Dive into open water WWS membership entitles you to discounts,
gear, and free weekly workouts!
Swimmers 17 and under enjoy a discounted annual
membership and extra care and coaching.
While enjoying the open water, you're sure to make new friends in our special family!
Island to Island

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

When Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers escaped from Alcatraz in 1962, it is thought that they may have headed to Angel Island.  Unfortunately, they left at night so they missed the incredible scenery.

Join us for a beautiful recreational swim that puts you right out in the middle of the bay.  You will have views of the Golden Gate, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and Angel Island.  From Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, a charter boat will carry you to the north side of Alcatraz Island.  Upon entering the water you will make the 2 mile swim to Angel Island with the incoming flood tide behind you.

Your swim concludes on the sandy shores of Angel Island.  In fact, the very same beach that is in the last scene of the movie “Escape From Alcatraz”.  After a brief respite on shore, you will swim back out to a boat which will transport you back to Fisherman’s wharf.

  • Check calendar for dates
  • A special type of monthly Alcatraz
  • Maximum 47 swimmers
  • 3.4km/2.1mi swim from Alcatraz to the beach on Angel Island
  • A scenic and stunning swim surrounded by historic landmarks and landscapes for swimmers of all levels
Note on swimmers under 18

Safety is our priority in challenging waters! Participants must be at least 12 years old to participate by signing up online. No children under 7 are accepted. Children under 12 must be evaluated by a Water World Swim coach in a private session for a non-refundable $95 fee and must be registered at time of evaluation. The fee also covers an accompanying coach in the water during the swim. Registration will be refunded if the minor is deemed not suitable to participate.

If the under 12 minor is coming from out of town and is unable to be assessed by Water World Swim, we require a certified coach to evaluate the minor and contact us via email or written documentation certifying their ability and recommending their participation. Out of town minors under 12 must pay an additional $95 to have an accompanying coach in the water.

Contact us about having your young swimmer join us!

Why don't swims start directly at Alcatraz with a jump off the Rock?

As Alcatraz is partly a bird sanctuary, boats, kayaks, and the people on them are prohibited from getting within 100 meters of Alcatraz, especially from February through September which is breeding season. This means our Alcatraz crossings do not start directly at Alcatraz. Water World Swim respects the environment, aiming to keep the sport of open water swimming a live collaboration between the athletes and the oceans.

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