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Yes, you can swim under the Golden Gate Bridge. Odyssey Open Water Swimming hosts a yearly Golden Gate Bridge swim that spans the length of the bridge and finishes at Horseshoe Bay. The Odyssey Golden Gate Bridge swim is approximately 1.75-miles and is approved by the United States Coast Guard. Safety paddlers and a motorized safety boat will guide swimmers, who are all required to use personal swim safety buoys.
Swimming under (perpendicular) the Golden Gate Bridge near the shore may also be possible, but is not advised without taking proper safety measures and receiving USCG clearance. Swimming the length of the bridge, unless as part of an organized and approved event like the Odyssey Golden Gate swim, is not recommended. Waves, current, and Bay traffic all make a solo bridge swim nearly impossible without an experienced guide.
Swimming under the Golden Gate Bridge should always include expert safety support on hand and monitoring vessel traffic.
For the Golden Gate Bridge swim, Odyssey provides kayak support, coaches, a safety support boat, 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.
Wetsuits are not required, but are 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. Personal swim safety buoys are required.
We recommend bringing the following for the Golden Gate Bridge swim:
Note: You will receive an Odyssey Open Water Swimming swim cap during our meeting before the start of the swim.
