby on kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats.
The Odyssey Alcatraz Swim should not be your first open water swim. We recommend joining us on several weekly Berkeley swims to increase your comfort in the open water before signing up for Alcatraz. Berkeley swims are from .5-3 miles long and you can go as long or as short as you feel comfortable.
What course will we take for the Alcatraz swim?
Odyssey hosts several group Alcatraz swims each year. During these swims, we take a boat to just off the southeast side of Alcatraz Island and jump in to start our swim. Swimmers aim south towards San Francisco and get pushed west with the current, ending at the beach in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Private solo and small group Alcatraz swims may have different courses, including from Alcatraz to the Aquatic Park beach, which is the most common route.
What weather conditions can I expect?
The weather for each swim is different. We plan Alcatraz swims to start in the early morning hours to minimize wind and waves. The water may be flat, but it is not unusual to experience 1-3 foot waves during a portion of the swim. Waves come from the west and will hit swimmers from their right side.
How is the current?
Group Alcatraz Swims are planned with an ebb (outgoing) current. This adds a moderate challenge to the swim, as you must make it across the current as you head for shore. However, swimmers will be guided to aim almost two miles east of the finish point, which often results in the current assisting them and pushing them to the finish, making for a crossing that is quicker than many swimmers expect.
What safety precautions do you provide?
Odyssey coordinates the timing of the swim with local authorities to ensure a safe journey. We also provide ample kayak support, swim coaches, and emergency help on standby just in case their assistance is needed.
If you need to be pulled out of the water, our team will quickly assist you in doing so. “If you don’t complete the crossing, know that there are many more opportunities to try again,” says experienced Odyssey Open Water Swimming swimmer Angela Stockard.
Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are not required, but around 90% of swimmers choose to wear them for Alcatraz swims, especially during the winter months when the weather drops. Water temperatures for Alcatraz swims are usually in the mid-50’s to mid-60’s. For comparison, pools used for competitive swimming are between 77 and 82 degrees (Fahrenheit).
During our Berkeley swims, which begin at the Berkeley Marina, water temperatures can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than for the Alcatraz swims.
If you choose to wear a wetsuit but aren't ready to buy one, you can rent one at Sports Basement for $50. Sports Basement rents Blue Seventy and 2XU suits, which are both specifically for open water swimming, but if you have a surfing-style wetsuit, that works just fine, too.
What should I bring?
We recommend that you bring the following to your Alcatraz swim with Odyssey:
Swimsuit/Wetsuit
Goggles
Towel
Warm clothes, food, and water for afterward
Swim safety buoy
Earplugs (optional)
Note: You will receive an Alcatraz swim cap during our meeting before the swim begins.
What should I expect on the day of the swim?
Alcatraz swims will take place in the morning between 5 and 8am depending on weather conditions. The preliminary check-in time is listed on the event registration page (click on your swim here). Before the event takes place, you will receive an email with the finalized details and check-in time.
Is there a minimum age?
If you are comfortable in the water, you're welcome to join. We have had swimmers ranging from nine to eighty five. We do recommend first joining us on a weekly Berkeley swim before tackling one of our larger events, including our Alcatraz swim.
Parents, if you're unsure if your child should participate, email us. Children under 18 need to make sure their parents/guardians sign the waiver, which can be downloaded here. Please note that the waiver you complete in the online registration is separate.
Can I bring friends or family aboard the boat?
Depending on the size of the Alcatraz swim, you may be able to bring a family member or friend aboard the boat with you. Contact us a week before the swim to inquire about space on the boat you will be traveling on to Alcatraz Island.
Email christina@odysseyopenwater.com.
Will I be able to store my things on the boat?
Yes. You can bring items aboard the boat, but you are responsible for their safety.
Are there other swims from Alcatraz?
The World-Famous Odyssey Alcatraz swim is just one of the great swims hosted that involves Alcatraz Island and Prison. The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is a popular annual event that has specific swim, run, and bike lengths.
Alcatraz Swimming Tips
BEFORE the swim:
arrive well-rested, well-hydrated, and well-fed
do light stretches and warm up your shoulders
stay warm
be familiar with the swim route and landmarks for sighting
be mentally prepared
DURING the swim:
jump from the boat quickly and begin swimming immediately when instructed to begin
follow the directions carefully
swim quickly across the current at the beginning of the swim
only make the right turn once you have crossed most of the current (many swimmers will never really turn, as they will be pushed west in the current)
when swimming parallel to shore, stay at least 200 yards from the shore
take long, smooth strokes
use an efficient pull
sight frequently
breathe frequently
minimize stopping
be confident and determined
NOTE: swimmers who are too far off the course will need to be picked up by a boat and repositioned for safety.