Alcatraz City Cruises Gives Back to Schools

Alcatraz City Cruises is thrilled to extend complimentary bus transportation to Title 1 San Francisco County schools as part of our Alcatraz Gives Back program. We understand that transportation can often be a barrier for schools planning field trips, and this initiative is designed to make it easier than ever for students to experience the magic of the San Francisco Bay. 

Through this program, schools can bring their students on an unforgettable Bay Discovery Cruise, where they will learn about the Bay’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique ecosystems—all while enjoying an exciting day on the water. With convenient pick-up and drop-off at eligible locations, we’re making it simple for educators to provide their students with a meaningful and educational adventure outside the classroom. 

Alcatraz City Cruises is proud to support local schools and help students connect with the Bay Area’s incredible maritime heritage in a way that is both accessible and memorable. 

Who Qualifies?

  • Title 1 Schools in San Francisco are eligible for free pick-up and drop-off transportation within the radius.
  • First come, first serve: Space is limited, so we encourage you to book as soon as possible.

Bay Discovery Cruise Schedule

Our Bay Discovery Cruise Tours will be available from March 16 to March 29, 2025. Departure times are:

  • 10:40 AM
  • 1:10 PM
  • 3:00 PM

We provide complimentary bus service for easy pick-up and drop-off between your school and the Alcatraz City Cruises landing. Bus pickup will be 2 hours before the Cruise departure time. However, schools within a 3-mile radius of Alcatraz City Cruises will not be eligible for the complimentary bus service. Use the link to check if your school qualifies for bus transportation.

Map for program 3 outreach

How to Apply

To participate in the program, please fill out the form. All fields are required to ensure we can coordinate the best schedule for your school.

Important Information

This program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we encourage you to submit your request as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time. We will confirm your transportation details once your request has been processed.

  • Pick up and drop off location is only limited to county of San Francisco.

  • 2 hours before departure will be pick up times.

Cancellation Policy

Thank you for booking a Bay Discovery Cruises tour with us as part of our Community Outreach Program! Alcatraz City Cruises is excited to welcome you and hope you enjoy the experience. To ensure smooth operations, please review our cancellation policy below: 

  1. Cancellation by the School:  
    •  More than 14 days before the tour: No penalty, but please notify us as soon as possible so we can offer the spot to another participating school. 
    • 13 days or less before the tour: Alcatraz City Cruises requires a minimum of 14 days’ notice to cancel your reservation. If you do not cancel at least 14 days in advance, Alcatraz City Cruises may limit your ability to participate in our Outreach Program in the future. 

 2. No-Show: 

    • If you fail to show up for the tour without prior 14-day notice, Alcatraz City Cruises will mark your reservation as a “no-show”.  Alcatraz City Cruises may limit your eligibility for future bookings. 

3. Rescheduling: 

    • If you need to reschedule your Bay Discovery Cruise tour, please contact us at least 14 days in advance. Alcatraz City Cruises will do our best to accommodate your preferred date and time, subject to availability. 

4. Cancellation by Alcatraz City Cruises: 

    • If Alcatraz City Cruises needs to cancel or modify the tour due to weather conditions, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you promptly and offer the option to reschedule or receive an alternative tour, when available at a later date. 

 5. Contact Us: 

    • To cancel or reschedule, please contact us by email at  

[email protected]   

Alcatraz City Cruises appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide the best experience for all guests. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Box Lunches Available to Order:

Box lunch options are available for kids, offering a convenient and delicious meal to enjoy during the cruise. Each lunch is kid-friendly and includes a balanced selection of tasty and nutritious items.

Frequently Asked Question

Who qualifies for the complimentary transportation service?

The free transportation service is available only to Title 1 schools in San Francisco.

How far in advance can a reservation be made?

Reservations can be submitted in advance. To request permission for your School Group please complete the application request form and allow 14 days for review. Once we have received this request, an application form will be sent to you for completion. 

Will transportation be provided to and from the location?

Yes, we will provide transportation to and from the pick-up and drop off locations that are within the San Francisco County. 

How large can the group be?

School group sizes can vary. The limit is 60 per departure time. If your group is more than 60 in total, the group will be split into different departures

Is there a ratio that must be met?

One adult leader (aged 21 years or older) is required for every 9 students (20 and younger). 

Are we able to bring food?

Food and Beverages are available for purchase on our vessels. Food cannot be consumed on the landing at Pier 33.  

Can we cancel the tour/booking?

Yes, we ask that the changes to your request be made via email 14 days prior to the tour date. Please contact us directly by email at ([email protected]) soon as possible, as availability is limited. 

Is the vessel ADA friendly?

All Alcatraz City Experiences vessels are ADA friendly. 

Can I bring my pet with me?

Only service animals are allowed on the vessel. 

How do I schedule transportation for my school?

Simply fill out the form above, including your preferred dates and times. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences, subject to availability.

What dates and times are available?

Transportation is available from March 16 to March 29, 2025 with three departure times daily: 10:40AM, 1:10PM and 3:00PM

Can we purchase lunches from Alcatraz city experiences?

Yes, lunches can be purchased through us. We ask that you ask about lunches when submitting your application. 

Can I change my preferred date and time after submitting the form?

Changes to your request can be made, but please contact us directly as soon as possible, as availability is limited.

When will I receive confirmation?

We will send a confirmation email once your transportation request is processed, including the final pick-up and drop-off times.

Is there a limit to how many students we can bring?

Transportation is available for one bus load per reservation.