Pacific Open Water Swim Co. Reviews

Megan Sampiere-Prochnow 2025.12.10

     

I swam the Bridge to Bridge with Pacific Open Water Swim & it was one of the best swimming experiences I’ve had. Bryan, Sylvia and Kelly all certainly know what they’re doing. Kelly was my boat captain for the day and she was great!! Thank you Kelly!

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.12.10

We’re thrilled to hear about your experience with us, Megan! It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the Bridge to Bridge swim and felt well-supported by Bryan, Sylvia, and Kelly. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Kelly. Thank you for choosing Pacific Open Water Swim, and we look forward to seeing you at future events!

Christopher Foti 2025.11.29

     

i really enjoyed the escape from alcatraz swim sponsored by the pacific open water swim company. They are all about safety of the swimmers and they are extremely knowledgable since they are experienced captains and open water swimmers. we even went out with 3 swimmers and they provided two boat coverage for different swimmer ability. looking forward to my next swim with them . They have so many options. i had a blast today. Thank you pacific open water swim company.

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Paweł Wszoła 2025.11.29

     

I did the Alcatraz Escape today, and I loved it. I'd do it again!

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Eric Wang 2025.11.26

     

Had a fantastic morning with Kelly! Everything was planned to a T and there was plenty of guidance provided. Such an amazing and unique experience :) and saw many porpoises!

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Nancy Hahn 2025.11.25

     

A slightly different perspective here: I was "along for the ride" recently as my son swam the Golden Gate to Alcatraz route. I couldn't be more impressed with Captain Bryan and the experience he offers. Totally professional and extremely safety conscious. And so knowledgeable about the local maritime history in the Bay area during WWII. It was fascinating to learn all that went on in the area. Being on the SF Bay that early in the morning was unbelievable - not another boat/ship in sight, totally silent with an unbeatable view looking west toward the GG Bridge. While I was thrilled that my son had such a great swim, I truly wanted to encourage him to continue on to the Bay Bridge so the trip could continue! Now I'm left to enjoy the photos, videos, and merch that I came home with! THANKS for an unforgettable experience!

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Marina Gritskova 2025.11.16

     

Thank you very much for this experience!! It was really amazing and incredible swim! I’m proud to swim with your company! Hope we will do it again. Best regards, Marina

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Tim Rost 2025.11.12

     

Did my first open water swim — Escape from Alcatraz — with Pacific Open Water Swim and it was awesome! The crew made everything feel super safe and well organized, which really helped calm my nerves. Huge shoutout to Kelly, our boat captain, who was incredibly patient and supportive the whole way through. Couldn’t have asked for a better first experience. I’ll definitely be back!

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.11.13

Thanks for the five stars, Tim! You handled the nerves of your first Alcatraz swim really well. Kelly always keeps things predictable and steady, and it shows in swims like yours. Come back when you're ready, there's plenty more adventure waiting in the bay.

Sam Bronstein 2025.11.11

     

Sam Just did Alcatraz with them. Was awesome and would do again

Date of experience: 10 November, 2025

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Sam Bronstein 2025.11.10

     

did alcatraz, was awesome! would def book with them again

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.11.11

Appreciate it, Sam. Glad you had a great swim. That weather today was unreal. Hope to see you back out in the water again soon.

Ishai Ashlagi 2025.11.06

     

I recently swam from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz. It starts with clear explanations on the website, continues with excellent communication with the team (Sylvia and Bryan). Everything was very clear, very transparent and very organized. As a bonus, I received perfect conditions, precise guidance from the captain (Bryan) who prioritized the safety of the swimmer above all else, great photos, dolphins, seals, and... a whale! Thank you and see you at the next challenge.

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.11.06

Thanks Ishai, what a morning that was. Flat water, insanely great pace, and the whale. The current speed, and of course that whale are things we won't forget. Appreciate the kind words about how we run things, safety first, always. Looking forward to your next swim next time you're in town. Safe travels.

Katie Litzenberger 2025.11.02

     

A year later, Brian and Sylvia prove to be the best on the Bay! Today we had fog and Brian patiently waited for it to lift. When it didn’t happen like we wanted, he gave a number of alternate routes and made sure I was happy and comfortable with the options. He made sure I was ready to swim an alternate route, talked me through my nerves, and made it safe as well as fun! Could NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER!!! Safety first but fun is a CLOSE second. Thanks guys! Two years in a row and I couldn’t be happier.

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2024.11.07

Katie, it was truly inspiring to see you face your fears and return to the Bay after last year’s challenging experience. We’re so glad we could help you feel safe and comfortable in the water again, and having your mom and her friends on board made it even more special—they were the best of the best!
Thank you for the kind words, and we can’t wait to swim with you again soon!

Joe Martinez 2025.10.21

     

Amazing experience. Very organized and safe. Pilot Kelly did a great job guiding me, and it was awesome having my wife on the boat to experience it with me.

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.25

Thanks, Joe! Great to hear you enjoyed the swim and Kelly took such good care of you out there. Hope we’ll see both of you out on the Bay with us again sometime soon.

B D 2025.10.18

     

Completed Prison to Prison swim on 10.17.25 - after a buddy of mine had completed the swim in 2024, I was intrigued to learn more - and what can I tell you - from the moment I reached out to POWS Co., they were professional, positive and passionate! Sylvia (she's awesome!) helped me set up a date and I was lucky to be piloted (and guided!) by Bryan (he's awesome too!). Safety is a HUGE priority and I could tell that Bryan was ON POINT. Everyone that I have spoken to about this outfit, raves about them - check them out!! I was so fortunate to get a date that worked this year, and I am looking forward to dates in 2026. Thank you!!!

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.18

Thank you, Bernhard. Completing the 9.25-mile (Prison to Prison) Alcatraz to San Quentin route in 3.5 hours is no small feat, and you handled it impressively. Strong pacing, smooth stroke, and a great attitude the entire way. It was a pleasure to share a few tips and help set the stage for your Catalina Channel training. You’re well on your way, and we’ll be cheering for you in 2026. Looking forward to having you back in San Francisco for training swims next year. Safe travels!

Jo Howell 2025.10.17

     

Thursday 16th October - Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz. A truly special morning. Navigated by Bryan & Sylvia. Wow and they even ordered the weather, whales and porpoises. Safety and professionalism at its highest. I feel truly blessed to share a morning in their office. Jo

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.18

Thank you, Jo. You swam that course beautifully, and it was a pleasure having you out on the water. Lots of energy and big smiles all morning. We’re glad we could get your swim in while you were visiting, and next time we’ll line up something a bit more challenging for you. Safe travels until then.

Tanya Chamberlain 2025.10.15

     

I just completed the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz with Bryan and want to say if you have ever contemplated an SF Bay swim - no matter the route - look NO FURTHER than Pacific Open Water Swim Co. Just don't waste your resources going anywhere else. Every single aspect of this experience was confidence inspiring: from my initial inquiry about the swim (which was responded to extremely promptly), to scheduling, to the preparatory information, to the OUTSTANDING focus on safety and education about the Bay today. This operation is just so professional and awesome. I am barely dry from today's swim and I cannot wait to go back out with them! What an adventure. Go NOW! PS: super high-quality bright pink Swim Alcatraz swim cap is a treat.

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.16

Tanya, thank you for such a thoughtful review and for bringing that incredible energy to the swim. You were focused, well prepared, and handled the Golden Gate to Alcatraz route beautifully. It is one of the most iconic swims anywhere, and you made it look easy. We really appreciate your kind words about how we operate. Safety, professionalism, and education about the Bay are at the core of what we do. Love that you live on the Peninsula, so we will look forward to your return and more adventures. How about that whale and the porpoises? It was an amazing day... !

Calebe Hioki 2025.10.14

     

I'm Brazilian and I crossed alcatraz with them, and from the beginning the assistance was great, on the day of the cross they are always very attentive and they put safety first, it was a lot of fun, many thanks my friends

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.16

Thanks for joining us, Calebe. You swam that beautifully and handled the conditions with confidence from start to finish. Strong swimmer, and definitely ready for longer swims ahead. We’ll look forward to having you back for the next challenge. Safe travels and can't wait for your return!

Walter Wallace 2025.10.09

     

What a GREAT experience I had with Pacific Open Water Swim Co! Both Bryan and Sylvia were professional, knowledgeable with so much experience that we ALL knew we would be successful! They delivered! Thank you Pacific Open Water Swim Co! We will meet again!

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.16

Thanks, Walter. You were a blast to have on board, and you escaped with authority. We appreciate the kind words and are glad the experience delivered. Looking forward to round two whenever you are ready. Great photo!!

10/15/2025 -- Thanks for joining us for another adventure. Another awesome swim. Thank you for the revised (2nd) review and positive feedback. We have so many more swims for you... !! Cheers.

Sarah Fergot 2025.10.06

     

Sylvia, Kelly and Bryan at Pacific Open Water Swim Co are the utmost professionals. Having both a boating and swimming background I appreciate all the coordination that has to be done behind the scenes coordinating vessel traffic in the Bay to keep us safe and they are just outstanding. Every experience I've had with them has been magical and amazing! If you are looking to swim in Bay look no further and book with them.

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.08

Thank you, Sarah. That means a lot coming from someone who understands both sides of what we do. The coordination behind the scenes is constant, but it’s what keeps the swims safe and smooth so the magic can happen out on the water. We’ve loved having you with us and always look forward to the next one with you!

Sasha Ries 2025.10.04

     

Signed up for a late August swim with them. Sylvia and Brian were fantastic guides. They gave a proper rundown of the swim, were well organized, and the whole experience was easy. The only thing I had to focus on was swimming fast and they took care of the rest. They split us into two groups based on speed too so no one had to slow down or speed up from their pace

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.06

Thanks for swimming with us, Sasha. That late August water is perfect, and you and the group really found their rhythm. We’re glad you enjoyed how we run things. Hope to have you back for another one soon. Thanks for taking the time to post a review!

Isabel Gabaldon 2025.10.04

     

I swam the Golden Gate to Alcatraz route and had an incredible time. The team at Pacific Open Water Swim Co is amazing—they make you feel super safe and comfortable out there. Plus, they’re just really cool people and fun to hang with. I’ll definitely be swimming with them again! Pablo

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Reply from Pacific Open Water Swim Co. 2025.10.04

Thanks to both of you for sharing this (Isabel & Pablo). That was a great swim on a perfect second-summer day. Swimming from the Golden Gate to Alcatraz never gets old, and you made it look easy, Pablo. Isabel, glad you decided to spend your Friday on the boat with us! What a day for sunshine and porpoises! We’ll be ready when it’s time for the next one. Thanks, again and we’ll see you soon!