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Highlights
- Enjoy a round-trip ferry ride from San Francisco’s Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline.
- Enjoy full access to Alcatraz Island, including the historic Cellhouse with a compelling audio tour featuring real stories from former inmates and guards.
- Wander at your own pace through iconic spots like the Recreation Yard, Sallyport, Eagle Plaza, and the haunting ruins of the Warden’s House.
- Discover exhibits that highlight the Native American occupation and which place Alcatraz’s prison legacy in the broader context of mass incarceration in the US.
- Join optional interpretive walks led by National Park staff, and navigate with your complimentary Discovery Guide map and interpretive signs.
- Want to make your visit even more special? You can choose a ranger-led night tour or go behind the scenes with an exclusive guided experience.
Your Experience
Sail across San Francisco Bay to explore the infamous Alcatraz Island with an award-winning audio guide that brings its haunting history to life.
Getting started
Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure, and present your government-issued photo ID and ticket confirmation at the Alcatraz Cruises booth.
Go through a quick security check before boarding the ferry.
What to expect
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Ferry ride across San Francisco Bay: Board from Pier 33 and enjoy scenic views of the skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and the iconic island as you cruise across the bay.
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Award-winning audio guide: Explore the cellhouse with a gripping audio tour featuring narrations by former guards and inmates, available in multiple languages.
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Historic prison cellhouse: Walk the main prison block, see original cells, and stand in the very halls once occupied by Al Capone and other notorious figures.
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On-island exhibits: Visit restored buildings and rotating exhibits that highlight Alcatraz’s layered history, from military outpost to federal prison to protest site.
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Explore at your own pace: Stay on the island for as long as you like within operating hours. There’s no rush to catch a return ferry.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
- Admission to Alcatraz
- The award-winning Cellhouse audio tour, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
- Traditional audio tour equipment
- Admission to ongoing permanent exhibits
- Access to the all-day Guided Interpretive Programs
- Ranger-led night tour (as per option selected)
- Behind-the-scenes tour (as per option selected)
- Live guide
- Food and beverages
- Tips and gratuities
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Ticket Delivery
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the experience starts.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.