Alcatraz Night Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
+8
About this tour
Cross San Francisco Bay by ferry to Alcatraz, the island that once held the country's most notorious prisoners, and walk the cellblocks at your own pace with the award-winning audio guide narrated by the men who actually lived and worked there. You'll hear about inmates like Al Capone, pass through the dining hall and recreation yard, and take in the island's gardens and seabird colonies. This option also adds a one-hour bay cruise, and the audio guide is available in ten languages. Capacity is tight, so book ahead.
Audio Guide Languages
English
German
Spanish
Japanese
French
Italian
Portuguese
Korean
Highlights
- Ride the ferry across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island with wide-open water and skyline views
- Walk the cellblocks and hear the stories of famous inmates, including Al Capone
- Follow the award-winning audio guide narrated by former inmates and prison guards
- See the island's gardens and nesting seabird colonies
- Take in the mood and history of one of America's most infamous prisons
Places You Will Visit
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip daytime ferry to Alcatraz Island
- Alcatraz admission ($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 option selected)
How the Visit Works: Ferry, Timing, and Hours
Everything starts at the ferry terminal at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. Alcatraz is reachable only by boat, and ferries run to and from the island every 30 to 40 minutes for both day and night tours. Your ticket time is your outbound sailing, so plan to arrive early. Once you're on the island, the visit itself usually runs about two to three hours, and the whole outing, ferry rides included, takes roughly half a day.
Getting to Pier 33 is easy by transit, with several Muni bus lines and the F-line streetcar stopping nearby; if you drive, garage parking is close but limited in peak season. The island is open year-round except Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving. Visiting hours run 09:00 to 18:30 Sunday and Monday, and 09:00 to 21:30 Tuesday through Saturday. The first ferry typically leaves around 08:20, with the last outbound sailing in mid-afternoon (earlier in winter); return boats run continuously, and night tours operate on select days with their own evening departures.
Available Days / Times
- Monday
- Tuesday : 15:50, 16:45
- Wednesday : 15:50, 16:45
- Thursday : 15:50, 16:45, 17:55, 18:30, 19:05
- Friday : 15:50, 16:45, 17:55, 18:30, 19:05
- Saturday : 15:50, 16:45, 17:55, 18:30, 19:05
- Sunday
Last updated: Oct 22, 2026
Important Information
- Daily capacity is capped and tickets sell out fast, so book well ahead, especially in peak season
- The island is reachable only by ferry from Pier 33; arrive 30 to 45 minutes before boarding
- Your booking time is the outbound ferry; return ferries run often, so you set your own pace on the island
- Round-trip ferry and the official cellhouse audio guide are included
- Day visits allow more outdoor exploring; night tours add ranger talks, extra storytelling, and access to select areas
- Some paths are steep, but a tram assists visitors with mobility concerns on certain routes
- Many travelers pair Alcatraz with a bay cruise, a city tour, or nearby spots like Sausalito or Muir Woods
- Combo and extended experiences: Many travelers combine Alcatraz with bay cruises, city tours, or nearby destinations such as Sausalito or Muir Woods for a fuller itinerary.
- Food is very limited; snacks and bottled drinks are sold, but eating is only allowed in the picnic areas near the dock
- Food service is very limited; snacks and bottled drinks are available, but eating is permitted only in designated picnic areas near the dock.
- Restrooms are near the dock and by the cellhouse
- Restrooms are mainly located near the dock and close to the Cellhouse area.
- Ranger talks and exhibits run all day; check the posted schedule when you arrive
- Ranger talks and exhibits run throughout the day; check posted schedules upon arrival.
- Bay weather turns fast; bring layers, a windproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes
- Weather changes quickly in the bay, so bring layers and a windproof jacket. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Airport-style security screening applies before boarding; large bags and restricted items are not allowed
- Airport-style screening applies before boarding; large bags and restricted items are not permitted.
- Stay on marked paths and do not touch or damage any structures
- Please stay on designated paths and avoid touching or damaging any of the structures.
- Follow the directions of park rangers and guides
- Follow the instructions of park rangers and tour guides.
- Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the island
- No smoking is allowed on the island.
- Drones are not permitted
- Drones are prohibited.
- Photography is fine, but flash is not allowed in certain areas
- Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited in certain areas.
FAQs
How do I get tickets for Alcatraz tours?
How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island?
Are there restrooms available on Alcatraz Island?
Can I bring food and drinks to Alcatraz Island?
Is Alcatraz Island accessible for people with disabilities?
What is the best time to visit Alcatraz?
Are there guided tours available on Alcatraz Island?
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