Can you swim in the SF bay without wetsuit?

The water is typically in the high-50s – which yes, is cold, but not too cold. If you're wearing a wetsuit, then you'll be able to swim for an hour or even longer, once you're used to the temperature. If you're not wearing a wetsuit, then your body temperature will drop more quickly.

Is San Francisco Bay water safe to swim in?

Beaches in San Francisco are not safe for swimming, and that goes double for Ocean Beach, which has the worst rip currents and most drownings. More information on rip currents from the United States Lifesaving Association.

Has anyone swam across the San Francisco Bay?

Maryam Sharifzadeh, the second person and first woman on record to swim the 22 miles around San Francisco all in one shot, says the frigid water and rough surf are the ultimate test of mental fortitude.

How deep is the water in the SF bay?

The average depth of the bay is about 12-15 feet deep. Heck, between Hayward and San Mateo to San Jose it averages 12 to 36 inches. So much for that bridge! With that said though, the water surrounding Alcatraz is on the deeper end of the scale, but still, it's just an average depth of 43 feet.

Can you swim in San Pablo Bay?

Almost adjacent to the nearby China Camp Park, you can take a calm swim in the tranquil San Pablo Bay, or if you're itching to swim in a pool instead, there's an actual pool on the grounds you can use for an extra fee.

Wetsuit vs. No Wetsuit

Is the San Francisco Bay swimmable?

The water is typically in the high-50s – which yes, is cold, but not too cold. If you're wearing a wetsuit, then you'll be able to swim for an hour or even longer, once you're used to the temperature. If you're not wearing a wetsuit, then your body temperature will drop more quickly.

Do people swim in San Francisco Bay Area?

Top 10 Places to Swim in San Francisco Bay. Our beloved bay isn't known as a swimmer's destination. But if you know where to look, you can find all kinds of sheltered coves, sandy beaches and picturesque parks right on the water and perfect for dipping a toe.

Are there sharks in San Fran bay?

There are plenty of sharks in the San Francisco Bay area, but it still doesn't deserve its reputation for shark-infested waters. Great whites hardly ever enter the Bay, and those sharks that do frequent the area, are largely harmless and non-aggressive.

How cold is the San Francisco Bay water?

The ocean off San Francisco is at its warmest from mid August to late September when the temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius). The coolest months are January and February, when the sea temperature is typically at 53 °F (11.7 ° C).

Why is the water in San Francisco Bay so cold?

The water along the coast of California is cold for a couple of reasons. First, the California Current brings cold water from Alaska southward along the coast. And second, cold water from the deep ocean comes up to the surface through a process called upwelling.

Is Alcatraz shark infested?

Just keep swimming just keep swimming. The waters between North Beach and Alcatraz are not shark infested, as urban legends would have you believe. Most sharks can't live in the bay's fresh water, as their fatty livers aren't functionally flotational without salination.

Has anyone survived the swim from Alcatraz?

during which the prison housed about 1,500 total prisoners, only 14 total escape attempts were made. Of those who attempted to escape, none are believed to have successfully made it to shore without drowning, being captured, or being shot during the attempt.

Is SF bay water clean?

Throughout the San Francisco Bay, state Water Quality Standards are exceeded for pesticides, invasive species, mercury and other metals and toxic substances. Many miles of beaches are impaired for unacceptable levels of bacteria due to sewage spills and crumbling sewage infrastructure.

Does San Francisco have swimmable beaches?

San Francisco isn't known as a beach town, but we've got some gorgeous beaches well-worth exploring: Sheltered beaches near Fisherman's Wharf: Aquatic Park (the only good swimming beach in SF).

Are there man eating sharks in San Francisco Bay?

Are there man-eating sharks in the bay? Although San Francisco Bay is teeming with sharks, the majority are small species such as Brown Smooth Hound sharks and Leopard sharks that average only a few feet in length and have no interest in attacking people.

Is San Francisco Bay always cold?

The good news: San Francisco has a very mild climate. It rarely gets out of the 55 to 65 degree range (12 to 18°C), summer or winter. There's no bad news! Just a reminder to visitors that it's often cool and windy, especially in the afternoon.

Is 70 degree water too cold to swim in?

"High aerobic activity in high temperature water can be dangerous," according to the United States Water Fitness Association. Conversely, swimming in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Where are the most shark infested waters?

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Florida has more shark attacks each year than any other area in the world, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF).

Are there whales in San Francisco Bay?

A humpback whale lunge feeding on anchovies in the San Francisco Bay in 2019. The water has since cooled off, but once they got into the habit, it stuck, he said. Whales were observed in the bay every season that followed, though they weren't as common in 2020 and 2021, and are active so far this year.

Are there sharks below the Golden Gate Bridge?

Thankfully, while Great Whites are numerous along the California coast, the menacing shark infrequently ventures under the Golden Gate Bridge to pay us a visit. However, there are 11 different species of shark that do call the San Francisco Bay home.

Where can I swim in San Francisco Bay Area?

The north end of the beach has rocky tidepools (see below) and the Crab Cove Visitor Center. Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo: This is one of the very few decent swim beaches on San Francisco Bay on the Peninsula. Coyote Point is a very popular park, right on the Bay Trail.

Are there any warm beaches in the Bay Area?

Coyote Point is a recreation area, just south of San Francisco, in sunny San Mateo county. For an entrance/parking fee of just $6, Coyote Point is a great warm beach near San Francisco for picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, bicycling, jogging, fishing, boating, and sailing along the bay.

Are there great white sharks around Alcatraz?

Each year, this small population of around 300 adults returns in the fall to our National Marine Sanctuary during Sharktober. Several events of tagged white sharks have been documented passing through the Golden Gate swimming along the waterfront and circling past Alcatraz before leaving again.

How difficult is the Alcatraz swim?

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.