Open today
Explore at your pace
Free cancellation
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Audio guide
Guided tour
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On the day tour, explore the prison cell blocks, outdoor spaces such as the Recreation Yard & Eagle Plaza, the historic Gardens, and permanent exhibits.
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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.
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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.
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Day tours
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Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
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App with audio-guide, video tours, AI chat, and self-paced exploration that starts from the ferry ride
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Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
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Downloadable award-winning audio tour, Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
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Traditional audio device with headset
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Access to permanent exhibits
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Access to outdoor historic spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
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Participation in Guided Interpretive Programs
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Night tours
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Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
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App with audio-guide, video tours, AI chat, and self-paced exploration that starts from the ferry ride
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Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
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Onboard narration by live guide
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Around the island route to Alcatraz
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Guided tour by Ranger/educator
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Access to exclusive areas such as the kitchen, hospital, and church (closed off to the public during the day)
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Downloadable award-winning audio tour, Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
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Traditional audio device with headset
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Day tours
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Live guide
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Food and beverages
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Night tours
- Food and beverages
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Start pointPier 33
1. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is renowned for its history as a maximum-security prison, housing notorious criminals like Al Capone. It is also a former military base and lighthouse station.
2. Cell blocks
3. The Hole
4. Alcatraz lighthouse
End pointPier 33
Your ending point would be same as your start point
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Getting started
Begin your journey at Pier 33, where you’ll exchange your mobile voucher for a paper ticket at the desk. Board the ferry to Alcatraz Island and prepare for a self-paced experience powered by an all-in-one app featuring audio guides, immersive video tours, AI chat, and real-time insights that begin right from your ferry ride.
What to expect
Alcatraz Island, once home to the notorious federal prison, stands as a symbol of American history in San Francisco Bay. Known for its dramatic escape stories and striking location just offshore, the island comes to life through rich storytelling both on-site and through the app’s interactive features.
Features
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Ferry ride across San Francisco Bay: Enjoy a direct ferry transfer from Pier 33, with panoramic views of the skyline and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, enhanced by app-based audio and video content during your journey.
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Self-guided app tour: Use the all-in-one app for audio narration, video tours, and AI-powered chat to navigate the island and uncover stories of Alcatraz’s history, infamous inmates, and daily prison life.
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Historic cellhouse: Walk through the preserved cellhouse, see original prison cells, and hear gripping accounts of legendary escape attempts, complemented by the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
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Flexible visit duration: Stay on Alcatraz Island as long as you wish during operating hours, exploring entirely at your own pace with both on-ground exhibits and app-led guidance.
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What to bring
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A valid government-issued photo ID.
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A jacket or warm layer — the island can be cool and windy, especially at night.
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Comfortable walking shoes, as the route includes a steep uphill climb equivalent to about 13 stories.
What’s not allowed
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Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage are not permitted on the ferry or island.
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Pets are not allowed, except registered service animals.
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Intoxicants, illegal substances, and similar banned items are strictly prohibited.
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Smoking and vaping are allowed only in designated areas near the dock.
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Drones or remote-controlled devices are not permitted anywhere on the island.
Accessibility
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The island is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and a tram available for visitors with limited mobility.
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Staff can assist guests with special accessibility needs.
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Wheelchairs are not available for rent at either Pier 33 or Alcatraz Island.
Additional information
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Arrive at Pier 33 at least 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure.
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Allow about 15 minutes for the return ferry to Pier 33 after leaving Alcatraz Island.
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Visitors may stay on Alcatraz Island for as long as they wish within operating hours (see schedule for day and night tours).
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Children aged 4 and under can enter free of charge.
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Tours run rain or shine — dress for the weather.
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Meals and beverages are not provided; on-island options are minimal.
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Guided commentary is not included — tours are self-guided via an audio guide app.
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Certain exhibits and activities are exclusive to the night tour; check your ticket for details.
Alcatraz day tours ferry schedule
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Available Daily
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Departure ferries: 8:40am, 9:20am, 9:40am, 10:10am, 10:35am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:05pm, 1:35pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:20pm, 3:50pm
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Return ferries: 9:00am – 6:30pm (departing approximately every 30–40 minutes)
Alcatraz night tours ferry schedule
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Available Tuesday to Saturday
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Departure ferries: 5:55pm, 6:30pm, 7:05pm
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Return ferries: 8:40pm, 9:25pm, 9:50pm
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- 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.
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