Alcatraz City Cruises Give Back to Local Community Residents/Organization

Alcatraz City Cruises is proud to support underrepresented communities in the Bay Area through our Alcatraz Gives Back program by offering complimentary tickets to qualifying local residents. This initiative is designed to make our stunning Bay more accessible to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it.

 

Residency and Eligibility

To qualify for our Outreach Program, residents must live in the Bay Area and meet specific eligibility criteria, including showing a valid ID with a local Bay Area zip code. Residents are eligible if they are participating in government assistance programs, as determined by the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) for California.

Based on these guidelines, the following income limits apply:

  • Individuals: $15,060 or less annually
  • Families of Two: $20,440 or less annually
  • Families of Three: $25,820 or less annually
  • Families of Four: $31,200 or less annually

Residents can qualify by providing documentation from the following government assistance programs:

  • CalFresh (SNAP): EBT Card
  • Medi-Cal: Medi-Cal BIC (Benefits Identification Card)
  • Section 8 Housing Program: Voucher/Certificate of Eligibility
  • WIC (Women, Infants & Children): WIC Card (Nutrition Assistance)
  • General Assistance (GA) / General Relief (GR): Relief Payment Card
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI Benefit Letter/Card

 

How to Book Your Complimentary Tickets

  1. Book Tickets Here
  2. Complete the reservation process.

Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email. On the day of your cruise, please bring:

  • Your booking confirmation (printed or digital).
  • A valid ID with a local Bay Area zip code.
  • Proof of eligibility (one of the documents listed above) to claim your tickets.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a memorable and scenic tour of the Bay!

Frequently Asked Question

Who is eligible for a complimentary ticket under the outreach program?

  • Local Bay Area residents who belong to underrepresented communities and meet the income guidelines through participation in government assistance programs.

How do I prove my residency in San Francisco?

You will need to present a valid ID that shows a local San Francisco zip code.

What documentation do I need to claim my tickets?

You’ll need to bring your ID with a Bay Area zip code and proof of eligibility from one of the qualifying government assistance programs, such as an EBT card, Medi-Cal BIC, or SSI Benefit Letter.

Can I bring guests who don’t qualify for the program?

Yes, but only tickets for eligible local residents will be complimentary. Guests will need to purchase regular tickets. Guest can purchase regular tickets here

How do I receive my ticket?

Please check in at the ticket booth with the valid photo identification and one of the required documentations.

Can I reschedule after I book?

Yes, rescheduling is possible and can be done through manage my booking.

What if I do not receive my confirmation?

If you do not receive a confirmation, check your spam/junk folder or contact us at [email protected]

Where can I park?

  • There is no parking at Pier 33.  Street parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area can be hard to find and nearly every space has a parking meter. Parking meters take nickels, dimes, quarters, and credit cards. Rates range from $.25 to $6.00 per hour (subject to change since these are not operated by Alcatraz City Cruises). Parking meters in the area operate seven days a week.

  • There are fifteen commercial lots within a five-block radius of Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing with a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. The closest and most convenient lots are located at 55 Francisco Street and 80 Francisco Street. Rates can range from $40-$60 per day for parking.

  • Automobile break-ins are frequent in the area, so please do not leave any valuables in your car.

  • For more information on parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area visit Plan Your Trip: Parking.

Do you validate parking?

Unfortunately, there are no parking validation services offered.

Can I bring my pet?

Only service animals are able to go on the tour.

Can I bring food on the tour?

Food and beverage will be available for purchase on board.

My flight leaves after the tour, can I bring my suitcase with me?

No. Luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks and packages are not allowed on the tour due to safety concerns. The National Park Service and Alcatraz City Cruises comply with Department of Homeland Security guidelines. Ferry departure and arrival points receive a great deal of scrutiny from the United States Coast Guard and are regulated as closely as airports. For this reason, luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks and large packages are not allowed on the tour. The maximum acceptable size for a backpack is 16” x 20”. There are no storage facilities in the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing area. Alcatraz City Cruises does not store luggage for ticketed passengers. Ticketed passengers arriving at Alcatraz Landing with luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks and packages may not be able to partake in the Bay Discovery Cruise. Please note that we cannot offer refunds to visitors who miss their ferry because of their luggage or any oversized bags. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard.

What is there to see while on the Bay Discovery Cruise?

  • The Golden Gate Bridge
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Angel Island
  • Sausalito
  • The Marin Headlands
  • Fort Point / Presidio
  • Ghirardelli Square
  • Pier 39
  • San Francisco Skyline

Is the boat and Alcatraz Landing ADA accessible?

  • Yes, all Alcatraz City Cruises vessels are accessible
  • Accessible bathrooms are also located on Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing

Please note: There are no wheelchairs available for loan either at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing or on Alcatraz Island.