Alcatraz Cruises in San Francisco, CA

Pier 33, Alcatraz LandingSan Francisco, CA 94111
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Package Starts at (USD):
$104.25
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Per Adult

Overview

Walk the legendary halls of Alcatraz, where notorious criminals including Al “Scarface” Capone, and “Birdman” Robert Stroud once did time for their iconic crimes. See how inmates lived day-to-day in the mysterious prison while learning about famous escape attempts, the prison’s history, and the backstories of the criminals who called Alcatraz home.

up to 2.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Plan to stay 2.5–3 hours.
  • Tours depart at Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing; look for the large "Alcatraz Landing" sign at the entrance to the pier.
  • Plan on arriving at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time.
  • Government photo IDs are required.
  • Only bottled water is allowed beyond the dock on the island.
  • Wear comfortable, rubber-soled athletic shoes and dress in layers.
  • Weather changes quickly on Alcatraz—a light jacket or sweater, brimmed hat, sunglasses and pants are all recommended.
  • Backpacks, handbags, parcels, and packages are subject to security searches at any time.
  • Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 years or older.

Description

Step back in time during a visit to San Francisco's most notorious site: Alcatraz! Now is your chance to explore Alcatraz Island and visit the world-renowned Cellhouse without the usual crowds.

Please plan on a 3-hour Alcatraz Island tour experience, including roundtrip boat time. Visitors will be able to explore the windswept island and learn about its layered history through outdoor interpretive signs, a Discovery Guide island map, and exhibits. Rangers will be stationed around the island to assist visitors and answer questions.

Your trip includes round-trip ferry service to Alcatraz Island.

Come experience the beauty, history and infamy of Alcatraz on the San Francisco Bay. You'll be astounded by what you learn and see.

Please Note: Government Issued Photo ID are REQUIRED for ALL Adults (18+ yrs) to pick up tickets.

Alcatraz Cruises Reviews

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madp0m
Sydney, New South Wales
"LOVE LOVE LOVE"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 30, 2025 NEW
Bucket list item CHECK! The whole experience was seamless - checking in and getting on the boat was super well organised despite the crowds. There is a model of Alcatraz with some information to read to keep you occupied while waiting. Boat ride was around 20 minutes - lots to look at and take photos of. Drinks (non-alcoholic available on the way and alcoholic on the way back) should you require them. Alcatraz was awesome - the history, the site, the stories ... just thinking about being incarcerated there was mind-blowing. LOVED the audio tour - amazing that they used former prison guards and inmates to guide you around. Some of the stories were fascinating. Also fab to be given whatever time you need to look around the island - you were not bound by a specific return cruise time. Loved, also, that there was a former inmate available for signing his new book. We now have a copy of that book and a photo shaking his hand. Again, mind blown. Loved the whole experience.
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Babs02
"Brilliant insight into the past"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 26, 2025 NEW
Had a fabulous visit, although we queued for the boat it was very well organised and under shelter. The boat sells drinks on board if you want anything. The walk up was steep but we took our time stopping for views on the way up and didn't feel the need to use the transport provided. The audio tour was interesting but sometimes we were out of sync with where we were and had to keep stopping the audio or waiting for it to catch up. Would be better if they had signs showing when to turn it on at different points along the way. Our only complaint was the guide didn't wait until everyone was off the boat before starting his commentary so we missed the beginning. Overall it was well worth the visit. Would highly recommend pre-booking as it was busy.
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BackPacker800547
Bilston, Midlothian, Scotland
"Interesting site"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 30, 2025
Very easy to book and they dealt with a problem superbly - namely I accidentally booked our visit for the day I made the purchase. I only realised months later, just a few days before our trip, and they honoured our booking and just asked for the small difference due to price rises. Really well handled. The boarding is very well organised and the crossing easy. On arrival they maybe could direct a little more but the visit itself was great with an audio included that had real voices of ex prisoners and guards. I don't often like an audio guide but this one was great. It's a shame that it only covers part, albeit a large part, of the site. The only criticism would be the line organisation for leaving - and the lack of shade over the line. The site itself is excellent.
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SuzanneMalarae
Helena, Montana
"One of the best reasons to visit SF"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 18, 2025
Alcatraz is a must visit. The audio tour was very informational and entertaining. It is a hard walk up and down. But they do offer a courtesy shuttle for mobility challenged folks. Dan was wonderful,h he was very helpful. Gave a 4 star because it was very busy which is to be expected, but maybe they need to look at limited how many people are on the island at a time. Its hard to be able to see most of it because you are always waiting g on someone.
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tinylass
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
"Well organised"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 16, 2025
We booked a 10.30am ferry and were there about an hour before. It was busy but queue's moved fast and there was good organisation. Toilets were available before you boarded the ferry, as well as on the ferry. There was also a bar onboard selling drinks and snacks. The trip took about 20 minutes and you got great views across the Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alcatraz Cruises

How long is the experience?

Allow about 3 hours for the entire experience including sailing to and from the island.

What should I wear?

The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and liable to change unexpectedly, so be prepared by bringing along a light jacket or sweater. The best recommendation is always to dress in layers. Wear rain gear during wet winter months. Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip-type soles. Avoid wearing sandals, leather-soled shoes, high heels and open-toe shoes.

Is Alcatraz Island accessible?

Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so be prepared for walking long distances uphill. The distance from the dock to the prison at the top of the island is about 1/4 mile and the elevation change is 130 feet. This is equivalent to climbing a 13-story building. Please be prepared for this walk by wearing comfortable walking shoes. Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz's roads may take advantage of SEAT–Sustainable Easy Access Transport, an electric shuttle that meets each scheduled arrival at the Alcatraz dock and transports visitors requiring mobility assistance from the dock to the prison building. SEAT returns visitors requiring mobility assistance from the prison building back to the dock at regular intervals throughout the day. Visitors requiring mobility assistance may be accompanied by one attendant in their party if space is available. Families with small children and strollers cannot be accommodated on SEAT. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. The following areas are entirely wheelchair accessible: - Alcatraz dock area - Prison building main floor - All bookstores - Museum displays - Island theater - Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing - All Alcatraz Cruises vessels

Is parking available?

There is no parking on Pier 33. However, there is plenty of parking around the pier. There are fifteen commercial lots with a five-block radius of Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33, with a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. The closest and most convenient lot is at 80 Francisco at Kearny, just one block away, across the Embarcadero from Alcatraz Landing. Do note that metered parking is available around Fisherman’s Wharf but can be difficult to find and acquire.

Can children participate in the tour?

Yes. However, minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult. An adult must be with them at all times while on their tour of Alcatraz Island.

Can I bring luggage/coolers/oversized backpacks or packages to Alcatraz Island?

No. Luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks or packages are not allowed on Alcatraz Island due to safety concerns. In addition, there are no storage facilities in the Pier 33 area. Alcatraz Cruises does not store luggage for ticketed passengers. Please make arrangements for the storage of luggage and oversized items prior to arriving at Alcatraz Landing. Ticketed passengers arriving at Alcatraz Landing with luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks and packages may not be able to visit Alcatraz Island.

What time do we come back from the Island?

You can stay on Alcatraz Island as long as you like, multiple ferries depart the Island each day. The ride from Alcatraz Island to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is approximately 12-15 minutes. Boats are loaded on a first-come-first-serve basis.

What is the best time of year to visit the Island?

To avoid crowds, schedule your visit during the first two weeks of November, the first two weeks of December, and anytime during the winter months of January through March. To experience the nicest weather, plan your Alcatraz visit for April-May or September-October. (Surprisingly, summer actually brings cold and foggy weather to San Francisco and the Island.)