Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

Step inside Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and cruise San Francisco Bay, with round-trip ferry tickets and audio tour included.

Getting started

Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure for check-in. After ticket validation, board the exclusive Alcatraz ferry for a timely departure to the island. For your included Bay Cruise, exchange your voucher at Pier 39 and choose any available departure.

What to expect

Alcatraz Island is home to the historic Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which once housed America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. This experience combines a self-guided audio tour inside the prison with a flexible 1-hour cruise along San Francisco’s iconic waterfront.

Features

• Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour: Follow the 45-minute audio tour, available in 10 languages, as you explore the prison’s cells and corridors, learning about daily life and escape attempts.

• Round-Trip ferry access: Enjoy convenient, direct ferry service from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island and back, ensuring a smooth journey.

• San Francisco Bay cruise: Sail past Pier 39’s sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and along the city’s historic waterfront, with panoramic views of the skyline.

• Flexible cruise timing: Choose to take your Bay Cruise before or after your Alcatraz visit, or on a different day, for added convenience.

Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

Discover Alcatraz Island on this comprehensive sightseeing tour that includes round-trip ferry tickets, a self-guided audio tour available in 10 languages, and a flexible one-hour cruise along the San Francisco Bay. The tour covers multiple landmarks including Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and PIER 39 with its famous sea lions. Participants spend approximately three hours exploring Alcatraz, walking through the historic prison complex which includes original cells, corridors, and the recreation yard. This tour is wheelchair accessible and caters to a wide audience of travelers seeking an in-depth look at San Francisco’s iconic landmarks.

Explore Historic Alcatraz Prison

Your tour stops at Alcatraz Island where you will walk through the historic prison complex, originally built in 1907. The island spans approximately 22 acres and features over 40 buildings, including the main cellhouse which stands at a height of 85 feet. Visitors can explore the prison cells, corridors, and recreation yard, hearing gripping stories from former inmates and guards on an audio tour available in ten languages. Alcatraz operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, housing notorious criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud. The island's unique history and architectural features make it stand out among other prison tours; visitors spend around three hours here, delving into the rich historical context of this former maximum-security facility.

Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge

At the Golden Gate Bridge, guests can admire its iconic red-painted towers and the impressive span that stretches 1.7 miles across the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Opened in 1937, this engineering marvel stands 26 feet wide and reaches a height of 746 feet at its highest point. Tourists typically spend about half an hour here taking photos and enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline and the bay. The bridge is unique due to its distinctive design and historical significance as one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, making it a must-see landmark for any visitor to San Francisco.

Enjoy Seabirds at Alcatraz Island

Your tour continues with a visit to Alcatraz Island where you can spot numerous seabird species nesting among the lush gardens that cover much of the island. These gardens were established in 1946 and now include over 20,000 plants across various species. Visitors typically spend around an hour exploring these natural areas while learning about the diverse wildlife that calls Alcatraz home. This unique feature sets Alcatraz apart from other prison tours by offering a blend of historical exploration and environmental appreciation.

Relax on San Francisco Bay Cruise

The tour includes a one-hour cruise along the San Francisco Bay, where you will sail past landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and PIER 39 with its sea lions. The cruise covers approximately 15 miles of scenic waters, offering passengers sweeping views of the city skyline and surrounding islands. This flexible experience allows participants to enjoy a different perspective on San Francisco’s waterfront charm, making it ideal for travelers looking to combine sightseeing with relaxation.

Tour Highlights

• Cruise from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
• 1-hour Bay Cruise past Golden Gate Bridge and PIER 39
• Self-guided audio tour in ten languages
• Explore historic prison cells, corridors, and recreation yard
• Spot seabirds nesting among lush gardens on island
• Relaxing cruise along San Francisco’s waterfront charm
• Flexible schedule for combining Alcatraz visit with cruise

Perfect for history buffs, adventure seekers, and nature lovers, this comprehensive tour provides an in-depth look at San Francisco's iconic landmarks through a combination of guided exploration and self-paced discovery. The three-hour format allows you to experience the historic prison cells at Alcatraz, marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge’s engineering feats, and enjoy the serene beauty of seabirds nesting on the island, giving you a unique insight into the city's rich history and natural wonders.