The Ultimate San Francisco Bay Swim
The Alcatraz Crossing is the flagship event of Water World Swim. Participants are ferried to Alcatraz Island and swim approximately 2.4 km back to the San Francisco shoreline, battling cold water, currents, and chop that have made this one of the world’s most iconic open water swims.
Course Details
- Distance: 2.4 km (approximately)
- Water Temperature: 12–16°C (54–61°F) year-round
- Wetsuits: Permitted and recommended
- Minimum Age: 14 years (under 18 requires guardian consent)
- Start: Dock at Alcatraz Island (ferry provided)
- Finish: Aquatic Park or Fort Mason, San Francisco
What to Expect
San Francisco Bay currents run fast and unpredictable. Our experienced kayak safety team escorts every swimmer. Water temperature averages 13°C even in summer — a wetsuit is strongly advised for first-timers. The crossing typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on conditions and fitness level.
Training Recommendations
Participants should be comfortable swimming 3 km continuously in open water. We recommend completing at least one of our Bay Clinics before attempting this crossing. A good wetsuit, anti-chafe balm, and solid sighting technique will serve you well on race day.
Registration
Places are limited. Check our Calendar for upcoming dates and open registration periods. Early registration is strongly recommended as events sell out months in advance.