Alcatraz Ticket & Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour

KTLY382638
Audio Guide
English, German, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Korean
Non-refundable
This ticket cannot be cancelled and is non-refundable

About this tour

This combo pairs a ticket to Alcatraz Island with a 90-minute walking tour of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf led by an English-speaking local guide. Your Alcatraz portion covers round-trip ferry transport and the acclaimed cellhouse audio guide, narrated by people who actually lived and worked in the prison, available in ten languages. On the island you'll walk the cellblocks, take in the bay views, and get a real feel for what daily life behind these walls was like.

Audio Guide Languages

English German Spanish Japanese French Italian Portuguese Korean

Highlights

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

Places You Will Visit

Included / Excluded

  • Alcatraz admission ($45)
  • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
  • Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
  • 90-minute walking tour of Fisherman's Wharf
  • English-speaking local guide for the walking tour
  • English-speaking local guide for walking tour
  • Alcatraz audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
  • Multilingual audio guide for Alcatraz in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean

Getting There, Ferry Schedule and Opening Hours

Both parts of this combo start in San Francisco. The Fisherman's Wharf walking tour runs about 90 minutes on foot with your local guide, and Alcatraz is reached only by ferry from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. Boats run every 30 to 40 minutes for both day and night tours. Getting to Pier 33 is easy on public transit, with several Muni bus lines and the F-line streetcar stopping nearby; if you drive, nearby garage parking is limited and fills up in peak season.

Plan on roughly half a day for the Alcatraz portion, with about 2 to 3 hours on the island itself. Alcatraz is open year-round except Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving. Island visiting hours run 09:00 to 18:30 on Sunday and Monday, and 09:00 to 21:30 Tuesday through Saturday. The first ferry usually leaves around 08:20 and the last outbound boat departs mid-afternoon, earlier in winter. Return ferries run continuously, so you can head back on your own schedule, and night tours are offered on select days with their own evening departures.

Available Days / Times

  • Monday : 09:30
  • Tuesday : 09:30
  • Wednesday : 09:30
  • Thursday : 09:30
  • Friday : 09:30
  • Saturday : 09:30
  • Sunday : 09:30

Last updated: Oct 23, 2026

From
Book Now

Important Information

  • Daily capacity is capped and tickets sell out fast, so book ahead, especially in peak months
  • The island is reachable only by ferry from Pier 33; arrive 30 to 45 minutes before boarding
  • Your booking time is for the outbound ferry; return ferries run often, so you can leave when you like
  • Round-trip ferry and the official cellhouse audio guide are included
  • Day visits give you more time outdoors; night tours add ranger talks and access to select spaces
  • Some paths are steep, but a tram assists visitors with mobility concerns on certain routes
  • Many travelers pair Alcatraz with a bay cruise or a trip to Sausalito or Muir Woods
  • Food service is minimal; snacks and bottled drinks are sold, and eating is allowed only in the picnic areas near the dock
  • Restrooms are located 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 walking shoes
  • Airport-style screening applies before boarding; large bags and restricted items are not allowed
  • Stay on the marked paths and don't touch or damage any structures
  • Follow the instructions of park rangers and your guide
  • Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the island
  • Drones are not allowed
  • Photos are fine, but flash is not permitted in certain areas

FAQs

How do I get tickets for Alcatraz tours?
You can reserve online through our platform. Since capacity is limited and demand is high, booking ahead is the surest way to lock in your preferred ferry departure.
How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island?
The crossing from Pier 33 to Alcatraz takes about 15 to 20 minutes, with views of San Francisco Bay along the way.
Are there restrooms available on Alcatraz Island?
Yes. Restrooms are located near the dock and by the cellhouse, so it's smart to use them before you head up to explore.
Can I bring food and drinks to Alcatraz Island?
Bottled water is allowed anywhere on the island, but snacks may only be eaten in the picnic areas near the dock. No food or drink is permitted inside the cellhouse.
Is Alcatraz Island accessible for people with disabilities?
The ferry and many of the main areas are accessible, and a tram helps visitors up the steep hill. Some historic sections do have stairs and uneven ground.
What is the best time to visit Alcatraz?
Spring and fall bring milder weather and thinner crowds. Early morning departures tend to be quietest, while evening visits feel more atmospheric.
Are there guided tours available on Alcatraz Island?
Yes. Most tickets include the self-guided cellhouse audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards, and ranger-led talks run through the day depending on availability.

Similar tours