Alcatraz Ferry Tour with 1-Hour SF Bay Cruise

KTLY578605

Alcatraz Ferry Tour with 1-Hour SF Bay Cruise, photo 3

Alcatraz Ferry Tour with 1-Hour SF Bay Cruise, photo 4

California, USA

Duration

About half a day (Day Tour)

Audio Guide

English, German, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Korean

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 48 hours before departure

About this tour

Ride the ferry out to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33 and walk the old cellblocks that once held Al Capone, following an award-winning audio guide narrated by former inmates and the guards who worked there. Your ticket covers round-trip ferry passage, admission to the island, and the audio tour in ten languages. There's also a one-hour cruise around San Francisco Bay, with the city skyline and the island's gardens and seabirds along the way. Plan on about half a day for the whole trip.

Audio Guide Languages

English German Spanish Japanese French Italian Portuguese Korean

Highlights

Cross San Francisco Bay by ferry to reach Alcatraz Island
Walk the cellblocks and hear the stories of famous inmates like Al Capone
Follow the award-winning audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards
See the island's gardens and the seabird colonies that nest there
Take in the history and eerie atmosphere of the notorious former prison

Places You Will Visit

Open map

Alcatraz Island California, USA 7 tours & tickets

Included / Excluded

Round-trip daytime ferry to Alcatraz Island
Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
Audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
One-hour San Francisco Bay cruise
Round-trip night ferry to Alcatraz Island (depending on the option you select)

Getting There, Hours, and What the Day Looks Like

The whole trip runs about half a day, with roughly two to three hours on the island itself. It starts at the ferry at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero, with boats running back and forth every 30 to 40 minutes for both day and night tours. Once you land, you tour the cellblocks at your own pace with the audio guide, and you can wander the dining hall, library, and recreation yard along the way. Return ferries run continuously, so you leave when you're ready.

Pier 33 is easy to reach on public transit. Several Muni bus lines and the F-line streetcar stop close by, and there are parking garages nearby if you drive, though spaces fill up in peak season. The island is open year-round except Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving. Visiting hours are 09:00 to 18:30 on Sunday and Monday, and 09:00 to 21:30 Tuesday through Saturday. The first ferry usually sails around 08:20, with the last outbound boat in the mid-afternoon (earlier in winter). Night tours run on select days with their own evening departures and return boats.

Available Days / Times

Monday : 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00
Tuesday : 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00
Wednesday : 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00
Thursday : 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00
Friday : 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:20, 15:50
Saturday : 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:20, 15:50
Sunday : 08:40, 09:20, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:20, 15:50

Last updated: Oct 23, 2026

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Important Information

Daily capacity is capped and tickets sell out fast, so book well ahead, especially in the busy months
The island is reachable only by ferry from Pier 33; get there 30 to 45 minutes before your boarding time
Your booking time is your outbound ferry; return ferries run often, so you set your own pace on the island
Day visits give you more time to roam the outdoor areas, while night tours add ranger talks and access to select spaces
Paths can be steep; tram assistance is available for visitors with mobility needs on certain routes
You can pair the visit with a bay cruise, a city tour, or trips to Sausalito or Muir Woods nearby
Food service is minimal; snacks and bottled drinks are sold, but you can only eat in the picnic areas near the dock
Restrooms are near the dock and by the Cellhouse
Ranger talks and exhibits run all day; check the posted schedule when you arrive
Bay weather turns fast, so bring layers and a windproof jacket, and wear comfortable shoes for a lot of walking
Airport-style screening applies before boarding; large bags and restricted items aren't allowed
Stay on the marked paths and don't touch or damage any of the structures
Follow the directions of the park rangers and guides
No smoking anywhere on the island
Drones are not permitted
Photography is fine, but flash is not allowed in some areas

FAQs

How do I get tickets for Alcatraz tours?

You can book online through our platform. Since island capacity is limited and demand is high, reserving ahead is the surest way to lock in the ferry departure you want.

How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island?

The crossing from Pier 33 takes about 15 to 20 minutes, with views across San Francisco Bay along the way.

Are there restrooms available on Alcatraz Island?

Yes. Restrooms are near the dock and close to the Cellhouse, so it's worth stopping before you head up to explore.

Can I bring food and drinks to Alcatraz Island?

Bottled water is fine anywhere on the island, but you can only eat snacks in the picnic areas near the dock. No food or drink is allowed inside the Cellhouse.

Is Alcatraz Island accessible for people with disabilities?

The ferry and many main areas are accessible, and a tram helps visitors up the steep hill. Some of the historic sections still have stairs and uneven ground.

What is the best time to visit Alcatraz?

Spring and fall bring milder weather and thinner crowds. Early morning ferries tend to be quietest, while evening visits have a more atmospheric feel.

Are there guided tours available on Alcatraz Island?

From

€113