Alcatraz Open Swim 2026

The Alcatraz Open Swim is a 1.4-mile swim across San Francisco Bay, from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park. The South End Rowing Club organizes it in September. Bay water temperatures are typically 62 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, making this a cold open-water swim, not a pool endurance event. Swimmers check in, get body marked, and drop bags at the South End Rowing Club before boarding a ferry at Pier 43.5 to Alcatraz. The event was formerly known as the Alcatraz Invitational and has been held for approximately 30 years. It is open to experienced swimmers, who receive practical recommendations such as wearing earplugs and a thermal cap beneath the mandatory yellow swim cap. The weekend also features a pasta dinner prior to the swim, breakfast at the finish, merchandise available near the club, and an awards ceremony once all swimmers have completed the course.