Was a great experience, ferry ride easy, be prepared to walk up hills, audio tour was good.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Alcatraz Ticket Ferry Cruise, Award winning audio in 11 languages.
- Free appetizer at iconic Mona Lisa Restaurant and Steps of Rome Trattoria in San Francisco's North Beach "Little Italy" with a purchase of a meal.
Excludes
- Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Please arrive at Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) about 30 minutes prior to your departure time. Ensure you have the QR codes, which will be sent to you the day before your scheduled tour. When you arrive, proceed to the boat boarding line—not the ticket line.
Return
- Please arrive at Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) about 30 minutes prior to your departure time. Ensure you have the QR codes, which will be sent to you the day before your scheduled tour. When you arrive, proceed to the boat boarding line—not the ticket line.
Itinerary
Cruise and experience stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and city skyline. As the ferry pulls away, look back for amazing views of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and Coit Tower. Step back in time and discover the legendary prison that was home to the greatest criminals, such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Walk inside prison cells, walk through solitary confinement. recreation yard and dining hall. Explore at your own and listen to the award winning audio "Doing Time" narrated by former inmates and guards.
Golden Gate Bridge Views from the ferry.
Enjoy 360-degree views of the city skyline and the Bay Bridge during the 15-minute ferry crossing.
View from the bay
View from the Bay
Coit Tower view from the ferry
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
This was a very nice trip. The tour staff was very kind and easy to speak with. The ferry ride was perfect and quick and the tour of Alcatraz itself was easy to get through. The ticketing instructions weren’t great however. The emails we received instructed us to go to an address on Beach Street beforehand in order to get the actual ticket needed for boarding. We went there as instructed but there was no business there. Meanwhile we received a text message with a QR code and the staff at the boarding area said that was all we needed. So, the ticketing process needs to be communicated better. The trip itself was great though.
It was the most perfect day for a visit. Ferry crossing was very well organised and you could come back when you was ready. No time limit. Alcatraz was amazing, loved every minute. Glad we had a guided tour. My husband used the disabled transfer from the ferry which was brilliant.
We loved the history of Alcatraz. The audio guide was so cool to follow We would do this again and spend more time here.
Great Tour Very interesting and informative. Epic Views too This is a must do for everyone visiting San Francisco
If have trouble walking, ride trolley up hills. The audio tour was good……………………………. All I have to say about that lol
Chill at the top, even on a hot day. Make sure you have a sweater or jacket with you. It’s a very vertical venue but the shuttles are perfect to help with that.
We lived the self guided tour and the fact that a ferry ran every 30 minutes back. Made it easy and nice to go at our own pace. Bonus, they called us and ten texted our tickets to us so we didn’t have to make a special to get them. Very appreciative.
We had a great experience! I called the number listed for ticket pick up and she was able to text me my ticket which saved a stop. We boarded early and had a great boat ride and Alcatraz was amazing. Definitely got our steps in with the walk up and down the hill.
You need to spend the entire day there to see it all. The experience is great. I would suggest that the tour be limited to a smaller number of people at one time so that you are able to not only hear clearly but to view all the cells.
It's perfect & must see experience in SF. Iconic place with great view of city downtown, bay area and Golden Gate Bridge.
Hard walking or you have to wait for the shuttle. An interesting excursion if you want to know the history of the island.
Great day spent exploring Alcatraz. I highly recommend. It was so interesting learning about the history of the prison.
I booked at the 11th hour. The booking team was extremely helpful- they texted theQR code so I didn’t need to go collect the pass. We had a great trip - just the right weather for a short cruise and in good comfort. The free snacks were an added bonus.
Excellent tour. We were allowed on an earlier departure and the ferry over was quick with views over the city. Highlight was the audio commentary at Alcatraz cells. Worth noting the return boat times on arrival at Alcatraz.
The audio guide is excellent- but only provided at the top of the island. It would save time if issued on the boat in transit
You are paying for the privilege of lining up with 300 other people for a brief ferry ride followed by a self guided audio tour. Not worth the price. It was crowded cattle experience, we could not enjoy the cell tour as you could not see anything amongst the throngs of people. The tour organizer was responsive and good, but in my view it was worth no more than half of what we paid.
Great experience. Highly recommended from beginning to the end. Story through the head phones in very well understood
RECOMMENDED for all first timers to San Francisco
The ferry ride over was easy, once you get to the island the information is clear. It is quite an uphill walk so something to definitely be aware of.
It was a wonderful experience would recommend it to all families. The views are spectacular both ways.
The ride to the island was quick and alchatraz itself was very interesting. It was windy and chilly at times so wear layers.
Getting off the island is a huge pain and can take an hour. Felt like a prisoner in Alcatraz. Would not recommend
Really enjoyed the tour and experience. But it was a last minute decision. Viator had tickets but at $110/pp. The normal price is $48. Plan ahead.
Great experience. Staff was friendly and the wait was okay
Very nice tour, I’m glad we got to see it!!
Make it clearer that you need to collect your tickets which are a good 15/20 minute walk away from the pier
The office where you pick up the tickets is a 20 minute walk to pier 33 where the ferry departs. Some communication about this would have been very helpful. Thankfully we made it before it left.
Probably it was the most expensive "night" ticket for the exploration of Alcatraz. I already visited Alcatraz 3 years ago and had a regular ticket - I can't see the difference, so this time it was a huge mistake - a huge wasting of time and money!!! Never again! Buy a regular ticket not that "night" exploration one.
Good customer service, helpful people on the phone and at the location to pick up my vouchers. Would recommend
Easy to book the experience on-line Easy to meet up place. Fast way to the island. Easy way back to the pier.
It was very easy to get the tickets and board. The tour itself was amazing. Learning about alcatraz and the stories inside was very impactful. What I didn't expect were the beautiful views you get from the island, just stunning.
We were very excited to visit Alcatraz. Found the experience with Trip Advisor and booked through Viator. The booking agent was very accommodating and reached out personally to send all the necessary information including texting the ticket QR codes to make sure we had a smooth experience. It was a night tour. Weather was beautiful. Ferry over and back was smooth, spacious on time. The self guided audio tour was very interesting and I liked that we could enjoy things at our own pace. I would definitely recommend this experience.
Most of the sections were closed. No difference in buying night ticket vs day ticket… Audio tour is free for all no mayter which tocket you buy.
Excellent communication with the staff.
Fun and interesting experience learning about Alcatraz and its history. Worth the time and was not expensive.
Great excursion Jennifer was extremely helpful
Travelers must redeem their tickets prior to the start of the tour so allot plenty of time for get the tickets and show up 30 minutes before the ferry leaves. The ferry has indoor and outdoor options so everyone can find a place that works for them. Restrooms and snacks are available on the pier, boat, and restrooms are also available on Alcatraz Island. Be prepared to walk up somewhat steep inclines once on the island. There are alternatives for those that truly need assistance. The narrated tour was fabulous along with the view of the cells and various rooms. Visitors are transported back in time to really imagine what it was like at Alcatraz. Definitely recommend this tour! Last thing, dress in layers because it gets really windy on the island. Enjoy!!
Amazing service and a wonderful experience. Customer service when above a beyond to handle my needs.
The tour was pretty straightforward and easy to do. The audio for the cell Block was really good and I had lots of information. The booking part was easy and we got our tickets sent to us, the Ferry over and back was Easy as well. It’s a greatway to tour Alcatraz.
I loved Alcatraz tour. The audio tour was so informational. The park personnel was very nice and helpful. One of the part person who,, a gentleman towards the end of the tour was very friendly asking me where we were from and was able to tell me things about my town for memory even a movie about the town and acted out of skid in the movie. I loved it. The gift shop had great memorabilia and Adams to purchase. I definitely would go again.
Great experience quick and easy boarding. Walk was a little tough going up, but the guided tour was worth.
It was a very nice tour. It was easy to book online before we arrived in San Francisco. The communication was excellent. Gave us instructions where to go. The tour was very good. We did the audio self tour. Lot's of walking! An interesting look at history. I'm 61 yrs old and I've wanted to go to Alcatraz for years.
Definitely worth the money. I would have liked a more private tour. However, it was informative enough for the kids, and short enough to keep them engaged. The island has it pretty well organized. Completed tour in just about 2 1/2 hours and that was with the headphones and walking tour. Thank you trip advisor!
Very good time on Alcatraz Island. Great history from before, during and after its time as a Maximum Security Prison. Able to explore the island at one’s pace is convenient.
This was exactly what I had hoped for amazing. Every thing the ride the tour,. The stories. We took the night tour and Honestly I could repeat again and again
Give yourself plenty of time to cover the whole island, look out for special items that happen during your visit. Bring sweater/hoodie if the weather looks indifferent
Excellent experience! Very helpful staff. It took me 2.5 hrs to get through the tour. There are return ferry boats that leave frequently from Alcatraz.
Super cool experience. I wouldn't recommend standing on the front of the ferry as we got splashed by a big wave and we're soaked. The gift shop is priced very fairly. The audio tour is a must. The entire experience is a must and achievable on a budget.
The Night tour feels too rushed. If you listen to everything on the audio tour and stop to listen to a “live talk”, you probably won’t make it to the “Special cell door closing demonstration”. At least we didn’t. We definitely heard them closing but it would’ve been nice to see them. They say you can go and look around but you don’t really have time because the prison closes at 9:00. My advice is to do the night tour. Just don’t stop to listen to any live talks. Listen to the audio and do what it says. Move, move, move! ;-)
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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