Cruise ship under Golden Gate Bridge during Alcatraz Tour, San Francisco Bay.
Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings viewed from San Francisco Bay.
Alcatraz prison laundry room with shelves and barred windows in San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island penitentiary sign inside historic prison, San Francisco Bay.
Tour boat near sea lions on San Francisco Bay during Alcatraz cruise.
Alcatraz Prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.
Alcatraz prison cell interior, San Francisco.

Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

San Francisco
•Sightseeing Cruises
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 4 hours

Audio guide

Access to multilingual audio guide

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Explore San Francisco's long history with the Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise, combining an engaging visit to the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary with a scenic cruise around the bay. This experience includes round-trip ferry tickets and an audio tour for your convenience as you arrive at Pier 33 well in advance of your scheduled departure. Your journey begins on the exclusive Alcatraz ferry en route to the island, followed by a Bay Cruise starting from Pier 39 where you can exchange your voucher for any available time slot.

From San Francisco’s Pier 33, start a round-trip ferry journey to Alcatraz Island and experience stunning views of the Bay.

Explore historic Alcatraz prison with its original cells, corridors, and recreation yard. Engage in gripping stories from former inmates and guards via an audio tour available in ten languages.

Discover seabirds, stroll through lush gardens, and take in panoramic vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline while on Alcatraz Island.

Experience a flexible 1-hour Bay Cruise that sails past famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and sea lions at PIER 39—perfect for enjoying San Francisco’s waterfront allure.

Plan your visit flexibly by taking the cruise before, after, or even on a separate day from your Alcatraz tour—a great choice for travelers crafting their itinerary.

For an adventurous twist, consider swapping to a night-time visit of Alcatraz. This option includes all features of the daytime experience with an added haunting ambiance.

Round-trip daytime ferry to Alcatraz Island

$45 Admission to Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and the iconic Al Capone exhibit on Alcatraz Island

Audio guide available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, Korean.

Enjoy a 1-hour cruise of San Francisco Bay during your tour.

Round-trip night ferry to Alcatraz Island (as per option selected)

Live commentary

Eating/drinking costs

Accommodation shuttles

Tips

Cruise ship under Golden Gate Bridge during Alcatraz Tour, San Francisco Bay.

Cruise ship under Golden Gate Bridge during Alcatraz Tour, San Francisco Bay.

Welcome aboard the round-trip ferry that takes you to and from Alcatraz Island. Your ticket includes an audio tour as part of this memorable experience, which combines a visit to the historic site with a cruise along San Francisco Bay.

Getting Started

To ensure timely boarding, arrive at Pier 33 no less than 30 minutes before your ferry's departure time for check-in. Once you validate your tickets, hop on the exclusive Alcatraz Island ferry. If opting to take advantage of the included San Francisco Bay Cruise, exchange your voucher at Pier 39 and select any available sailing.

What You'll Discover

Located in the heart of United States waters lies Alcatraz Island, renowned for its infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. This prison once held some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. Your visit features a self-guided audio tour within the penitentiary walls and an hour-long cruise along San Francisco’s famous waterfront.

Highlights of Your Visit

  • Explore with our multilingual (10 languages) Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour. Spend about 45 minutes learning about life in the prison, including escape stories and daily routines as you navigate through cells and hallways.
  • Enjoy smooth round-trip ferry service from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island, ensuring a smooth journey both ways.
  • Sail on your San Francisco Bay cruise past famous landmarks like the sea lions at Pier 39 and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy stunning views of the city's historic waterfront and skyline.
  • Experience flexibility with your cruise timing, allowing you to enjoy it before or after visiting Alcatraz, or even on a separate day for added convenience.
Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings viewed from San Francisco Bay.

Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings viewed from San Francisco Bay.

Alcatraz prison laundry room with shelves and barred windows in San Francisco.

Alcatraz prison laundry room with shelves and barred windows in San Francisco.

Alcatraz Island penitentiary sign inside historic prison, San Francisco Bay.

Alcatraz Island penitentiary sign inside historic prison, San Francisco Bay.

Necessary Items for Alcatraz Island:

  • Bottled water to stay hydrated during your visit.

A light snack, which you can enjoy in designated areas only.

For the San Francisco Bay Cruise:

    You must have a valid ID proof for boarding.

    Prohibited Items on Alcatraz Island and During the Bay Cruise:

    On Alcatraz Island, avoid bringing:

    • Large bags, luggage, or oversized backpacks.
    • Any food and beverages except for bottled water.
    • Weapons of any kind.
    • Skateboards and "wheelie" shoes.

    Making sure not to feed the wildlife on the island is crucial.

    During your San Francisco Bay Cruise, you should also refrain from bringing:

      Large bags, luggage, or oversized backpacks.

      Accessibility Details for Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco Bay Cruise:

      The ferry to Alcatraz Island is accessible by wheelchair. The island itself accommodates wheelchairs as well.

      You'll find that boarding during the San Francisco Bay Cruise is also made easy with wheelchair accessibility.

      Additional Tips for a Smooth Visit

      If you're visiting Alcatraz Island:

      • You have the freedom to stay on the island as long as desired.

      Clothing should be layered, and shoes must ensure comfort throughout your visit.

      For a smooth experience during the San Francisco Bay Cruise:

      • Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to facilitate smooth boarding.

      Dress in layers for optimal comfort.

      Tour boat near sea lions on San Francisco Bay during Alcatraz cruise.

      Tour boat near sea lions on San Francisco Bay during Alcatraz cruise.

      Alcatraz Prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.

      Alcatraz Prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.

      Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes early for check-in and ticket validation to ensure a smooth boarding process on your Alcatraz ferry.

      Bring bottled water and a light snack that can be consumed in designated areas while visiting Alcatraz Island, as food and beverages other than water are not allowed.

      Have valid ID proof ready for the San Francisco Bay Cruise to facilitate easy boarding at Pier 39 after exchanging your voucher.

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      Operating hours

      Alcatraz Island

      Monday
      9:00am - 6:30pm
      Tuesday
      9:00am - 9:30pm
      Wednesday
      9:00am - 9:30pm
      Thursday
      9:00am - 9:30pm
      Friday
      9:00am - 9:30pm
      Saturday
      9:00am - 9:30pm
      Sunday
      9:00am - 6:30pm
      • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

      By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

      FAQs

      The tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours including the ferry ride to and from Alcatraz. The visit includes a guided audio tour that takes about an hour and a half on the island, plus time for exploring independently.
      Photography is allowed throughout the tour except in certain restricted areas such as cells and sensitive historical sites. Be sure to use discretion when taking pictures of other visitors for privacy reasons.
      The early morning hours between 6-8 AM are ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing stunning golden-hour photos. October through March offers cooler temperatures, making it more comfortable. Sunrise visits provide a magical atmosphere with breathtaking views.
      It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online ahead of time as same-day sales often sell out, especially during peak seasons. Booking early ensures you secure a spot on your preferred departure date and time.
      Bring comfortable walking shoes as you'll be navigating the historic site's uneven terrain. Pack a jacket or sweater since it can get chilly due to the bay breezes. Don't forget your camera and binoculars for spotting wildlife like pelicans and sea lions.
      The easiest way is by taking a ferry from Pier 33 in Fisherman's Wharf or the Ferry Building. Ferries run frequently throughout the day with departures starting as early as 6 AM and continuing until late afternoon.
      Yes, it's suitable for all ages but keep in mind that parts of the tour involve steep stairs and uneven surfaces. There are audio guides tailored for children aged 7-12, making history fun and engaging for younger visitors.
      Your ticket includes round-trip ferry transport, an audio tour guide available in multiple languages, and access to Alcatraz Island's historical sites. Some tours also offer skip-the-line entry and admission to other attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge.
      You need to have valid ID proof when going on the San Francisco Bay Cruise.
      Yes, a multilingual audio guide is included. It's available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean.
      You should be at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes prior to your ferry's departure time for ticket validation and boarding.
      Yes, you can enjoy your flexible 1-hour Bay Cruise before, after, or even on a different day from your Alcatraz Island visit.
      Highlights include cruising to Alcatraz Island with sweeping Bay views, exploring historic prison areas, enjoying a flexible Bay Cruise past landmarks like the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and seeing sea lions at PIER 39.
      No, large bags, luggage, and oversized backpacks are not allowed either on Alcatraz Island or during the San Francisco Bay Cruise.
      The tour includes round-trip daytime ferry tickets to Alcatraz Island, admission with a self-guided audio tour inside the prison, and a 1-hour San Francisco Bay cruise.
      On both locations, large bags, luggage, oversized backpacks, food and beverages (except bottled water), weapons, skateboards, 'wheelie' shoes, and feeding wildlife on the island are prohibited.
      You'll walk through historic areas like original cells, corridors, and a recreation yard. You’ll also hear stories from former inmates and guards while viewing panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
      Make sure you have bottled water and a light snack for eating in designated areas.

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