2026 Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim

What an exciting addition to our Sharkfest Series! You will now have a chance to say "I swam the Golden Gate!" Swimmers will board a ferry in Sausalito. The ferry will transport you to south tower of the bridge and you will swim back past the north tower to finish at East Ft. Baker at Horseshoe Cove in Sausalito. This is a “Golden” opportunity! The event is limited to 300 participants and is sure to sell out so don't wait too long to register!

PLEASE NOTE: This swim is not for novices. This event is for experienced open-water swimmers only. You should be able to swim one mile comfortably in a pool in under 40 minutes.

Welcome to the

Alcatraz Open Swim 2026!

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Sponsored by SwimTrek

Dive into the Alcatraz Open Swim (formerly the Alcatraz Invitational), in which swimmers take on the legendary waters of the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and earn ultimate bragging rights as you conquer this epic 1.4-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a recent convert to open water, this adventure is open to all who dare to prepare!

Tentative Schedule

Saturday, September 12, 2026

5:00 pm -7:00 pm – Packet pickup and merchandise sales in front of South End Rowing Club (SERC), 500 Jefferson (corner of Hyde)

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Pasta dinner

Sunday, September 13, 2026

5:00 am Check in, body marking, bag check open in front of South End Rowing Club (SERC), 500 Jefferson (corner of Hyde)

6:00 am Check in closes

6:20 am Swimmer briefing

6:40 am Swimmers walk to ferry at Pier 43.5

7:30 am Ferry departs

7:45 am Swim begins

7:45 am Merch sales open

8:10 am Finish line & breakfast opens

9:15 am Last swimmer out of the water

10:00 am Awards Ceremony