Alcatraz Tour
San Francisco
Things to know for Alcatraz Tour
Ferry runs to Alcatraz Island leaving from Pier 33, HOURLY
Adult ticket-$59CAD, youth ticket-$48CAD
Ferry ride is 15 minutes each way - if you get motion sick, bring gravol
Ferry is open so can be chilly - bring layers
Tour takes roughly 2hr 30min - give yourself lots of time
Food and beverage available on ferry but they ask no food or drinks on island except water
No storage area for your belongings - don't bring a what you cannot carry
Cart available for accessibility if you are unable to walk the grounds
Guided audio self tour - guides your walk through the prison
When leaving the island you can take any ferry back to the pier
Day and night tours available
The Alcatraz Tour is in my opinion, very well done and I 100% recommend it to those who are interested in learning the history of what happened behind the walls of this prison. Once you arrive at Alcatraz Island you are met with a ranger who will give you a quick speech on the First Nations history of the land the island is on and what the expectations are of the grounds. Once the intro discussion is over, you are free to make your way to the cell house where you will be handed a headset to start your guided audio tour (available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Mandarin). If needed, there is a cart that is available for those who are unable to walk the island on their own. Something really unique about this tour is it is narrated by former correctional officers and formally incarcerated inmates.
As you make your way through the cell house, you'll learn about the prison's history, notorious inmates, attempted escapes, and the day-to-day lives of those who were incarcerated there. The audio tour is very informative and engaging, and you can take your time to explore each area and listen to the narration at your own pace.
In addition to the cell house, there are other areas of the island you can explore, including the island's gardens (which are flourishing and beautiful), the recreation yard, and the lighthouse. There is also a gift shop for something to help remember your experience. Overall, the Alcatraz Tour is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting San Francisco. It's a great way to learn about the history of the island and the prison, and the audio tour is one of the best I've experienced. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
