Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

The Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise offers visitors an unforgettable experience. By combining a round-trip ferry ride to the infamous island with an award-winning audio guide, guests can enjoy Alcatraz’s storied past. From exploring the notorious cellhouse at their own pace to taking in stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and marine wildlife, this tour provides a discounted opportunity to uncover the secrets of one of America’s most notorious prisons.

Good To Know

• The official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise package includes round-trip ferry rides, admission to the island, and a 60-minute bay cruise.
• The award-winning audio tour provides informative insights into the prison’s history, notorious inmates, and significant events, allowing for a self-paced exploration.
• The bay cruise offers stunning views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, and the opportunity to observe marine wildlife.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller friendly, and has a maximum of 15 travelers, with advance booking recommended due to popularity.
• The tour’s included amenities, such as round-trip ferry rides and the audio tour, enhance the comprehensive experience for visitors.

Tour Overview

The official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise is a popular sightseeing package that allows visitors to explore the renowned Alcatraz Island and enjoy a scenic cruise around the San Francisco Bay.

The tour includes a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz, admission to the island and prison cellhouse, and an award-winning audio guide.

It also features a 60-minute Bay Cruise under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Priced at $133.20 per person, the tour offers significant savings compared to the original price of $148.00.

The experience departs from and returns to Pier 33 in San Francisco.

Alcatraz Island Experience

Although the tour focuses on the Alcatraz Island experience, visitors also enjoy the scenic 60-minute Bay Cruise under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The Alcatraz visit includes an award-winning audio guide, providing an immersive exploration of the former prison. Guests can wander the cellhouse, learning about the notorious inmates and the island’s history. The table below outlines the key Alcatraz Island highlights:

The Bay Cruise offers a relaxing interlude, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks from the water.

San Francisco Bay Cruise

While the Alcatraz Island experience is the main focus of the tour, visitors also enjoy the scenic 60-minute Bay Cruise under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The cruise provides stunning views of:

• The city skyline
• Alcatraz Island
• Angel Island
• Tiburon and Sausalito coastlines
• Marine wildlife, including seabirds and sea lions

The Bay Cruise is a relaxing complement to the Alcatraz tour, offering a unique perspective of San Francisco’s picturesque waterfront.

Travelers can sit back, take in the sights, and enjoy the tranquility of the bay before returning to the meeting point.

Included Amenities

Two key amenities are included with the Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise package.

First, visitors receive round-trip ferry rides to Alcatraz Island, ensuring a seamless transportation experience.

Secondly, the package includes admission to Alcatraz Island and the infamous Prison Cellhouse, providing access to the historic site.

Plus, an award-winning audio tour is provided in multiple languages, allowing guests to enjoy the island’s rich history at their own pace.

These inclusions elevate the tour, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors.

Accessibility and Logistics

The Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise is accessible to a wide range of travelers.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. Service animals are allowed on the tour. The meeting and end point is located near public transportation.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, and infants must sit on laps.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers offer a mixed assessment of the Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise.

Many praise the great self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz and the enjoyable Bay cruise with beautiful views. Customers also appreciate the convenience of the two-event package.

However, some report issues with the validity of Bay cruise tickets and communication problems during emergencies, such as a tsunami warning.

Recommendations and Tips

Travelers are recommended to bring warm clothing, especially in foggy weather, for the Bay cruise portion of the tour.

Booking directly at the piers may offer better prices than online. This two-event package is highly recommended for a unique San Francisco experience, as Alcatraz is a must-see, and the Bay cruise provides stunning views:

• Wear layers and bring a windbreaker
• Comfortable walking shoes are advised
• Pack snacks and water for the day
• Familiarize yourself with the meeting point
• Consider booking early to secure availability.

Booking Information

Booking the official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise can be done through the tour provider’s website or directly at Pier 33 in San Francisco.

Booking directly at the piers may offer better prices compared to booking online. The tour package includes round-trip ferry rides to Alcatraz Island, admission to the island and prison cellhouse, and the award-winning audio tour.

Visitors can choose from a variety of departure times to fit their schedule. Advance booking is highly recommended, as the tour is popular and can sell out, especially during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Alcatraz Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos during the Alcatraz tour. Photography is allowed throughout the island, including the prison cellhouse, providing visitors with the opportunity to capture their experience and memories of this historic site.

How Long Does the Entire Tour Experience Last?

The entire tour experience lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. It includes the Alcatraz Island visit with an audio guide and a 60-minute San Francisco Bay cruise, with round-trip ferry rides to and from Alcatraz Island.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available on Alcatraz Island?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on Alcatraz Island. Visitors can use the restrooms located in the main building and other areas throughout the island during their tour of the former prison.

Can I Leave the Group During the Alcatraz Tour?

Yes, visitors can generally leave the Alcatraz tour group as they explore the island on their own. However, they should return to the ferry departure point by the scheduled departure time to ensure they don’t miss their return trip.

What Happens if I Miss the Return Ferry From Alcatraz?

If a traveler misses the return ferry from Alcatraz Island, they’ll need to purchase a new ticket to take the next available ferry back. This can result in additional costs and delays in their travel plans.

The Sum Up

The Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise offers an immersive experience that transports visitors to the island’s rich history. With a discounted price of $133.20 per person, the tour provides access to the infamous cellhouse and a scenic cruise, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in the San Francisco Bay area.