Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

San Francisco , United States

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

Active

(963 reviews)

2h - 4h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Choose between a day tour or a special night tour of Alcatraz. The night tour includes a narrated cruise at sunset, cell door demonstrations, and talks from expert historians. Both tours include an audio guide available in multiple languages to delve into the prison's history and infamous escape attempts.

Additionally, enjoy a narrated 1-hour cruise with views of landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, the Bay Bridge, and Pier 39 sea lions, all from the comfort of a boat with indoor and outdoor seating.

The time you select will be your Alcatraz ferry departure. The Alcatraz ferry departs from Pier 33.

You may take the Bay cruise on any day at any available departure time. These are 2 separate tours. Children 4 years and younger are free and do not need tickets.

For the Alcatraz Night tour, If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour.

The night tour is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

Available options

Alcatraz Night with Bay Cruise

With this option you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz Night tour if you wish to take them on the same day.

Alcatraz Day with Bay Cruise

This option includes a daytime visit to Alcatraz

What's included

45-minute award-wining audio tour on Alcatraz Island

Entrance/admission fee to Alcatraz Island (valued at $45.25 USD)

Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33

Narrated cruise and special exhibits and demonstrations (if nighttime Alcatraz option is chosen)

60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Choose between a daytime tour or a special nighttime tour of Alcatraz. The nighttime tour includes a narrated cruise at sunset, cell door demonstrations, and talks from expert historians. For the Alcatraz Night tour ONLY: If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour. Otherwise, the Bay Cruise may be taken any other time or day according to the schedule.

You will take a short ride on a ferry (15min) to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33. Enjoy a 45-minute immersive audio tour to listen to the incredible history of the infamous prison. After that, you have all the time you want to explore the rest of the island. Then you can take any ferry back to Pier 33. The ferry usually runs every 30 minutes.

A multi-language audio tour included is now available in nine languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese, and Dutch. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

Stop 2

Take advantage of prime photo opportunities with unobstructed views in every direction aboard Blue & Gold Fleet’s 60-minute Bay Cruise Adventure. Sail past the famous PIER 39 sea lions and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s fascinating skyline. Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge for a fantastic photo opportunity. This comfortable San Francisco Bay Cruise tour has both indoor and outdoor seating with full narration describing major landmarks as you sail by them. You haven’t experienced San Francisco until you’ve taken a Bay Cruise. The Bay Cruise departs from Pier 39. You may take the San Francisco Bay cruise anytime you choose. A schedule of departure times will be sent to you after booking.

What's not included

Transportation to and from Pier 33 or Pier 39 (make your own way there)

Food and Beverage

Available languages

Audio guide

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Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

642 reviews

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423

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Tripadvisor 4.1

321 reviews

5★

192

4★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note that this package is 2 separate tours - Alcatraz tour PLUS a separate Bay Cruise.

Meeting point

The time you select at checkout is the time of your Alcatraz ferry. The ferry will leave on time at your specified departure time. Please arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time.

For the Bay Cruise, exchange the voucher at the Blue and Gold Fleet box office at Pier 39.

Important notes

Please note that the time you select is the time of your Alcatraz tour. You will receive an email the night before your tour with a QR code, which is your ticket. Please arrive at Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) 30 minutes before the departure time and proceed directly to the boarding line with the QR code. Without it, you may be turned away. To prevent this, please check your email for a link to download the QR code for Alcatraz and the voucher for the 1-hour Bay Cruise or in your Customer Portal www.mytckts.com.

The Bay Cruise is a separate tour and can be taken any day or time. A schedule of departure times will be sent to you. This tour departs from Pier 39 and you must exchange your voucher for a ticket at the Blue and Gold Fleet box office. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your desired departure time, as availability is first come first served.

Please note for the Alcatraz Night tour ONLY: If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour. Otherwise, the Bay Cruise may be taken any other time or day according to the schedule. This does not apply if you have booked the Alcatraz Day tour.

About San Francisco

San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours for a tour $45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature/Park Half-day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.

Entertainment/Shopping/Dining Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining

Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.

Bread Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.

Seafood Contains shellfish

Mission Burrito

The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.

Main Course Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Marin Headlands Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge Spa day at a luxury hotel Picnic in Golden Gate Park Wine tasting in Napa Valley Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.

13-22°C 55-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe

Getting there

By air

San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown

By train

Emeryville Station, Richmond Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

North Beach Haight-Ashbury Mission District Castro Marina District

Day trips

Sausalito

15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.

Napa Valley

80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.

Muir Woods National Monument

25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.

Festivals

San Francisco Pride • June Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August Union Street Italian Festival • October

Pro tips

Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions