The bay is actually only as deep as a swimming pool. 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.
You're not alone. Swimming from Alcatraz is one of the most famous, desirable, and enjoyable open water swims (wild swim) in the entire world. Despite lore that swimming from Alcatraz is dangerous, for experienced swimmers with proper support, swimming from Alcatraz can be safe and fun.
The deepest waters under the Golden Gate Bridge are just over 370 feet deep. To put that height into perspective, that's 65 feet taller than the entirety of the Statue of Liberty. That's pretty deep, especially compared to the shallowness of San Francisco Bay. The bay waters average only 12 to 15 feet deep.
Because of the isolation created by the cold, strong currents of the waters of San Francisco Bay, as early as 1859, Alcatraz was used to house soldiers convicted of crimes.
The water temperature was 54 degrees on June 11, 1962, when the men escaped.
He's like a standup comedian. What does Alcatraz smell like? A cross between sea air and decay, old paint.
An interesting sidelight: Alcatraz was the only federal prison at the time that provided hot-water showers for its inmates, but the motivation was hardly humanitarian.
Is it Safe to Swim in the San Francisco Bay? San Francisco Bay can be a dangerous place to swim, and it should not be done regardless of what you have read. There are plenty of safe coves around that are safe, so those looking for an afternoon frolicking in the water should leave San Francisco Bay off their list.
The deepest part of the bay is under and out of the Golden Gate Bridge, at 372 ft (113 m). In the late 1990s, a 12-year harbor-deepening project for the Port of Oakland began; it was largely completed by September 2009.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it has found the remains of a 19th century passenger steamer that sank near the present-day Golden Gate Bridge at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, killing 128 people, mostly immigrants from China and Japan.
The deck of the bridge is about 245 feet (75 m) above the water. After a fall of four seconds, jumpers hit the water at around 75 mph (120 km/h). Most of the jumpers die due to impact trauma.
Go Under the Bridge
Walkers can pause under the span at Fort Point on the San Francisco side or on the northern Marin Headlands side. Blue & Gold Fleet'sOpens in new window San Francisco Bay Cruise sails under the bridge from Fisherman's Wharf, as does Red and White Fleet'sOpens in new window Bridge2Bridge Cruise.
(Alcatraz opened as a national recreation area in 1973, a decade after it transferred its last inmate.) Fewer than 600 people can stay overnight each year. Only nonprofits are allowed the privilege, and spots are given out via lottery. Typically Alcatraz hosts young scout troops.
While all three prisoners survived the escape, he was the only one still living, the writer claimed. However, FBI officials doubt the letter is real; a handwriting analysis of the letter came back “inconclusive,” they report. It looks like the escapees' fate will remain the stuff of legend for now.
It was also created to be escape-proof. Due to the security of the prison facility itself, the distance from shore, cold water, and strong currents, few dared to attempt to escape. during which the prison housed about 1,500 total prisoners, only 14 total escape attempts were made.
The Bridge to Bridge swim is about 6.2 miles (10K). The swim begins under the Golden Gate Bridge and curves around San Francisco to end at the Bay Bridge. The current will be in your favor, so it often feels like half the actual distance.
Aquatic Park
This San Francisco beach is in a protected cove at the western end of Fisherman's Wharf, an easy stroll from the popular tourist areas. Great spot for a peaceful picnic on the sand and taking a break from the crowds at Pier 39. Most popular (and safest) for swimming of all our beaches.
If you do want to go for a dip, Ocean Beach is often considered San Francisco's most popular, with people flocking to it for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and surf fishing. For a beach with a great view of the Golden Great Bridge, head to Baker Beach, where both locals and tourists enjoy sunbathing and fishing.
Ventilator cover on the roof of the Alcatraz prison through which the inmates made their escape. Many historians and law enforcement officials believe the men drowned in the bay. However, no bodies were ever found.
There Was No Death Row
During its time as a prison, Alcatraz had no facilities for execution and never put any of its prisoners to death, although some inmates did die there. Prisoner violence was a big problem, which meant that some prisoners did die at the hands of others, while some committed suicide.
How many people died while at Alcatraz? There were eight people murdered by inmates on Alcatraz. Five men committed suicide, and fifteen died from natural illnesses. The Island also boasted it's own morgue but no autopsies were performed there.
Robert Franklin Stroud (January 28, 1890 – November 21, 1963), known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz", was a convicted murderer, American federal prisoner and author who has been cited as one of the most notorious criminals in the United States.
For the slightly scary price of $666, on the 30th or 31st of October you'll get the chance to sleep exactly like a prisoner would. The experience is up to four people and includes a spooky bedroom story from a resident of the Dungeon.
The major expense was caused by the physical isolation of the island - the exact reason islands have been used as prisons throughout history. This isolation meant that everything (food, supplies, water, fuel...) had to be brought to Alcatraz by boat.