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Audio guide
Guided tour
4.1/5
(71)
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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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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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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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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
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.
- 71 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.
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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 instantly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.
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Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.
Boarding point
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Board your cruise at Pier 33.
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Address: San Francisco, CA 94133, USA.
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