Alcatraz Guided Tours 2025 | Book Official Ferry & Prison
Secure Alcatraz tickets & guided tours from San Francisco. Ride the official ferry, explore the cellhouse with the award-winning audio guide, and choose day or night departures. Free cancellation on most options.
- Official Alcatraz ferry departures from Pier 33
- Day, Night & Behind-the-Scenes tour options
- Cellhouse audio guide included on most tours
- Popular combos: Alcatraz + SF Bay cruise
- Instant mobile e-tickets
- Free cancellation (per option)
Top Alcatraz Tours 2025 — Ferry, Night & Combo Options
Book official Alcatraz tickets and guided tours from San Francisco. Choose day or night departures, add Bay cruises or Muir Woods combos. Mobile tickets.
Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour (Day or Night)
Best sellerSail from Pier 33 to the island and explore the cellhouse with the award-winning audio guide. Night departures available.
Alcatraz Island Prison Tour + Bay Cruise
ComboVisit the infamous prison then enjoy scenic views on a San Francisco Bay cruise — two classics in one ticket.
Inside Alcatraz Tour + Bay Cruise
PopularGo inside the prison with the immersive audio tour, then see the Golden Gate and city skyline from the water.
Alcatraz + Muir Woods & Sausalito (Small Group)
Full dayPair Alcatraz with the giant redwoods of Muir Woods and charming Sausalito — a San Francisco essential in one day.
Alcatraz Night Tour + SF Bay Cruise
NightExperience eerie evening vibes on Alcatraz, then admire the illuminated skyline on an after-dark Bay cruise.
Alcatraz Island & Guided Muir Woods Tour
ComboSecure hard-to-get Alcatraz tickets and add a guided visit to towering redwoods in Muir Woods. Transport included.
Alcatraz Tours Picks — Curated Combos & Night Experiences
Prefer a themed route or a smaller-group feel? These four options add neighborhoods, night access, or private guiding to your Alcatraz visit. All links use our partner code and open live availability with mobile tickets.
Muir Woods, Sausalito & Alcatraz Night Tour
Daytime redwoods and bayside Sausalito, then limited-capacity Alcatraz at night for smaller crowds and special programs.
Night Alcatraz Small group Transport
From €151.87 · ★ 4.38 (8)
Check availability
Alcatraz Island & Chinatown Walking Tour
Pair the island visit with a guided stroll through historic Chinatown—culture, hidden alleys, and local bites.
Guided walk Audio tour
From €83.99 · ★ 3.93 (14)
Check availability
Alcatraz with SF City Tour
Coach across landmark viewpoints before your Alcatraz slot—efficient orientation for first-time visitors.
City highlights Audio tour
From €134.90 · ★ 4.50 (84)
Check availability
Private SF City Tour + Alcatraz Island
Customizable half-day with a private guide plus confirmed Alcatraz entry—ideal for families and groups.
Private Custom route
From €410.63
Check availability1) Alcatraz Tour Types at a Glance
Day vs Night vs Combos—choose by crowd level, time of day, and extras like redwoods or cruises.
- Day Tour: More departures, daylight photos, family-friendly pacing.
- Night Tour: Fewer guests, special talks/demos, dramatic skyline at dusk.
- Combos: Add Muir Woods, Chinatown, or SF City for a fuller day.
2) Alcatraz Tickets, Entry & What’s Included
Most products include round-trip ferry, island admission, and the Cellhouse Audio Tour.
- Mobile vouchers: QR codes scan at boarding—keep brightness high.
- Timed ferries: Arrive early; late arrivals risk forfeiting the slot.
- Audio guide: Multilingual, self-paced walk through the cellhouse.
3) Alcatraz Island Highlights & Photo Spots
From famous cells to sweeping Bay views—don’t miss these angles and exhibits.
- Cellblocks: Solitary cells, dining hall, and escape-story exhibits.
- Vistas: Golden Gate, Bay Bridge, and city skyline—best early/late light.
- Stories: Inmate and guard accounts bring the prison to life.
4) Alcatraz- Best Time & Crowd Strategy
Weekdays and first/last ferries are calmer; night slots are most limited and sell out first.
- Book early: Reserve 3–7+ days ahead for weekends/holidays and Night Tour.
- Early/late: Softer light and thinner crowds for photos and pacing.
- Weather watch: Wind can affect comfort—pack layers regardless of season.
5) Getting There at Alcatraz & Accessibility
Board at the SF waterfront per your voucher; island paths are steep—wear sturdy shoes.
- Check-in: Bring ID if requested; follow meeting point instructions exactly.
- Mobility: Steep grades and uneven surfaces; ask staff about accessibility vehicles/routes.
- Facilities: Restrooms near the dock and limited on the island; no food vendors on the island.
6) What to Wear at Alcatraz & Pack
Layer for wind and fog, choose closed-toe shoes, and bring sun protection; rain shell in winter.
- Layers: Temps swing quickly; wind exposure on ferry decks.
- Footwear: Avoid heels/open-toe; expect stairs and gravel.
- Sun/rain: Sunglasses and SPF help with glare; pack a light shell Nov–Mar.
7) Alcatraz Booking, Changes & Cancellation
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours; always check your product’s exact policy.
- Refund windows: Many options allow 100% refunds to 24h before; premium/private may differ.
- Modify times: If plans shift, use your confirmation link to reschedule when allowed.
- No-shows: Missed ferries are usually non-refundable due to capacity controls.
- Weather: Tours run in most conditions; operator will advise on rare disruptions.
Alcatraz Photo Highlights
A quick look at the journey: ferry approach, the Cellhouse interior, atmospheric nights, and popular redwood combos.
Official Ferry
Outdoor decks for skyline, lighthouse, and bridge views on the way to the island.
Cellhouse Audio
Self-paced, multilingual narration with voices of former guards and inmates.
Night Perspectives
Limited evening entry, special talks, and cinematic city lights across the Bay.
Redwood Combos
Popular add-on: serene trails among giant coastal redwoods at Muir Woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about Alcatraz Guided Tours 2025—official ferry, Day vs Night tours, what’s included, booking windows, accessibility, what to wear, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.
Most Alcatraz tickets include round-trip official ferry from the San Francisco waterfront, island admission, and the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour. Some options add extras like a SF Bay cruise, city tour, or Muir Woods visit—see the product details.
Ferries for Alcatraz tours depart from the San Francisco waterfront per your voucher’s meeting point (commonly Alcatraz Landing area by Piers 31–33). Arrive 30–45 minutes early for check-in and boarding. Bring a valid photo ID if requested on your ticket.
The Day Tour offers more departure times and daylight views—great for photos and families. The Night Tour has fewer guests, special ranger talks or demonstrations, and a more atmospheric feel at dusk. Night slots are limited and sell out sooner.
For weekends, holidays, and Night Tours, book 3–7+ days ahead. Popular dates can sell out earlier. Combos that include Alcatraz (e.g., with Bay Cruise or Muir Woods) also have limited inventory—reserve early.
Plan about 3 hours for the round-trip ferry and the island. Many visitors spend 60–90 minutes inside the Cellhouse and then walk the grounds for views of the Golden Gate, Bay Bridge, and the city skyline. Look for ranger programs and rotating exhibits on island history.
Island terrain includes steep grades and uneven surfaces. Limited mobility assistance may operate on select routes, subject to availability and schedules. Ask staff at the dock on arrival and check your product page for the latest accessibility notes before booking.
Wear layers—the Bay is windy and can be cool even in summer. Choose closed-toe shoes for hills, stairs, and gravel paths. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for glare on the water; carry a light rain shell in winter or early spring.
There’s no food service on the island. Snacks and drinks are usually available on the ferry. Small daypacks are fine; coolers, luggage, and oversized bags aren’t allowed on tours. Use the designated picnic areas near the dock if you bring your own snack.
Under-18s typically must be accompanied by an adult on Alcatraz. Some small-group or specialty options may set minimum ages—always check your chosen product’s policy before booking.
Mobile tickets are accepted. Keep your QR code handy and increase your phone’s brightness at the gate and boarding points to speed up scanning.
Many products offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled time. Premium or private experiences may differ. Check the exact policy on your ticket page before purchase.
Top picks pair Alcatraz with a SF Bay Cruise for skyline views or Muir Woods & Sausalito for a full-day plan. City tours + Alcatraz give first-timers an efficient overview with guaranteed island entry.
Non-flash photography is generally fine. Tripods or lighting gear are typically not allowed inside buildings. For Night Tours, use steady hand-held techniques or a phone’s night mode and be mindful of other visitors.
Weekends, holidays, and midday departures draw the most visitors. Choose first departures or late-day slots for a calmer feel. The Night Tour has the fewest guests but limited availability.