Alcatraz Night Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

San Francisco , United States

Alcatraz Night Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

Active

(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is it! The one and only Alcatraz Night Tour from Alcatraz City Cruises. As compared to the Day Tour, it may feel a little bit creepier (haunted?) while having less crowds, added ranger or docent-led tours, and extra narration on the outbound ferry.

Plus, you will take a separate high quality excursion with spectacular views along San Francisco Bay. This can be done before or after Alcatraz, with daily departures; no reservations required.

First, select a date from the evening schedule. You get the Alcatraz prison tour, complete with headset audio (available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish).

Considering how often the Alcatraz Night Tour sells out at the Pier 33 Box Office, this package is often a great way to get a ticket to Alcatraz and make memories going all along the San Francisco waterfront and out under the Golden Gate Bridge and back.

Available options

Alcatraz Night Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

What's included

Note: The date & time you choose is the departure of your Alcatraz Tour

Single Departure/Arrival Location for separate company Bay Cruise Loop Under the Golden Gate Bridge

Round-trip ferry from Pier 33, San Francisco to Alcatraz Island

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover America’s most infamous prison... at night! It's less crowded and more docents leading smaller groups. It's also creepier then, with added features, but always a chance to go inside a cell and feel the cold and dark life firsthand.

The award-winning 45-minute cell house audio headset tour covers escape attempts, riots, bizarre characters, and much more. Displays include prison life, guard controls, and how 3 inmates made their infamous “Escape From Alcatraz.”

Alcatraz is one of the most popular tours in the country:
• Video History Presentation – No Charge
• Audio Tour has sound effects, interviews with prisoners & guards, and historic details
• The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
• Bookstore with information in many languages
• Permanent exhibit The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States
• Other rotating exhibits
• Prison recreation yard open to public

Stop 2

The Golden Gate Bridge is quite impressive when seen from below!

This easy 1-hour tour on a stable 300-passenger ferry boat makes for smooth sailing.

Daily departures from 11:00 am let you control the clock.

These boats all have a snack bar with Beer and Wine, restrooms, and indoor and outdoor decks.

You'll take in fabulous skyline views of Fort Mason, Marina Green, Pacific Heights, Presidio and Historic Ft. Point, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and points around the SF Bay.

The included audio tour is playable via on-board wifi to connect with your phone. Or simply enjoy the scenic ride and broadcast tour, moving around the boat at your leisure.

The audio tour is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German and Taiwanese.

Valid within 365 days from your date of purchase.

Even on a sunny day the wind can be strong and the Pacific Ocean moisture can feel cool, so seasonally appropriate layered clothing is recommended.

Available languages

Audio guide

DE RU PT KO CMN JA EN IT FR NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.6

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Meeting point

For the Blue & Gold Fleet Golden Gate Bay Cruise part of your package, go to the small “Victorian House” kiosk between Pier 39 & Pier 41. Show your voucher and say it is with DiscoverTown Tours. They will hand you tickets for your Bay Cruise. Multiple departures daily. No reservations.

Important notes

Alcatraz departure = time shown on booking. Bay Cruise is flexible, before or after Alcatraz.

*2 tours from 2 separate locations*

ROUGHLY 48 HOURS BEFORE ALCATRAZ DEPARTURE, A QR CODE WILL BE SENT (for your full group).

Take the QR Code on your phone to PIER 33, 20-30 minutes early.

If no QR code is received within 48 hrs. of departure, please email.

The lead traveler (& all guests 18+) should be prepared to show valid government issued photo identification.

Typically, IDs are not reviewed. But you must have an ID, if requested. A local driver’s license from your home country or a clear photo of a passport are acceptable.

• Boats leave on time
• Audio tour upon entering prison at top of hill

For guests with mobility issues, a wheelchair accessible tram is at the dock. A second adult may go along, if bench space allows. Others must walk a steep ¼ mile hike up to the prison. Reconvene at the top.

No food sold on Alcatraz. Any food you bring must be eaten at the dock.

Round trip = ~ 3 hours

1-HOUR BAY CRUISE = PIER 41
*Any day*

Go to Blue & Gold Fleet's “yellow house” kiosk between Pier 39 & Pier 41.

Show Booking Reference number (e.g. BR-12345678).

State it's via DiscoverTown Tours.

Date on voucher is unimportant. Bay Cruises depart behind kiosk.

No reservation required. Several departures daily, ~ 11:00am - 6:00pm (4:00pm in winter). Earlier or later times may vary on weekends & peak periods.

Both tours have indoor/outdoor seating. The best views are outside, so consider extra layers in a backpack (esp. wind shells, possibly skull caps; maybe even warm leggings). SF Bay and Alcatraz can be chilly – even on bright, sunny days.

Bay Cruise audio tour in English via loudspeakers. Also, via mobile/earphones from on-board Wi-Fi in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, & Taiwanese.

Beer/wine/snacks sold on board.

Email, text, WhatsApp, or call us if needed.

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