Enjoy an amazing historical tour by taking the Alcatraz ferry to the most infamous prison in the United States… Alcatraz! Experience the incredible stories first hand within the jail walls by listening to the audio guided tour of Alcatraz prison narrated by its ex-prisoners!

Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the Rock. The presence of infamous inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone, and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud helped to establish the island’s notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world’s most legendary prisons. Many people, though, are unaware of the wealth of other stories to be learned on the island. Alcatraz is now home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and thousands of roosting and nesting sea birds. Civil War-era buildings dotting the island give insight into the 19th century when the island served as both a harbor defense fort and a military prison. You can also see visible reminders of the American Indian Occupation that started in 1969 after the prison closed, highlighting an important milestone in the American Indian rights movement.

Come experience the beauty and history of San Francisco and the infamy of Alcatraz on the San Francisco Bay.  You’ll be astounded all day by what you will learn and see at Alcatraz.

Next… take the Original Bay Cruise! Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for 70 years. Sail along San Francisco’s breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and closely around notorious Alcatraz Island. On route, discover San Francisco’s history and world famous landmarks through personal headphone audio.

The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Next, enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio—both former army installations—that are now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Don’t miss incredible photo opportunities when sailing directly under the massive 4,200-foot span of the 746-foot tall Golden Gate Bridge.

As you steam back into the Bay, travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, slowly cruise around the infamous Island of Alcatraz. On your way back to Fisherman’s Wharf, see the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower. After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 ½, where you can visit two National Historic Landmarks, the WWII submarine USS Pampanito and merchant vessel USS Jeremiah O’Brien. A full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise (including logo wear) at reasonable prices is available on board.

Alcatraz Tour Details:

• The Official Alcatraz ferry ride to and from the prison from Pier 33.
• “The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” An audio guided presentation within the actual prison walls of Alcatraz.
The audio guided tour features actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked at Alcatraz.
The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese and Korean.
And of course, You may stay as long as you please at Alcatraz as the ferries come around every half hour to pick people up and return them to shore.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.

Tour Length

Plan for 2–2.5 hours for your visit to Alcatraz.

The Bay Cruise runs daily and can be taken any day at any time listed on the schedule below. Just arrive 30 minutes prior to your preferred sailing time.

Choose from any of the cruise times listed above and just arrive at the Pier 30 minutes prior. All these details and schedule will be on your vouchers.

Multi-Lingual Options:

Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese

Cruise Length

1 hour

Days Available

Daily