Pier 33
94111, San Francisco
+1415-429-4947

Opening hours

  • sunday: 9h-17h
  • monday: 9h-17h
  • tuesday: 9h-17h
  • wednesday: 9h-17h
  • thursday: 12:30-16h
  • friday: 9h-17h
  • saturday: 9h-17h

Alcatraz and San Francisco Custom Tours Specialist .
Important: This office is totally private and it’s not open to the public because we pick up customers at their hotels , homes and at Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94111

Our comment from TraTraTravel about ALCATRAZ TOURS:

Alcatraz Tours offers an unforgettable experience steeped in history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to San Francisco. Here are some highlights from customer experiences:

  • Visitors appreciate the self-guided audio tour, which provides immersive insights into Alcatraz's notorious past, narrated by former guards and prisoners.
  • The scenic ferry ride adds charm to the experience, offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.
  • Many guests recommend the night tour, which provides a unique perspective of the island and its haunting history.
  • Friendly and helpful staff ensure a smooth process from booking to boarding, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The tour accommodates individuals with disabilities, providing assistance and making it accessible for everyone.
  • Most guests found the ticket prices to be reasonable given the quality of the experience.

While the tour is highly recommended, there are a few minor drawbacks noted by visitors:

  • Some guests experienced issues with flies on the ferry and the island, which detracted from their visit.
  • Parts of the prison are reportedly under maintenance, leading to limited access to certain areas.
  • A few reviews mentioned the need for more efficient entry management during peak times.

Overall, Alcatraz Tours promises a captivating dive into history that both educates and intrigues visitors. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique experience, Alcatraz is a remarkable destination worth adding to your itinerary.

Tratra.travel cannot guarantee that the companies that appear in the directory are certified travel agencies or that they have the corresponding licenses. The majority of companies that appear in the directory are travel agencies, but other types of companies also appear such as tour operators, guided tour providers, etc. We recommend that you request the Travel Agency registration number of the business you are going to attend.

ALCATRAZ TOURS: Reviews

4.7/5 (200 Reviews)
M Keel 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: Everything went perfect! Such a cool place to go see and I loved that you could do the audio tour and still go at your own pace.

Spencer B 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: Definitely defiantly worth the stop if you enjoy history. They seem to be a great job preserving everything. Did the night tour, which gives a great view of San Francisco during the walk back down to the dock. You heat a decent view of the Golden Gate Bridge on the boat ride too and from. Recommend some decently warm clothing. Can get a bit cold and breezy especially when the sun goes down.

Same As Above 9 months ago

Positive experience: Ever since I saw The Rock I wanted to visit Alcatraz. Even though I've been to San Fran many times, this was my first time getting a chance to tour the prison. The tour was voice guided with a hand held recorder but it was interesting and entertaining. The views from the boat riding over was spectacular. The only downside is you have to walk up a huge hill. When you think you finally made it to the top, there is more to go. Take this into consideration when booking this tour. I did see a van transporting people so maybe they have assistance for those who are able to walk that long hill!

Seham Alasy 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: It’s really unique experience. I like having ferry to land on and off. It has fabulous views.

Gabriela Del Mar 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: I gifted this experience to my fiancé as a birthday present. We did the day tour and was a fun spooky experience. The audio tour in the Main Prison house was a unique incredible experience. It was very cool to do. Make sure to have plenty of time to park and walk to the ferry. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Lots of walking!

M J 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: Great tours but very busy. Book well ahead

Gareth Bryant 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: Friendly service, price wasn't over the top and the facilities were great.

Chris Cordle 11 months ago

Fantastic experience: We did the night tour. Worth it and going for a day tour still.

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A Howard 11 months ago

Fantastic experience: Tour was fantastic met my expectations. This one was on my bucket list to do glad I got to do it

Fionn Lai 11 months ago

Fantastic experience: Alcatraz was great! It was just really windy. Also when we were there, there was a protest going on.

Christian Stanger 11 months ago

Negative experience: Had to arrive, recommended by the company, 45 minutes before departure, just to recon the ship is 25 minutes late for scheduled departure.

Denis Flores 11 months ago

Positive experience: It was a nice visit on the cruise, unfortunately the day we had the Alcatraz tour, there was a power outrage so we had to exchange the ticket for the San Francisco Bay tour instead. So bad it was our last day so no chance to change for the next day

Sudar Aravindh 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: The most enjoyable experience on cruise Boats ️ are clean Great service Wonderful view The incredible experience to historic places I highly recommend it Learned about this prison

Carla Gaspar 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: This was truly an unforgettable experience... A must visit! With the audio tour!!!

Michael Thistlethwaite 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Alcatraz is great but the tour provider also did an excellent job. Queues are well managed and everything goes very smoothly.

Varinder Kumar 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing! It brings you back to 1963

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Eric Moyer 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: So much fun. We learned a lot about the prison and seeing everything in person was really cool.

Jeremy Smith 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: An enjoyable experience from beginning to end! The ride out and back was super smooth with the highlight being myself and my getting absolutely drenched at the bow of the boat! Splash zone...you have been warned! The audio tour was informative and easy to follow along with and even comes in 11 different languages. On another note, being in a place like this is humbling if you're willing to think a bit about what it would have actually been like to be that isolated from normal life....it got us talking about what event in those lives could have lead them down that path and what could have been had they had different experiences early on....gets ya thinkin!

Chris Weinand 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: So bizarre how small those cells were. I liked how the told the stories and actual voices of guards and prisoners. Going back to do the night time one.

Trang Luong 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Impressive. Value and worth for a trip. All includes in ticket fare. The island was conserved well. Audio tour is so real to create the feelings of real experiences.

Paul H 1 year ago

Positive experience: It's definitely worth the experience. The ferry ride and views are worth the admission alone. As for Alcatraz, it's was awesome. I visited with my son, who's going on 13, and we are both C.O.D. fans, so visiting Rebirth Island was a must. The only downside is that there were a lot of 'closed' to the public areas. This was mainly due to safety hazards, but that's kind of expected in and around historic sites. None the less, just do it. Go go go.

Holly Vaughan 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I have zero complaints about this experience! Any line I had to wait in went by quickly. The whole process was super efficient and I never felt rushed or stressed. Thanks for a fun trip to that historic rock!

Joshua R. (Josh) 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: The tour of Alcatraz was amazing. Not that long of a wait to get on board. They have a place specifically for disabled people and their family members. They allow spaces and care for people with physical disabilities. Great place at Pier 33.

Mark Wolff 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: If you have ever been interested in this place, it's a must!! There is stuff to read in the area while you wait for your ferry boarding time and the ride itself has nice views. A big portion is the audio tour, which I was skeptical about, but they did a really good job with personal stories from previous guards and inmates. As an added bonus, you can pause it and take your time checking things out if wanted. There are actually great views from here to include the Golden gate bridge on clear days. The 3 Park rangers we talked to were all knowledgeable about the prison and seemed genuinely interested in its history as well, even my 16 year old daughter liked this better than Universal Studios although she had been interested in the prison in the past. These pictures are only a small portion of this experience. If you go, I would recommend 2 things. 1) Wear pants and bring a hoodie as it can get windy on the ferry ride and outdoor portions. 2) If you're already kinda interested, recommend doing the night tour or behind the scenes as you will get more out of it and see more areas normally roped off.

J. V.C. 1 year ago

Positive experience: Very Strict and Punctual With Times- You Miss Your Boat, YOU WILL """NOT""" GET A Refund. You have 48hrs To Use Your Pass/Purchase For A Future Use

James Baker 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: This is part of the adventure of going to Alcatraz Island. It's a relatively short ferry ride, 20 to 25 minutes. The crew is very skilled as there was no unnecessary banging or bumping. The vessel was clean and they do provide snacks and drinks for a fee. But for a 25 minute ride why bother? There are restrooms on the vessel. The view from the boat is excellent both of the island and of San Francisco itself. Alcatraz tours do offer various discounts so check to see if one may apply to you. Highly recommend if you are visiting San Francisco.

Callie Johnson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Nestled in the chilly waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island has long intrigued visitors with its storied past. The Behind the Scenes Night Tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the hidden corners of this iconic former prison. Here’s why it’s an experience worth every moment: Guided Exploration: Imagine stepping beyond the ordinary tourist path. With a group of 30 or fewer, you’ll embark on a 4-5 hour guided adventure led by knowledgeable experts. These guides unveil off-limits areas—the very spots where notorious inmates once roamed. You’ll hear tales of daring escapes, prison life, and the island’s eerie history. Off-Limits Areas: The tour takes you to places rarely seen by the public. Explore the hospital wing, where medical secrets and inmate stories intertwine. Stand in the solitary confinement cells, feeling the weight of isolation. These spaces hold echoes of desperation and resilience. Special Programs: As twilight settles, the island transforms. The Behind the Scenes Night Tour includes special live presentations—intimate glimpses into Alcatraz’s past. Listen to riveting accounts of escape attempts, riots, and the daily struggles faced by both inmates and guards. These programs change, ensuring a fresh experience each time. Cellhouse After Dark: As darkness envelops Alcatraz, you’ll join the regular Alcatraz Night Tour. Wander through the cellhouse, guided by an audio tour that brings the stories to life. Imagine the clank of cell doors, the whispers of desperate men, and the haunting echoes of history. It’s a visceral connection to the past. Breathtaking Views: Alcatraz at night offers a different kind of beauty. The city lights twinkle across the bay, framing the island’s rugged silhouette. From the parade ground, gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge—a sentinel guarding the entrance to the Pacific. It’s a view that lingers in your memory. Practical Tips: Timed Entry: Arrive at least half an hour before your ticket time. Security checks and boarding take time. Prioritize Ranger Programs: Attend any ranger-led presentations—they add depth to your experience. Embrace the Night: Alcatraz reveals its soul after dark. Let the shadows guide you. In summary, the Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Night Tour transcends mere sightseeing. It immerses you in the layers of history, leaving an indelible mark. Don’t miss this chance to step into the shadows and hear Alcatraz’s whispered confessions. Remember, Alcatraz isn’t just a place; it’s a chapter in the human story—one that continues to captivate and intrigue

Maria Camila Galvis 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: This was SO COOL. The tickets are reasonably priced, the boats are clean, comfortable, and punctual. The captain, crew, and staff were all really kind and professional, and the boat ride itself is really cool. Alcatraz was awesome!! We did the night tour which included access to the hospital wing. 10/10 would recommend.

B J 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Grew up watching the Escape from Alcatraz, and to go see, and fill the history was amazing.

jf d 1 year ago

Positive experience: It takes about 10 minutes cruise to the island and 1 hour visit on it. You can see the golden gate bridge and the San Francisco city from both the ship and the island. A small island used to be a prison for severe guilty.

Ty 1 year ago

Positive experience: Our trip was great. However, there was a few hiccups. On the day we went it was raining really heavily. Now of course that's not their fault but there's some suggestions that would make it better in the future in the case it rains. It would be really nice if they had an option to reschedule the trip because of rain, even being able to pay a little bit for it would be nice. Also having a place to wait closer to the dock to wait for the ferry back would be nice. Just so if you have any souvenirs or anything, they don't get ruined in the rain. One last thing is how unsafe it feels walking down in the rain. Easily slip able if you're not careful. Maybe some stairs on the steeper bits? Other than that it was a really fun experience and the snack bar on the ferry was nice. The audio tour was also fun. And we liked how you can stay as long as you wanted to make sure you got all the activities done. Would definitely recommend but check the weather if able to before booking!

Clément Muth 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Alcatraz Tours offers an incredible experience that's steeped in history. From the moment you step onto the island, you're transported to a bygone era. The guided tour is exceptionally well-executed, providing immersive insights into the prison's notorious past. Despite its picturesque setting, the prison carries a palpable sense of gravity, making it a must-visit destination. The explanations are thorough, and the atmosphere is both immersive and engaging. Highly recommend for anyone interested in delving into the darker chapters of American history.

TC Sowden 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Must-see attraction in San Fran. Make sure you plan plenty of time to be on the island, the audio tour is worth it. We had a 1 year old and needed the pram though. Our 4 and 8 year old both loved it too. Visited from overseas. Make sure you book ahead.

c j 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Loved every minute of it! You will climb steep hills so wear your sneakers! Beautiful!

Willaim Davids 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I loved this tour. It was very educational and informative. The staff was curious and helpful. 100% recommend!

Dave Miller 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Unique trip to see the prison and learn about the history of the island. There are a few guided tours of different areas and that changes by the day. The tour of the actual prison is a self guided tour using a provided listening device. The walk up to the prison is quite steep but there is a tram with limited seating available for individuals with disabilities. Purchasing tickets in advance is suggested.

Jordan C Linley 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Reasonable price worth every penny that includes a ferry ride to and back from the island, offers food & drinks onboard. The audio tour was really interesting and done well! Not set on a time limit so you can go early and stay till the last ferry leaves around 4

Rafiga Imanova 1 year ago

Positive experience: Alcatraz tours agency is really good because they make everything really simple for you getting to Alcatraz Island and back was very straightforward. However, Alcatraz ticket prices for almost 50 bucks for per person for I think if they added a student price option that would’ve been great because we couldn’t spend the whole day at Alcatraz discovering because we had a flight to catch an evening.Therefore, we left early so it would be nice if they offer a half-day prices, or at least student prices.

claudio martinez 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Undoubtedly something you must do when visiting San Francisco. The Alcatraz Cruises tour cost around $46, and there are no student discounts. The boats are very punctual. To get the audio guide, you must go upstairs because it's the only place where you'll receive explanations of what you're seeing. Other information can be found explained (in English) in pictures around the facility. They don't allow you to take anything from the island, not even a rock, but don't worry – if you have money, you can buy them inside or pick up any stone in San Francisco and claim it's from Alcatraz.

Paul Sacks 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: It was such a great experience. We took the night tour, and i highly recommend it! Will definitely do the tour again. The tour was self guided, and we went at our own pace. The hospital wing opened up at 6 p.m., and it definitely added another lever to the experience. The water was very choppy on the bay, but the ferry over and back was smooth. All food and beverages on board are good, and cash isn't accepted.

ALCATRAZ TOURS
ALCATRAZ TOURS

Hi Paul, many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! Your feedback means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support. Happy Holidays! Best regards, Alcatraz Island Tours

Lesley Greenhalgh 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: A must do in San Francisco. Catch the ferry from Pier 33. Do the audio tour, available in several languages. Also great views over to the city skyline, bridges and Fisherman's Wharf from the Lighthouse. Make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.

ALCATRAZ TOURS
ALCATRAZ TOURS

Hello, and many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! Your feedback means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support. Happy Holidays! Best regards, Alcatraz Island Tours

Sharon King 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Tour was excellent. A must do if you are in Fisherman’s Wharf! Lots of walking, once you get there. Wear good shoes.

ALCATRAZ TOURS
ALCATRAZ TOURS

Hello, and many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! Your feedback means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support. Happy Holidays! Best regards, Alcatraz Island Tours

cory haynes 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Love the ferry ride and the audio tour. The garden story was great d well. Mass incarceration exhibit was top notch!

ALCATRAZ TOURS
ALCATRAZ TOURS

Hello, and many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! Your feedback means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support. Happy Holidays! Best regards, Alcatraz Island Tours

Daniel Vazquez 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: An awesome experience, if you are in San Francisco you have to take this tour. The stories from some of the prisioners and of some of the prision guards is very impactful. And the views from the Island of the Golden Gate Bridge, the City and of the Oakland-SF is just amazing!!!

ALCATRAZ TOURS
ALCATRAZ TOURS

Hello, and many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! Your feedback means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support. Happy Holidays! Best regards, Alcatraz Island Tours

Darren Whittaker 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: very good. informative audio self guided tour or option to have guided tour by a volunteer.

BuckWild 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Really great tour company and flexible departure times from the island. Great tour.

Mandy Paciorkowski 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: What a cool experience! You definitely can feel some heavy energy here. Be sure to take pictures! You never know what you may find!! I looked back on my photos to find a picture of a figure in the utility corridor!

Jeremy Abel 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: So much history packed in a small island. I really liked that the tour was self guided giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. I didn’t get through everything in the time I went but I definitely want to go back.

Anne Janssen 1 year ago

Negative experience: A expensive tour of a poorly maintained historic building. A huge amount of flies on the ferry and on the island! You can see the island within an hour. When entering the island you also need to pay for a map of the island shouldn't that be included?

J 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great experience! My boyfriend and I have been on this tour twice already. tour staff are helpful and the ferry process on and off the island is smooth. Great views and educational

Bill Robertson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: It is a must-see but sad to see such an iconic gem in such disrepair.

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Emma Cinco 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: A must see/bucket item that should be done in your lifetime. A quick ride on the ferry to an iconic historical site. When you reach the top and place your headset, you are transported back in time and goose bumps surface from the banging and clanking of prison cells closing.

Alex Martin 2 years ago

Positive experience: Alcatraz was cool, it's a national park, you can watch the classic documentary "The Rock" if you want to know more. I'll be reviewing the transportation. We booked directly with Alcatraz City Cruises for a 12:00 ticket. We arrived at pier 33 just before 11:30, and they were already boarding for 11:30 & 12:00 groups. We scanned our ticket to get in line and only waited about 10 minutes for a boat. The boats are clean & have plenty of space, and the staff are great. The only reason I've rated this a 4 rather than 5 is our expected guests on the boat ride: FLIES! We noticed free paper fans in the line and assumed they were for the heat while waiting, but they are instead for the horde of flies that will cloud you on your trip. The flies will land in your hair. They will crawl up your nose. They will gather around your sleeves and buzz your ears and were hands down the worst part of our entire vacation. I have no idea if these are a protected species of fly, or if maybe we caught them during mating season, orr...? This feels like a solvable problem. In the meantime, I recommend Alcatraz City Cruises - just make sure you get a fan while in line, and then wave it wildly around yourself for the next 15 minutes while you approach the island.

Andrew Erskine 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: We had a brilliant time visiting Alcatraz island, the history and location are incredible and the audio tour was informative and interesting. The only downside was the nasty flies in the boat but nothing anyone could do about them I guess. Would highly recommend this trip if you’re in San Francisco for even one day.

Brittany T 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Neat experience! The night tour was cool

Patrick Shick 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: One of the most historic prisons in the US. Worth a trip over if you are into history. Definitely an exciting and informative tour.

Ismaeel Piperdi 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: A very immersive tour narrated by the guards and former prisoners of Alcatraz. Lovely weather and a perfect scenic view of San Francisco and the bay area.

Jonathan Tinsley 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Excellent well organised boats and tour We waited on island and had the ranger tour for free was very good to get information rather than just walk around Audio tour really good stop and listen to instructors get best out of guide Recommend walking into exercise yard bottom door for view over bay to bridge

Pat Ellefson 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: We enjoyed the self-guided tour of the prison and the boat ride to & from the island. The tour was very informational and the views of San Fransisco Bay were exceptional. Once on the island, you were allowed to stay as long as you liked until the last ferry left for the day. You could walk to, in, and around the majority of the buildings on the island. There are a lot of steps that lead to all the buildings. The tour is not handicap friendly.

Bret Salowitz 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: It was amazing to see the actual isolation and regular cells. Only seen it in television with Eastwood but stepping inside was unreal. I had no clue that they had woman and children also living there at that time. Also , they had a battle there that I've never heard of. A must see for sure. Only small drawback were those damn flies. They were everywhere from the ferry to the ground level of the prison.

Rob Wallis 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, and a nice way to experience Alcatraz Island. The boat ride isn't very long each way to get there and back, and there is food and drink available on board.

Jen BN 2 years ago

Negative experience: No one is talking about how disgusting the queue is, the ferry and parts of the island are INFESTED WITH FLIES. Unless you are a big Alcatraz/history buff I would skip it, atleast this time of year (August). It’s really disheartening with all the money they make off the tours how little maintenance and care seems to go into upkeep of the island or to even have Alcatraz itself preserved or even at very least the ferry itself clean! I’ve been to old historical sites before so I know there are challenges and I keep my expectations realistic, but I was seriously caught off guard how concerning what a health hazard it would feel like. It’s a shame honestly. I hope this helps you decide or at least mentally prepares you for what to expect when going as it’s not something they really mention beforehand. Also prepare your a nose a few minutes before you reach dock there is very pungent rotting smell that comes and goes.

Silverada Estates 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Lots of fun. Lots of uphill walking and waiting in lines. Fair amount of people for Wednesday. Ferry ride over was short and not rocky at all. Individual radio headsets in almost every language made it a nice personal tour at your own pace. Gift shop at the end was decent size and the line went fast.

S 2 years ago

Positive experience: Nice tour, but honestly kinda off a rip off. Tickets can go as high of $120-$140 per person. Not even a Disney ticket cost this much (I think). Like I said Nice but to maybe do it once and NEVER AGAIN.

Danica Gardiner 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Self guided audio tours are the best part. Allow time to walk to all the locations when booking your ferry time.

Jonathan McCallan 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: First of all -You MUST book in advance if you want to do this -if you want one piece of advice, that’s it! I’m not a big “organized tourism” type of guy, normally I like to explore cities (and what they have to offer) by myself. However, in order to experience Alcatraz, you must book the official boat/tour if you want to step foot on the island. As it turns out, I had no regrets. Alcatraz is an incredible place to visit -so much history, history that you can touch and feel for yourself. By the way, you should 100% take advantage of the self-guided audio tour.. it is really well made and tells the story of Alcatraz as a prison. Alcatraz, to me, is memories of growing up and watching the movie “Escape from Alcatraz” along with my father -and this tour took me right back to that movie. Despite being claustrophobic, I had no problems entering inside some of the open cells and it’s an experience that I will never forget. Two things that are normally terrible when taking an organized tour, are admission prices and the gift shop. At Alcatraz, I found both things to be good. The boat/tour ticket is less than $50 per adult -given the limited spaces available, they could probably charge way more and still sell out every day. The gift shop has some unique items (yes, I bought a replica prison issue metal cup and I don’t regret it!) and everything is quality there.

Timothy W. 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great experience. The history there is thought provoking.

ryan gerde 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience and educational. Even though I don't remember much now, it was educational during the tour .

Ines Novak 2 years ago

Positive experience: When we bought the tickets, we thought it was an organized tour. It is not. The tickets include the boat ride to and from the island. When on the island, you do have free walking tours and free audio tours which are very well done! All in all the tour was fine but the place is super creepy. Going once because it's there is plenty enough. The jail seems to be falling apart due to weather conditions. It's a National Park so there are many birds around and the island smells pretty bad. It was an experience. It would have been nice to have an actual guide with but all on all the tour was pretty well organized. The boats leave every half an hour off the island. You could basically spend an entire day there, but why would you want to? I would say that, including boat rides (about 10-15 mins each way) you need 2 hours at rhe bare minimum to see the main part of the island. Leave closer to 3 or 4, to check out the whole place.

Tandie Nunez 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: We went on blue and gold tour and the boat ride was amazing so cool since we couldn’t get tickets to go on island so next best thing plus pics are great you can get of Alcatraz and bridge

Matt 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommend buying tickets online in advance and making sure you are at the pier at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Athar Jan 2 years ago

Positive experience: Took the 5:55pm night tour on 26th August. No idea why there’s so much hype about the night tours! We reached the island after a short sail of about 15 minutes or so and finished the tour by 7:20pm. What to do next! Walked down the hill to the boat landing area and found out that there’s no departure before 8:25pm! Although we went prepared for the cold and windy weather but it was chilly outside so waited inside a room until the departure time. There were many more visitors who came down much earlier than the departure time as after the tour there’s not much to do or see on the island. On the return trip to the Pier 33, hardly anyone stayed out on the deck as it was very cold and the views from the deck were nothing great. If you take a day tour, trust me you are not missing anything rather more options to choose your return time depending how long you want to stay at the Al Catraz.

Travis Morris 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome experience! Amazing views of SF from all areas on the island!

Jordan “jay” c 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Always wanted to see it, I thought it was very interesting,as usual gift shop was a rip off but you come to expect that sadly.

Lymaris Rosado, P.A. 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wow! The story, the location, and the immense and heavy feeling that you experience walking through the halls were really impressive.

Ben Martin 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic few hours spent on the island. Do yourself a favour and skip the intro talk from the park ranger on arrival on the island. Head straight up the hill, grab a cell block audio tour and skip the crowds. Fantastic audio tour, brilliant staff, incredible history (especially the Indian occupation) and fabulous island bird life and fauna...plus amazibg views back to SF and the GG bridge. Essential!!

Olly Pirozek 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Well organised tour. I would give yourself 4 hours to do this properly and visit all parts of the island.

bryan quinonez 2 years ago

Positive experience: Good service ,great atmosphere plus staff are so attended to any of your needs at soonest possible

Dennis Livingston 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I mean. You don’t have a choice if you want to go. But for a captive audience they did just fine. Everyone was nice. Ride was a bit chilly on the deck so bring a jacket or find a place inside. I felt safe.

Julia Crespo 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great customer service. 'Al's' follow through was prompt and professionally efficient. I made an error when booking the package online and 'Al' was able to fix my mistake and get us on the Alcatraz ferry that afternoon. He saved the day!

Jayaram Srivatsan 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience. I wanted to visit Alcatraz for a long time and it didn't disappoint. Definitely worth it if visiting SF. I thought the audio guided tour was very good. It gave a very good perspective on what it may have been like. Tip: bring a light jacket. Even in the summer it is very windy.

Chris Alan Chappel 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing. The tour was real easy and simple. No stress or waiting around. The views from the rock looking back at SF and GGB were just as good as the tour. Highly recommend the day tour. We went at 3.20 and returned at 6pm. Great value for money. Your legs will ache after though !!

Tony Newell 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Went on self tour... Ferry ride was smooth, quite a place to go see, I would recommend. Kinda wished I had gone on the night tour that woulda been spooky!

Dustin Mollenkopf 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Pretty cool tour. Walk around at your own pace. Parking tip. Parking at the Pier is over $40. Even the lot right next to the pier was $48. Go about a 1/4 mile to 80 Lombard, and park in the garage they. It was only $20.

Daniel D 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: The island is very easy to navigate with a rich history and friendly staff. The views are some of the best in San Francisco

Cloé T 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wish there was a bit more help/guidance for first timers in San Fran area and all. But staff was friendly, boarding the boat was super fast, time is free on the island to go anywhere you want. Was in my bucketlist to visit Alcatraz Island and wasn’t disappointed. I recommend!!

Giselle Sofia 2 years ago

Positive experience: The Alcatraz island and prison were amazing, the audio book was very informative and entertaining. The only negative part I found of this tour is that you are pretty much on your own, no one to orient you and answer questions, we didn’t have time to do the bay boat tour, so I can’t comment on it.

Kelsey Lester 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: This was an incredible experience. We booked the night tour and had a great time. It was surreal to walk through the island and the prison. I loved the audio tour, it was very informative and interesting. The boat ride back and forth had beautiful views, as well as plenty of information. It was neat to be in the prison in the dark!

farooq sattar 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Really a unique place, to plan and construct it was something extra ordinary especially 6 to 7 decades ago,due to hardships encountered in transportation of material,manpower and top,very challenging job in that severe weather and atmospheric conditions,worth visiting

Dawn Harrage 2 years ago

Positive experience: Well worth a visit. The audio tour adds to the interest if the tour around Alcatraz prison. While there, make sure you take time to see the gardens and wildlife that have made the island their home

ADKN Smith 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: A must. Night tour best. Crowded but worth the effort. Plenty to see & do. Fascinating.

Ajay Mangale 2 years ago

Positive experience: Main Prison Audio Tour is nice. It details everything about Alcatraz history.

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George Eyres 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very interesting audio tour. The visit brings home how grim this place was.

Michelle Bryant 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great tour! Definitely worth the price of the tickets. Boat ride out and you can go with a guided tour or just go on you own, so you can't stay all day if you wanted to.

Dawn Sullivan 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing! Great time and well worth the money. Employees were very helpful.

Pork Chop 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Parking garage right next to it. (40 dollars all day) boats to the island every 20 minutes and I was able to buy the tickets at the window. I got there at 8:45 am and left at 9:20 am. I was back by 12:30 pm. Tickets were 45 dollars a person and it includes the boat ride.

James 2 years ago

Positive experience: Good value tour. Organisation for boats to and from the island was good, with regular services going back so you could really take as long as you needed. The audio tour was good, my only complaint is you don't hear enough about some of the famous prisoners it's held but overall it was a great experience.

PJ Nabat 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: The park was handicap accessible for the elderly which would most likely have a hard time going up and down the many steep roads

Lang Yu 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: We had a great experience visiting Alcatraz island. The package includes the round trip ferry, admission to the island and audio tour of the inside.

John Olson 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Definitely a place for anyone’s bucket list. Very cool to see something that’s still alive and thriving with wildlife. Lots of walking and you are allowed to stay as long as you want. Very Cool!!! Would love to visit again on my next trip!

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