Alcatraz Open Swim 2026

When is the Alcatraz Open Swim (formerly known as the Alcatraz Invitational)? The Alcatraz Open Swim will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

How many years has this swim been offered? This will be our 30th year of offering this swim.

What is the water temperature? The San Francisco Bay in late September is typically around 62 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

What time is the swim jump? Final jump time will be determined by the test swim before the event but it is anticipated to be 7:45 am.

How can I keep warm in colder water? To help retain body heat and prevent swimmer’s ear infections, we recommend that you wear earplugs and a thermal cap under the required yellow swim cap you will be given. If you are concerned about being acclimated, you should consider wearing a wetsuit.

What does my registration fee include? The registration fee covers the swim, breakfast following the swim, a yellow swim cap that you are required to wear, during the swim, and a branded swag item.

What are the registration fees? There is an Early Bird Registration available through January 31 of $275 ($295.87 with RaceRoster fee); Discounted Registration available from February 1 – April 30 of $300 ($321.49 with RaceRoster fee); and Registration from May 1 - August 31 is $325 ($348.12 with RaceRoster fee). Please keep in mind we have sold out in prior years two months prior to the swim date; early registration is highly recommended. The total cost including RaceRoster's fee of 6.5% + $1.99 per participant is noted above in parenthesis.

How do I register a swimmer 14 years of age and younger? Permission to participate is required for swimmers 14 years and under. Email the event directors at alcatrazopen@serc.com and provide information about their open water and cold water swim experience, what time duration they can swim in cold water, their training plan, and any additional information that will be helpful. Once you have received permission, you will be sent an access code so you can complete the youth swimmers' registration. Registration fees for youth are the same as the registration fees for adults.

What is your refund policy? You can purchase a Refund Protection Plan offered by Protecht while completing registration. The Refund Protection Plan covers illness & injury, COVID 19, severe weather, pregnancy complications, layoffs/termination, and mechanical breakdowns. You will be required to provide documentation that will need to be approved. The cost of the Refund Protection Plan is 12% of the registration fee. South End Rowing Club will not issue refunds directly. Please keep in mind this is a fundraiser for the South End Rowing Club which is run entirely by club member volunteers.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else or sell my registration on craigslist? NO. You will be required to show an ID at check-in. Your ID needs to match the name on the registration.

Do you allow event-day registration? No, we are closing registration on August 31, 2026. The last two years we have sold out and have had a waitlist. If we have no-shows by registered swimmers, we will give those spots to those on the waitlist.

Are discounts available? The South End is not able to offer discounts for the Alcatraz Open Swim. This is our annual fundraiser and helps us maintain and improve our over 150+-year-old clubhouse as a fully volunteer organization.

Can I purchase a spectator pass to ride on the boat on the day? There are a limited number of spectator tickets sold for individuals who accompany swimmers on the ferry, watch the jump, and then return to shore so they can see the swimmers cross the finish line. We only sell spectator passes through RaceRoster in advance of the swim. These tickets also typically sell-out. We will only allow pre-registered spectators on the boat.

May my family or friends attend the event? Unless family and friends purchase a spectator ticket to accompany swimmers on the ferry, you family and friends are welcome to cheer you on as you depart for the ferry and similarly do so at the finish line at no cost. If they would like to join you for the brunch, they should purchase a brunch ticket on RaceRoster.

Can I buy a brunch ticket at the event? Yes, we presell brunch tickets on RaceRoster and as soon as swimmers leave for the boat we will begin selling food tickets for $25. Kids under 7 eat free. Brunch is included in the price for swimmers and spectators.

How can I change my swim division - from skins to wetsuit or wetsuit to skins? Please notify alcatrazopen@serc.com in advance of the swim.

Is there a cut-off time for the swim? 90 minutes is the maximum, but we take each swimmer’s situation into consideration and encourage every swimmer to finish. Ultimately, we take direction from the US Coast Guard and San Francisco Police Department as to when to end the swim – especially “in” the shipping channel. Slower swimmers may be repositioned so they can safely finish the swim.

Are swim fins allowed in the swim? Yes, but with the caveat that swimmers with fins will not be eligible for an award. Please let us know in advance if you will be wearing fins.

Can I swim with a music device? No; it is important that all swimmers hear instructions from our safety crew.

If I have a disability, can I still swim in your event? We encourage everyone to swim. We can typically accommodate a person’s specific needs if we know what is needed. We’ve successfully supported swimmers with a wide array of needs. Please let us know before the event. Email alcatrazopen@serc.com with your request.