MONTHLY ALCATRAZ SWIMS

This is a friendly swim, not a race—a casual opportunity to enjoy the magic of the Rock. Perfect for those training for events like an Alcatraz Triathlon or anyone checking Alcatraz off their bucket list! Use the code BF15OFF to take 15% off the price of registration for any of our monthly crossings - Sale ends January 1st, 2025!

2025 DATES

There’s no better way to start the day than to swim the world’s most iconic course with a small, encouraging group of people without the pressure of competition. Make new friends, get a great workout and see the city of San Francisco as very few get the chance to.

While non-competitive, these “crossings” are recommended for people who have participated in several of our Sunday morning or Thursday evening swim sessions. Alternately, you may be confident to participate in these swims if you have prior experience swimming in San Francisco Bay or other bodies of salt water.

We limit our crossings to 49 people so that our coaches, kayakers, paddlers and boat pilots can easily keep track of who is in the water. After a short discussion that covers the swim start, water conditions, course navigation and safety protocols we will transport you out to “the rock” where your epic adventure awaits.

The information at the safety briefing is very important and we ask that you pay attention. Our experienced team of kayakers will keep you on course and available to assist during your swim.

AT A GLANCE

Monthly throughout the year
1.25-mile race
49 swimmers
Begins just south of Alcatraz
Finishes at Aquatic Park shore or St. Francis Beach
St. Francis Beach finish line swimmers board the boat again to return to shore

2025 DATES

THE DIFFERENT FINISH LINES

Aquatic Park is the finish line of many major races, including our Pedro Ordenes Memorial Alcatraz. This 1.25-mile course offers exciting currents, stunning San Francisco views, and a shore finish where you’ll reunite with your belongings.

The St. Francis Beach route, popular for its views, is a 2-mile swim with a favorable current, often faster than the Aquatic Park course. You’ll follow the shoreline with views of the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, and yacht harbor, boarding the boat again at the finish before returning to the wharf.

THE DETAILS

Congratulations on taking the plunge and joining us for our swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park. Our Monthly Alcatraz swims are non competitive and supported by an experienced team of boat pilots, kayakers, paddle boarders, and swim coaches.

WHERE TO PARK & MEET

Garage parking is available at the Ghirardelli Square Parking Garage on Larkin, or the Anchorage Square Garage on Beach Street. Free Parking is available on Beach Street behind the Maritime Museum or at the end of Van Ness Avenue.

We meet in front of the Chucky’s Pride charter boat at Fisherman’s Wharf at the corner of Jefferson and Jones Streets.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Upon arrival, we will check you in and assign you a participant number. Once all of our participants have arrived, there will be a short safety briefing with instructions on the swim start, water conditions, course navigation, safe behaviors, and landmarks for sighting. The information at the briefing is very important so please pay attention. Our team of experienced kayakers can help direct you during the swim.

WHAT TO BRING

Suit or wetsuit
Warm/dry clothes for after the swim
Goggles
Neoprene cap (optional)
Small snack, water, and a warm beverage for recovery after the swim
Towel
Smile
Sense of adventure

We will supply a latex cap to all swimmers.

This information is subject to change. Registered swimmers will receive an email 1 week prior to the day of the event confirming conditions, temperatures, times, locations, parking options, etc. If you do not receive the e-mail in your inbox please check your Spam folder as these often end up there.

YOUNG SWIMMERS

Participants under the age of 8 are not eligible to swim in this event. Participants under 12-years of age must complete an evaluation with a San Francisco Swim coach at a Sunday morning or Thursday evening swim. At the evaluation, it will be determined whether additional safety features are needed for the swimmer. These features may include a personal “swim angel” or personal kayaker during the swim event. For underage swimmers coming from outside of the area, a signed evaluation from their certified swim coach stating that they are capable of completing this swim (with or without close guidance) is acceptable. If the underage swimmer is not approved for the swim, the registration fee will be refunded.

Contact us with any questions about younger swimmers.

SIGN UP FOR A MONTHLY ALCATRAZ

Dive into our monthly Alcatraz swims for a relaxed, unforgettable bay crossing! Enjoy the views, meet new friends, and make your Alcatraz adventure a reality—sign up today!