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Alcatraz Tours

Visit Alcatraz, one of America’s most notorious prisons. Hear real inmate stories, explore prison cells, and soak in views of the city’s skyline.
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Slide 1 of 11, Ferry with tourists approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California.
Ferry with tourists approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California.
Explore at your pace
1 more
  • Set sail from San Francisco’s Pier 33 and enjoy a breezy ferry ride across the Bay, with sweeping views of the city skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

  • Your experience will be enhanced from the very start by an all-in-one app featuring audio guides, immersive video tours, AI chat, and self-paced exploration that begins right on the ferry.

  • Alcatraz Island, once home to America's most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, is open to touring, either during the day or at night.

  • On the day tour, explore the prison cell blocks, outdoor spaces such as the Recreation Yard & Eagle Plaza, the historic Gardens, and permanent exhibits.

  • On the night tour, listen to live narration on the ferry ride to the island, meet a ranger at the dock for a guided tour of the island, explore the prison cell blocks, and enjoy exclusive access to closed off areas like the hospital and kitchen.

  • On both tours, explore the prison areas on your own with the award-winning Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in 11 languages with narratives by former inmates and prison guards.

More details
  • Set sail from San Francisco’s Pier 33 and enjoy a breezy ferry ride across the Bay, with sweeping views of the city skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

  • Your experience will be enhanced from the very start by an all-in-one app featuring audio guides, immersive video tours, AI chat, and self-paced exploration that begins right on the ferry.

  • Alcatraz Island, once home to America's most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, is open to touring, either during the day or at night.

  • On the day tour, explore the prison cell blocks, outdoor spaces such as the Recreation Yard & Eagle Plaza, the historic Gardens, and permanent exhibits.

  • On the night tour, listen to live narration on the ferry ride to the island, meet a ranger at the dock for a guided tour of the island, explore the prison cell blocks, and enjoy exclusive access to closed off areas like the hospital and kitchen.

  • On both tours, explore the prison areas on your own with the award-winning Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in 11 languages with narratives by former inmates and prison guards.

from Original price$79
$77.42

2% off

Slide 1 of 9, Ferries approaching Alcatraz Island with the historic prison in San Francisco.
Ferries approaching Alcatraz Island with the historic prison in San Francisco.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Save time and money with a combo ticket that brings together two of San Francisco’s most iconic bay experiences under one convenient booking.

  • Visit Alcatraz Island with round-trip ferry transfers from Pier 33 and explore the former prison using the award-winning “Doing Time” audio guide narrated by past inmates and guards.

  • Continue your San Francisco Bay experience aboard the Golden Gate Bay Cruise, sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge with panoramic waterfront views throughout the journey.

  • Cruise past landmarks including Angel Island, Sausalito, the San Francisco skyline, and the Bay Bridge while enjoying sweeping views from the water.

  • Circle around Alcatraz Island during the cruise to see the historic prison from a striking offshore perspective after exploring it on foot earlier in the day.

More details
  • Save time and money with a combo ticket that brings together two of San Francisco’s most iconic bay experiences under one convenient booking.

  • Visit Alcatraz Island with round-trip ferry transfers from Pier 33 and explore the former prison using the award-winning “Doing Time” audio guide narrated by past inmates and guards.

  • Continue your San Francisco Bay experience aboard the Golden Gate Bay Cruise, sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge with panoramic waterfront views throughout the journey.

  • Cruise past landmarks including Angel Island, Sausalito, the San Francisco skyline, and the Bay Bridge while enjoying sweeping views from the water.

  • Circle around Alcatraz Island during the cruise to see the historic prison from a striking offshore perspective after exploring it on foot earlier in the day.

from
$86.95
Slide 1 of 8, Ferry passing under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Ferry passing under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
1 hr
  • Experience a 1-hour cruise of the San Francisco Bay with panoramic views of the city’s coastal landmarks, enhanced by audio commentary in 10 languages.

  • Cruise directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, offering exceptional vantage points for photography.

  • Navigate around the historic Alcatraz Island while engaging with detailed narration about its storied past.

  • Observe the occasional local marine wildlife such as sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, and, if you're lucky, a humpback whale!

  • Did you know? You can sail close enough to Alcatraz Island to spot the old prison buildings that once held Al Capone!

More details
  • Experience a 1-hour cruise of the San Francisco Bay with panoramic views of the city’s coastal landmarks, enhanced by audio commentary in 10 languages.

  • Cruise directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, offering exceptional vantage points for photography.

  • Navigate around the historic Alcatraz Island while engaging with detailed narration about its storied past.

  • Observe the occasional local marine wildlife such as sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, and, if you're lucky, a humpback whale!

  • Did you know? You can sail close enough to Alcatraz Island to spot the old prison buildings that once held Al Capone!

from
$39
Slide 1 of 12, Person walking through Muir Woods with towering redwoods.
Person walking through Muir Woods with towering redwoods.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
Transfers available
  • Enjoy a half-day guided trip from San Francisco, covering Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, and the coastal town of Sausalito, all with round-trip luxury transport.

  • Walk beneath towering ancient redwoods at Muir Woods and enjoy free time to explore Sausalito’s boutique shops, cafes, and waterfront charm.

  • Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and dive into the prison's haunting history with an award-winning self-guided audio tour included with your ticket.

  • Travel in a boutique, small-group setting with local, English-speaking guide, for a personalized and engaging experience.

  • Upgrade with a visit to Aquarium of the Bay, featuring over 20,000 marine animals including otters, sharks, and jelly fish.

More details
  • Enjoy a half-day guided trip from San Francisco, covering Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, and the coastal town of Sausalito, all with round-trip luxury transport.

  • Walk beneath towering ancient redwoods at Muir Woods and enjoy free time to explore Sausalito’s boutique shops, cafes, and waterfront charm.

  • Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and dive into the prison's haunting history with an award-winning self-guided audio tour included with your ticket.

  • Travel in a boutique, small-group setting with local, English-speaking guide, for a personalized and engaging experience.

  • Upgrade with a visit to Aquarium of the Bay, featuring over 20,000 marine animals including otters, sharks, and jelly fish.

from
$159
Slide 1 of 10, Ferry carrying passengers from San Francisco’s Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.
Ferry carrying passengers from San Francisco’s Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.
Explore at your pace
1 more
  • Enjoy a round-trip ferry ride from San Francisco’s Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline.

  • Enjoy full access to Alcatraz Island, including the historic Cellhouse with a compelling audio tour featuring real stories from former inmates and guards.

  • Wander at your own pace through iconic spots like the Recreation Yard, Sallyport, Eagle Plaza, and the haunting ruins of the Warden’s House.

  • Discover exhibits that highlight the Native American occupation and which place Alcatraz’s prison legacy in the broader context of mass incarceration in the US.

  • Join optional interpretive walks led by National Park staff, and navigate with your complimentary Discovery Guide map and interpretive signs.

  • Want to make your visit even more special? You can choose a ranger-led night tour or go behind the scenes with an exclusive guided experience.

More details
  • Enjoy a round-trip ferry ride from San Francisco’s Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline.

  • Enjoy full access to Alcatraz Island, including the historic Cellhouse with a compelling audio tour featuring real stories from former inmates and guards.

  • Wander at your own pace through iconic spots like the Recreation Yard, Sallyport, Eagle Plaza, and the haunting ruins of the Warden’s House.

  • Discover exhibits that highlight the Native American occupation and which place Alcatraz’s prison legacy in the broader context of mass incarceration in the US.

  • Join optional interpretive walks led by National Park staff, and navigate with your complimentary Discovery Guide map and interpretive signs.

  • Want to make your visit even more special? You can choose a ranger-led night tour or go behind the scenes with an exclusive guided experience.

from
$47.95
Slide 1 of 13, Young woman photographing Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, USA.
Young woman photographing Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, USA.
14 hrs
Audio guide
Transfers available
2 more
  • Experience the best of San Francisco on this 2-day tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Yosemite National Park.

  • Visit the Aquarium of the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf and see 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea otters.

  • Explore the lively Pier 39 area with its sea lions, waterfront views, and fun local attractions.

  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic prison with an audio guide featuring stories from former inmates and guards.

  • Travel to Yosemite in a biofuel mini-coach for a narrated tour of Yosemite Valley, complete with photo stops and free time to hike or explore.

  • Select either a day tour or a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The night tour provides exclusive access to restricted zones and features special ranger-led programs, along with your visits to the Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite National Park.

More details
  • Experience the best of San Francisco on this 2-day tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Yosemite National Park.

  • Visit the Aquarium of the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf and see 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea otters.

  • Explore the lively Pier 39 area with its sea lions, waterfront views, and fun local attractions.

  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic prison with an audio guide featuring stories from former inmates and guards.

  • Travel to Yosemite in a biofuel mini-coach for a narrated tour of Yosemite Valley, complete with photo stops and free time to hike or explore.

  • Select either a day tour or a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The night tour provides exclusive access to restricted zones and features special ranger-led programs, along with your visits to the Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite National Park.

from
$289
Slide 1 of 9, Alcatraz Island with lighthouse and Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island with lighthouse and Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • This combo includes a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus tour and a ferry trip with entry to the iconic and historic Alcatraz Island.

  • Discover the city on an open-top bus with audio in 7 languages, covering landmarks like Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • Hop off and explore at your own pace, with buses running every 15 minutes and a free app to track live arrivals for smooth sightseeing.

  • Your pass throws in extras! Visit the Aquarium By The Bay, set off on a sunset tour, explore Chinatown on a digital walking tour & rent a bike to see the sights.

  • Ferry to Alcatraz and explore the infamous former prison with an immersive audio guide featuring gripping tales by former inmates and officers.

More details
  • This combo includes a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus tour and a ferry trip with entry to the iconic and historic Alcatraz Island.

  • Discover the city on an open-top bus with audio in 7 languages, covering landmarks like Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • Hop off and explore at your own pace, with buses running every 15 minutes and a free app to track live arrivals for smooth sightseeing.

  • Your pass throws in extras! Visit the Aquarium By The Bay, set off on a sunset tour, explore Chinatown on a digital walking tour & rent a bike to see the sights.

  • Ferry to Alcatraz and explore the infamous former prison with an immersive audio guide featuring gripping tales by former inmates and officers.

from
$120
Slide 1 of 15, Guide photographing tourists at Fisherman's Wharf Crab sign, San Francisco.
Guide photographing tourists at Fisherman's Wharf Crab sign, San Francisco.
4 hrs
Audio guide
Meals included
  • Take a cruise to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic prison under the evening glow.

  • Discover North Beach with a local who knows its secrets.

  • Step inside the beautiful Saints Peter and Paul Church.

  • Meet the sea lions at Pier 39 and learn why they’re here.

  • See Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more.

More details
  • Take a cruise to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic prison under the evening glow.

  • Discover North Beach with a local who knows its secrets.

  • Step inside the beautiful Saints Peter and Paul Church.

  • Meet the sea lions at Pier 39 and learn why they’re here.

  • See Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more.

from
$89
Slide 1 of 13, Visitors walking through vineyard in Napa-Sonoma Wine Country.
Visitors walking through vineyard in Napa-Sonoma Wine Country.
2 days
Audio guide
Transfers available
2 more
  • Enjoy a 2-day San Francisco tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country.

  • Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison with a gripping self-guided audio tour.

  • Discover over 20,000 marine animals at Aquarium of the Bay, where glass tunnels bring you face-to-face with local sharks, rays, and more.

  • Savor tastings at select wineries across the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, learning about local varietals and winemaking traditions.

  • Enjoy a seamless and comfortable travel experience with round-trip transportation and hotel pickup on day two.

More details
  • Enjoy a 2-day San Francisco tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country.

  • Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison with a gripping self-guided audio tour.

  • Discover over 20,000 marine animals at Aquarium of the Bay, where glass tunnels bring you face-to-face with local sharks, rays, and more.

  • Savor tastings at select wineries across the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, learning about local varietals and winemaking traditions.

  • Enjoy a seamless and comfortable travel experience with round-trip transportation and hotel pickup on day two.

from
$275

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1

Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings in San Francisco Bay, California, United States.

Alcatraz Tours

Visit Alcatraz, one of America’s most notorious prisons. Hear real inmate stories, explore prison cells, and soak in views of the city’s skyline.

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What our guests say

Luis V

United States
Family
2 weeks ago

+1 more

What I enjoyed the most was the audio tour of the tour followed by the sightseeing of the island. I was supposed to do the tour in 2014 but due to the weather and the plane forced to land We where unable to do it .

Combo: Alcatraz Tickets with Ferry Ride + Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Nearby cities to explore

Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is one of the world’s most legendary former prisons. Once home to notorious inmates like Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly, the island is now a historic landmark offering immersive tours, stunning waterfront views, and stories of daring escape attempts. On this page, you’ll find the best Alcatraz tour options, expert tips to choose the right experience, and everything you need to plan your visit.

What to expect on your Alcatraz tour

Ferry with tourists approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California.

Ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz

Your visit begins at Pier 33, where you’ll board a scenic ferry across San Francisco Bay. Enjoy views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island as you cruise toward Alcatraz.

Pro tips to help you make a pick

New Industries Building and water tower on Alcatraz Island, viewed from the water under a cloudy sky.

Day tours are best for first-time visitors

The Alcatraz day tour includes the full prison experience, ferry transfers, and access to most of the island’s exhibits. It’s ideal if you want a classic, self-guided visit with maximum flexibility.

Alcatraz Island with lighthouse illuminated at dusk, San Francisco Bay.

Night tours offer a unique, atmospheric experience

Night tours include special ranger-led talks, sunset bay views, and access to exclusive areas not open during the day. They sell out quickly, so book early if you want a deeper, more dramatic experience.

Ferries approaching Alcatraz Island with the historic prison in San Francisco.

Combo tours are great for maximizing your day

If you're short on time, consider combining your visit to Alcatraz with Fisherman’s Wharf or the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. These combine two popular experiences into one convenient package.

Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with ferry approaching in San Francisco Bay, USA.

Want a different perspective? Try the cruise or helicopter tour

See Alcatraz from a whole new angle with a Bay cruise that circles the island or a helicopter flight offering aerial views. Both options give you incredible photo opportunities without needing to step inside the prison.

Couple hiking in Muir Woods, part of Alcatraz Tour with Sausalito.

Visit nearby scenic locations like Muir Woods & Yosemite

Pair your Alcatraz visit with a trip to Muir Woods, Napa Valley, Sausalito, or Yosemite for a single-day or two-day adventure. These scenic add-ons let you explore the best of what San Francisco has to offer.

Your Alcatraz Island tour options

Alcatraz Island lighthouse with San Francisco skyline at night.

A more atmospheric, limited-capacity tour offering guided programs, access to exclusive areas, and sunset views. Perfect if you want a deeper, more intimate experience.

Duration: 2–3 hours

Guided tour: Cellhouse audio guide and ranger-led talks covering some areas

Ferry: Included with onboard narrationExclusive access: Select areas available only at night

Recommended experiences:

Highlights to explore at the island

Alcatraz Island prison cell block interior, California.

Cellhouse

Step into the main prison block, where rows of stark cells and echoing hallways capture the gritty atmosphere of daily life inside America’s most infamous federal penitentiary.

Plan your visit

Guests viewing Alcatraz Island from a boat during San Francisco Bay Cruise.

Alcatraz Island operating hours: 9am to 6:30pm on Sundays and Mondays, and 9am to 9:30pm from Tuesday through Saturday

Alcatraz is open throughout the year, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Ferry schedule (2 November, 2025– 7 March, 2026)

  • Day tours: Boats depart for Alcatraz daily from 8:20am to 1:35pm, and return ferries operate from 9:05am to 4:30pm.
  • Night tours: Evening departures take place Tuesday to Saturday at 3:50pm and occasionally 4:45pm, with return trips at 4:30pm, 6:30pm, and occasionally 7:30pm.

Frequently asked questions about Alcatraz Island tours

  • The regular day tour is ideal for first-time visitors, offering full access and the complete audio experience.

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