AAlcatraz Island, famously known as “The Rock,” is one of San Francisco’s most captivating and historical landmarks. This former maximum-security federal prison was once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone and Robert “The Birdman” Stroud. If you’re planning a visit to Alcatraz Island, the best way to see it is with Alcatraz City Cruises. We are an authorized concessioner and the only source for tour tickets to the island. Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of your experience.

 

A Brief History of San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island started as a military fortification in the mid-19th century before becoming a federal penitentiary in 1934. The prison operated until 1963, housing some of America’s most dangerous criminals. After the prison closed, the island became the site of a significant Native American occupation from 1969 to 1971, advocating for indigenous rights. Today, Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is preserved as a National Historic Landmark.

 

 

How to Prepare for Your Experience with Alcatraz City Cruises

Book Your Tickets in Advance

It’s crucial to book your tickets for this legendary attraction in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can be purchased online through Alcatraz City Cruises, which is the only authorized provider of ferry services to the island. Consider the type of tour you want (choose from several options below!) and any additional activities or combo tours you might be interested in.

How to Prepare for the Weather

San Francisco’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even if the city is warm, the island can be windy and chilly. Dress in layers and/or bring a light jacket to accommodate sudden changes in temperature. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you will more than likely be hitting your step count goals as you explore and come across uneven terrain.

Pack Essentials for the Unexpected

We cannot stress this enough: it’s important to pack water and stay hydrated. There are no food services on the island, so packing water and snacks is essential. Eating is only allowed in designated areas. While on the topic of staying safe and prepared, UV rays on the island can be strong. Even on overcast days, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

 

 

What Awaits You on the Journey to Alcatraz through San Francisco Bay

Tours typically start from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you enough time to check in, go through security, and board the ferry. Public transportation, taxis, and rideshares are good options for reaching Pier 33, as parking can be limited and expensive.

The ferry ride to Alcatraz Island takes about 15 minutes. During the journey, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. You may even encounter some marine wildlife. It’s a great time to start taking photos and soak in the scenery.

Types of Alcatraz Tours Available

The Alcatraz Day Tour

Now is your chance to explore Alcatraz Island and visit the world-renowned Cellhouse without the usual crowds! Step back in time during the Alcatraz Day Tour and experience the legendary Island, which has been a Civil War fort, a military prison, and one of the most notorious Federal penitentiaries in US history. This experience lasts a few hours and is perfect for first-time visitors. It also includes the award-winning “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour” (Cellhouse Audio Tour).

The Alcatraz Night Tour

For a deeper dive into Alcatraz Island’s many moods, consider an evening visit on the Alcatraz Night Tour. You’ll enjoy the beauty of a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge, experience a cell door demonstration, and hear compelling stories about the Island’s history and residents. Evening talks by Island expert historians are offered on a variety of topics and change every night, ensuring that no two visits are the same. This is a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors per evening, including tours and activities that are not offered during the day.

The Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

Join a group of 30 people or fewer on the Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour and discover areas on Alcatraz Island not available to the public! This guided 4-5-hour adventure explores off-limits areas and tells little-known stories about the Island’s fascinating past. Eventually, you will join the Alcatraz Night Tour (including the Cellhouse Audio Tour) for a full day of excitement.

The Cellhouse Audio Tour

All three of the above experiences include the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour. Many consider it the highlight of any visit to Alcatraz. This self-guided tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, takes you through the main cellhouse, providing an immersive experience of life inside the prison. You’ll hear stories of escape attempts, prison riots, and daily routines, bringing the history of Alcatraz to life.

 

Practical Tips When Visiting Alcatraz Island in California

Alcatraz City Cruises is honored to be recognized as “Best Boat Tours” by Newsweek Magazine’s expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best. After the tours, take time to explore the rest of the island at your own leisure. While most of the island is wheelchair accessible, the terrain can be challenging. Key areas to visit include:

• The Recreation Yard – Where inmates could play sports and socialize.
• The Gardens – Maintained by inmates and now restored, these gardens offer a peaceful contrast to the stark prison environment.
• Building 64 – This was the first stop for new prisoners, and now, it houses exhibits on the island’s history.
• The Lighthouse – The oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

When it comes to photography, plan your visit for the early morning or the late afternoon, also known as “Golden Hour.”

Although there are no food services on the island, you can bring your own snacks and drinks. Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you plan on hiking and exploring extensively.

 

See a Piece of American History with Alcatraz City Cruises

An experience with Alcatraz City Cruises and the National Park Service is not just a tour; it’s a journey through American history, offering a mix of education and breathtaking scenery. The stories of the inmates, the strategic military significance, and the island’s natural beauty all contribute to a unique and exhilarating experience. By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Make it memorable by preparing well and soaking in all that this iconic destination has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for an adventure, Alcatraz Island offers something for everyone!

 

FAQs – What to Expect and How to Prepare for a Tour of Alcatraz Island

What is Alcatraz Island?

Alcatraz Island is a small island in San Francisco Bay, famous for its former federal prison that housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” It’s now a National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service, offering visitors a glimpse into its history, wildlife, and spectacular views of San Francisco.

How do I get to Alcatraz Island?

Alcatraz City Cruises is the only commercial ferry service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island. Several other companies offer narrated cruises around the Island but are not allowed to dock at Alcatraz Island.

How can I get tickets for Alcatraz?

Tickets and tours are available through the official Alcatraz City Cruises website as the official National Park Service concessioner and exclusive provider of ferry services to Alcatraz Island. You can also book tickets by calling our Contact Center at +1-415-981-7625. The Contact Center is open seven days a week, from 9:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time (PST). It’s recommended to book tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer), as they often sell out weeks ahead.

I see Alcatraz tickets for sale on other sites. Why are they more expensive?

Alcatraz City Cruises is the official National Park Service concessioner and exclusive provider of ferry services to Alcatraz Island. Tickets purchased directly include tax, and there are no booking or processing fees when booking tickets at alcatrazcitycruises.com. This means we can guarantee the lowest price on the tickets.

Tickets include roundtrip ferry transportation, the audio tour inside the Cellhouse, and other programs on Alcatraz.

Can I visit Alcatraz without a ticket?

No, you must purchase a ticket to access Alcatraz Island. Tickets for the ferry are typically available online in advance through Alcatraz City Cruises, especially during peak season, as tours can sell out quickly.

 

What is the best time to visit Alcatraz Island?

• For fewer crowds: Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to visit.
• For a unique experience: The Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour offers a 4-5 hour adventure into lesser-known areas of Alcatraz with a maximum of 30 people per tour. The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a more atmospheric experience, as the island has fewer visitors and special programs are offered after dark.
• For the best weather: The summer months tend to be the warmest, but keep in mind that San Francisco weather is unpredictable, so layers are recommended year-round.

How long is a tour of Alcatraz?

Standard Alcatraz tours last about 2.5 to 3 hours, including the ferry ride to and from the island. This includes time to explore the prison, participate in the self-guided audio tour, and enjoy the island’s historical exhibits.

The Alcatraz Night Tour is a bit longer, typically lasting about 3 hours due to additional evening programming and the chance to explore areas of the island that aren’t accessible during the day.

What is the Alcatraz Night Tour like?

The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a different experience than the daytime visit. It includes special talks, programs, and a chance to see the island and prison under the cover of darkness, creating a more atmospheric and dramatic visit. You’ll also have access to areas of the island that are not open during the day, like the Hospital Ward and Model Industries Building.

Can I take a guided tour of Alcatraz?

Yes, visitors can opt for a self-guided audio tour that is available in multiple languages. The audio tour is included in the ticket price and takes you through the prison, with narration by former inmates and guards, providing rich historical context. There are also guided tours available for groups.

What time do we come back from Alcatraz Island?

The return trips are listed on the Departure Schedule page and also posted at the Island dock. You can stay on Alcatraz Island as long as you like if you take the Day Tour because multiple ferries depart the Island each day. The ride from Alcatraz Island to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is approximately 12-15 minutes. Boats are loaded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is there to see on Alcatraz Island?

• Alcatraz Prison: The main attraction, including the cell blocks, dining hall, exercise yard, and famous solitary confinement area.
• The gardens: Beautiful gardens were maintained by inmates and staff, and they offer a more peaceful side of the island.
• The Lighthouse: The first lighthouse on the West Coast, dating back to 1854.
• The Military History: Before the prison, Alcatraz served as a military fortification.
• Wildlife: The island is also home to various birds, including seagulls, pelicans, and cormorants.

How do I get to Pier 33 for the ferry to Alcatraz Island?

Pier 33 is located along the waterfront in San Francisco, near Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s accessible by public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services. If you’re driving, there are parking lots nearby, though they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Is Alcatraz Island wheelchair accessible?

Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so be prepared for walking long distances uphill. The distance from the dock to the prison at the top of the Island is about .25 mile (.4 km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is equivalent to climbing a thirteen-story building. Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz’s roads may take advantage of the S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram — an electric shuttle that meets each scheduled arrival at the Alcatraz dock and transports visitors requiring mobility assistance from the dock to the prison building. S.E.A.T. returns visitors requiring mobility assistance from the prison building back to the dock at regular intervals throughout the day. Visitors requiring mobility assistance may be accompanied by one attendant in their party if space is available. Families with small children and strollers cannot be accommodated on S.E.A.T. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. The S.E.A.T. schedule is listed on the accessibility page.

The following areas are completely wheelchair accessible:

• Alcatraz dock area
• Prison building main floor
• All bookstores
• Museum displays
• Island theater
• Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
• All Alcatraz City Cruises vessels

Can I bring food or drinks to Alcatraz?

No, food or drinks and coolers are not allowed on the island except for bottled water. There are no restaurants on the island, but you can find dining options at Pier 33 or nearby Fisherman’s Wharf before or after your visit.

Are there any restroom facilities on the island?

Yes, restroom facilities are located on the island, including at the dock area and near the prison building. Be aware that there are no restroom facilities on the ferry itself.

Is Alcatraz safe to visit?

Yes, Alcatraz is a safe and popular tourist destination. There are park rangers and staff members present on the island to ensure safety. The island is also very well-maintained, and the ferry ride to and from the island is secure. However, like any popular tourist spot, it’s a good idea to watch your belongings.

Are group bookings available for trips to Alcatraz?

Groups are welcome to visit Alcatraz Island throughout the year. However, due to safety concerns and size limitations, groups must make special arrangements for their ticket reservations.

Parties of 20 people or more are considered a group. Any group must fill out a group application request, based on their group type. Groups can book no more than 60 people on any one departure. For more information, visit our Group Reservations page.

Original Post Date: August 9, 2024