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All events are subject to Coast Guard permit approval.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We recommend that you bring the following to your Alcatraz swim with Odyssey:
Note: You will receive an Alcatraz swim cap during our meeting before the swim begins.
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.
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.
No. We like to reserve all spaces on our boats for potential swimmers and we cannot guarantee the boat a family member is on will stay with their swimmer. We recommend family members stay on the beach to greet their swimmers with cheers, a towel, and a warm beverage. It is truly the best seat in the house!
With the exception of swimmers who are not wearing wetsuits– we kindly ask you not bring any items aboard. If you do not have a friend or family member meeting you at the finish, Odyssey will safely store and transport any items you need to the finish line for you. If you are registered for an Alcatraz swim, these procedures will be highlighted in detail during your informational Zoom briefing before your swim. Your buoy also doubles as a dry bag! And please do not hesitate to contact alex@odysseyopenwater.com with further questions.”
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.
BEFORE the swim:
DURING the swim:
