How cold is the water off Alcatraz?

Odyssey Alcatraz swims are approximately 2 miles long and can take anywhere between 20 minutes to over an hour based on your level of experience and the conditions. Swimmers are encouraged to wear a wetsuit due to the low temperatures, which can range anywhere from the high 40's to 65 degrees.



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Alcatraz weather is dominated by the fog that likes to creep into San Francisco Bay. When it does, Alcatraz is directly in its path. The temperatures can drop rapidly even as the wind comes up, creating a one-two punch that can make your teeth chatter.

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The waters between North Beach and Alcatraz are not shark infested, as urban legends would have you believe.

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Before they open the prison in the morning, they have him come out and deliver an opening act for the crowd. He's like a standup comedian. What does Alcatraz smell like? A cross between sea air and decay, old paint.

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Every year, there are a total of 18 overnight stays available on Alcatraz, and a staggering number of 200 to 400 groups compete for the opportunity to secure one of these spots.

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No food service is available on Alcatraz, however there is a picnic area located at the dock. Food, drinks (including candy and gum) are only allowed on the dock. (An exception is bottled water, which is available in the bookstore on the dock on Alcatraz.) Smoking is only permitted in designated sections of the dock.

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Hot beverages are available for purchase from the Building 64 bookstore. Bottled water is available in all of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy bookstores on the island. Eating, drinking and smoking is only permitted on the dock.

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But three men—brothers John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris—might have pulled off what CBS News calls “one of the greatest prison escapes in American history.” (Check out more of the strangest unsolved mysteries of all time.)

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As Alcatraz had no water supply of its own, it had to import it from the mainland, brought by tug and barge. During the island's military years, it was stored in ground tanks and cisterns situated on the roof of the citadel. The water tower was built in 1940–41 by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

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Loud talking, whistling, shouting, singing, and other unnecessary noises are not permitted.

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These flies are commonly referred to as Cormorant flies. They do not pose a health risk. The presence of these flies is an indicator of a healthy population of cormorants on the Island. In the last few years, the cormorant population on the Island was decimated by several natural events.

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A typical supper menu included soup, a green salad or vegetable, starches [bread or rolls, and potatoes, rice, or pasta], a meat entree, and dessert [pie, cake, or ice cream].

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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.

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Alcatraz was the only federal prison in its day where inmates were allowed to take hot showers.

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Alcatraz was the only federal prison in its day where inmates were allowed to take hot showers.

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The walk from the Alcatraz Island dock to the cellhouse is equivalent to walking up a 13-story building. You can rest along the way, so you can take your time with walking. There is also a SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram on Alcatraz Island for guests with mobility issues.

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