Landmarks

Alcatraz Tickets with Ferry Ride & Audio Guide

4.7/5(215)

Nicolas C

Solo

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

It was amazing, the audioguide was very complete. The door closing was fascinating and the guide did an incredible job. Very interesting to know all the stories that happened, which makes Alcatraz a truly iconic place in San Francisco.

Jeraldine D

Family

Verified booking

Last week

It's our first time family trip to San Francisco and going to Alcatraz and Golden Gate bay cruise is a treat! We all loved it and headout made is easy for us. The app put me at ease as a reminder and made my life happy. Thanks Headout!

Philip W

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Well organised and communication before our visit was good. Staff at boarding were helpful and journey both ways was good.Hot dog was good 👍🏼.Good value for money and audio was very well put together and informative.

Kathryn M

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

Nice to have a shuttle. My husband had back surgery and was a big help. The manager, with English accent talked a lot with us about history of Alcatraz. Very friendly! Awesome experience.

Joseph E

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

From booking to excursion - it was very smooth, no issues, and totally enjoyable. Was kept informed with timely messages. Definitely will use again in the future.

Deborah S

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Wow.. What a day. Booking beforehand is a must. You pick your time for the ferry and then spend as much or as little time on Alcatraz as you like. We chose the 10am ferry. You must arrive a little before your timeslot but you leave on time. The Alcatraz experience was fantastic. Lots to see on the island. Going into the actual cell blocks was amazing and the free audio guide was brilliant. If you're interested in Alcatraz and it's history, then this is a must visit for you. We had a good day exploring the island.

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.

Round-trip ferry transport to Alcatraz Island

Admission to Alcatraz

The award-winning Cellhouse audio tour, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish

Traditional audio tour equipment

Admission to ongoing permanent exhibits

Access to the all-day Guided Interpretive Programs

Ranger-led night tour (as per option selected)

Behind-the-scenes tour (as per option selected)

Live guide

Food and beverages

Tips and gratuities

You can cancel these tickets up to 3 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

215 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
173
29
7
1
5
Guests from United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and over 39 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Heather R
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
This visit was special from start to finish. The boat was cool, they had drinks and snack although it was a short ride. The tour was amazing, the stories of the prisoners and even how they had soldiers on the island with their families. It's referred to as the "rock". Loved learning about it. Great price and great tour.
Nicolas C
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
It was amazing, the audioguide was very complete. The door closing was fascinating and the guide did an incredible job. Very interesting to know all the stories that happened, which makes Alcatraz a truly iconic place in San Francisco.
Jeraldine D
Family
Verified booking
Last week
It's our first time family trip to San Francisco and going to Alcatraz and Golden Gate bay cruise is a treat! We all loved it and headout made is easy for us. The app put me at ease as a reminder and made my life happy. Thanks Headout!
Philip W
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Well organised and communication before our visit was good. Staff at boarding were helpful and journey both ways was good.Hot dog was good 👍🏼.Good value for money and audio was very well put together and informative.
Kathryn M
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
Nice to have a shuttle. My husband had back surgery and was a big help. The manager, with English accent talked a lot with us about history of Alcatraz. Very friendly! Awesome experience.

Sail across San Francisco Bay to explore the infamous Alcatraz Island with an award-winning audio guide that brings its haunting history to life.

Getting started

Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure, and present your government-issued photo ID and ticket confirmation at the Alcatraz Cruises booth.

Go through a quick security check before boarding the ferry.

What to expect

Ferry ride across San Francisco Bay: Board from Pier 33 and enjoy scenic views of the skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and the iconic island as you cruise across the bay.

Award-winning audio guide: Explore the cellhouse with a gripping audio tour featuring narrations by former guards and inmates, available in multiple languages.

Historic prison cellhouse: Walk the main prison block, see original cells, and stand in the very halls once occupied by Al Capone and other notorious figures.

On-island exhibits: Visit restored buildings and rotating exhibits that highlight Alcatraz’s layered history, from military outpost to federal prison to protest site.

Explore at your own pace: Stay on the island for as long as you like within operating hours. There’s no rush to catch a return ferry.

What to bring

Bottled water

Light snacks (only in approved eating zones)

Light sweater/jacket

What’s not allowed

Oversized bags, backpacks, and luggage

Weapons and other sharp objects

Outside food and beverages

Pets

Accessibility

The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.

Accessible restroom facilities at the ferry and aboard the ferry.

On-loan wheelchairs are unavailable.

Service animals are allowed.

Additional information

The weather conditions are unpredictable; dress in layers.

Wear comfortable footwear; the terrain is steep, and elevations are equivalent to walking up a 13-story building.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.