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Yerba Buena Crossing: Stay tuned for 2025 dates or contact us to do it as a private swim

All events are subject to Coast Guard permit approval.

The Yerba Buena swim (previously called the Odyssey Bay Bridge Swim) is a one-of-a-kind swim along the western span of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. The swim starts near Yerba Buena Island and heads west, finishing in San Francisco.

This is an approximately 1.75-mile swim. This swim is for relatively strong swimmers. You should be able to do this distance in a pool (105 lengths of a 25 yard pool) or during our regular group open water swims in Berkeley without stopping. Feel free to contact us if you're not sure if you are up for it.
This swim is only $165. 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 and a yellow silicone Odyssey swim cap.

Yerba Buena Swim FAQs

The Bay Bridge swim should not be your first open water swim. We recommend joining us on weekly Berkeley swims before attempting the Bay Bridge swim to increase your comfort and extend the distance you’re able to swim in rough and choppy water, which will be experienced on this swim.

How long is the Yerba Buena swim?

The Yerba Buena swim is 1.75-1.9 miles. The swim begins near the Bay Bridge off of Yerba Buena Island. Swimmers will head west, parallel to the Bay Bridge and then under it as they swim across the bay, and end in San Francisco.

What do I need to know about the Bay Bridge currents?

What safety precautions do you provide?

For the Yerba Buena swim, Odyssey will provide ample kayak support, coaches, and have safety personnel on hand. If a swimmer needs to exit the water, kayakers will be prepared to help them do so in a safe manner. Motorized boats will also assist swimmers during the swim.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit?

You do not need to wear a wetsuit, however, it is strongly recommended unless you have extensive experience with cold water swimming without a wetsuit. Over time, the cold water can impact your ability to perform at a high level.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing the following for the Bay Bridge swim:

Wetsuit or swimsuit
Goggles
Ear plugs (optional)
Thermal cap (optional)
Swim buoy (required)
Towel and warm clothes

Note: You will receive an Odyssey Open Water Swimming swim cap during our meeting before the start of the swim.

What should I expect on the day of the swim?

You will arrive in the early morning (times vary based on the currents). We will have a quick briefing. You will then enjoy a beautiful swim along the western span of the San Francisco Bay Bridge, guided by our support staff.

The week of the swim, we will send you a packet with additional information.

Is there a minimum age?

There is no official minimum age, but this is a difficult swim for strong swimmers. Since we want this to be an enjoyable, memorable swim for you, swimmers may be asked to share previous swim times and experience.

How much is it to participate in the Yerba Buena swim with Odyssey Open Water Swimming?

The cost of the swim is $165 with a $50 late registration fee added if you register within one month of the event to help us hire additional kayak support staff last-minute.

Registration is open now! Click the button below to register. Space is limited, so sign up soon to ensure your spot.

If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!