Alcatraz is mysterious at any time of day, but for those who want a real thrill, check out the Island’s Night Tour, which is particularly curious at night. As the sun sets on the Island and the crowds begins to dissipate, Alcatraz becomes a little more intriguing.

The adventure begins at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, where passengers will board the day’s last ferry. While visitors of the Night Tour will enjoy the same encounters as Day Tour visitors, Cellhouse audio tour and the like, the intrigue begins with a private guided tour around Alcatraz Island, which points out the hidden spots used for attempted escapes and prison structures unreachable by foot. A guide will lead a walk up the hill to the Cellhouse with stops that highlight the layers of history from pre-Civil War and a military cannon, as well as a “diary” of family life on the Island.

Visitors can then tour the Cellhouse on their own with the award-winning audio presentation Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour. In addition, Night Tour visitors can expect experiences that may include areas normally restricted when the masses are present during the Day Tour, including the Alcatraz hospital accommodations, the dark solitary confinement cells, stories of life inside from real prisoners and the intensity of a prison breakout as told by correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island. While the specific areas of Alcatraz Island are not revealed before the Night Tour experience, all visitors will encounter something unique…experiences that are not readily available during the Day Tours. Because the night tour is so popular, it is recommended that tickets are booked within the 90-day window of opportunity. 

Original Post Date: May 23, 2019