Alcatraz Tours

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and listen to historic tales as you explore the infamous prison.

• Everything you get: Take a round-trip ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island. Enjoy scenic views of the Bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge. On the island, explore the cell blocks, recreation yard, outdoor Eagle Plaza, the restored historic gardens, and the permanent exhibits, at your own pace with the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
• Why choose this: Experience San Francisco’s legendary prison, once home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, with total flexibility—explore at your own pace and stay as long as you like
• Upgrades: Choose between a day or night tour of the island. Day tours offer stunning views of the Bay and grant access to outdoor spaces; night tours grant exclusive access to areas otherwise closed off to the public, live narration on the ferry, and ranger-led tour from the dock to the prison uphill.

Inclusions

• Day tours
  
  
• Night tours
  
  

Exclusions

• Day tours
  
  
• Night tours
  
  

What to bring

• A government-issued ID card.
• Jacket/warm clothing as the island can get cold and breezy.
• Comfortable walking shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the ferry or the island.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Banned substances and intoxicants are strictly prohibited.
• Smoking and vaping, except in designated areas near the dock.
• Drones and other remote-controlled flying devices are not allowed.

Accessibility

• The experience is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and tram service available for visitors with mobility needs.
• Staff are available to assist guests with accessibility requirements.
• No wheelchair rentals, either at Pier 33 or Alcatraz Island.

Additional information

• Arrive at Pier 33 at least one hour before your scheduled ferry departure.
• Allow about 15 minutes for the return ferry to Pier 33 after leaving Alcatraz Island.
• You may remain on Alcatraz Island as long as you wish during operating hours (check the schedule for day and night tours).
• Children aged 4 and younger do not require a ticket.
• Tours operate in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
• Food and beverages are not included; food and drink options are limited on the island.
• Live guides are not included; tours are self-guided with an audio guide app.
• Some areas and programs are only available during night tours; check your ticket for specific inclusions.

Alcatraz day tours ferry schedule

• Available Daily
• Departure ferries: 8:40am, 9:20am, 9:40am, 10:10am, 10:35am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:05pm, 1:35pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:20pm, 3:50pm
• Return ferries: 9:00am – 6:30pm (departing approximately every 30–40 minutes)

Alcatraz night tours ferry schedule

• Available Tuesday to Saturday
• Departure ferries: 5:55pm, 6:30pm, 7:05pm
• Return ferries: 8:40pm, 9:25pm, 9:50pm

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Sail around Alcatraz Island, listening to chilling audio tales of attempted escapes. No landing, only legends from the Bay.

• Everything you get: A 90-minute boat cruise featuring close-up views of Alcatraz from every angle, with a route that also passes under the Golden Gate Bridge and by Angel Island. Real stories of escape attempts and prison life are shared through a free multilingual audio guide available on your Wi-Fi-enabled device.
• Why choose this: Most tours take you past the island or drop you off—but this one circles it entirely, offering rare, full-perimeter views. You'll hear dramatic escape stories and prison lore as you cruise the Bay, giving you the depth of a visit with the freedom of staying on the water.

Inclusions

• 90-min cruise
• San Francisco Bay views
• Alcatraz Island views
• Audio guide in nine languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German & Taiwanese.

Exclusions

• Hotel pick-up and drop-offs
• Live guide
• Food and drinks (available for purchase)
• Stop at Alcatraz Island

• Entry to Alcatraz is not included (it doesn't stop at the island).
• Carry a fully-charged Wi-Fi-enabled device, and your earphones to listen to the audio tour.
• The cruise may get interrupted due to bad weather conditions. Check at the ticket office on the scheduled day.
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible, except for the upper viewing decks.
• Pets, including service animals, are welcome onboard. They are wholly the owner’s responsibility.
• Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Sail past landmarks like Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge during sunset to experience San Francisco Bay at its most magical hour.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise on San Francisco Bay, sailing past iconic sights like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Transamerica Pyramid. Capture dreamy photos as the sun sets behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Relax with a beverage and snack while soulful music plays in the background. Choose a cozy indoor spot or feel the summer breeze on the outdoor deck as you soak in the city’s evening glow.
• Why choose this: Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge at golden hour is a bucket list moment for good reason. Add to that the sparkling city skyline after sunset, and you have a picture-perfect way to experience San Francisco from the water.

Inclusions

• 2-hour sunset cruise

Exclusions

• Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)
• Guided commentary
• Hotel transfers
• Reserved seating
• Gratuities

• Carry your ID proof–required to show at boarding.
• Pets, bulky luggage, smoking, beverages, and drugs are not strictly prohibited.
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible.
• Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating is available.
• The seating on the cruise is “open”, meaning seats are not pre-assigned.
• Since the weather varies considerably, it is best to dress in layers.
• Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard. If you prefer it, you can carry your food.
• During winter months (December—March), this cruise departs after sunset and becomes a twilight cruise.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Witness majestic redwoods, beautiful waterfronts, scenic ferry views, and Alcatraz's history with round-trip transportation from San Francisco.

• Day out to Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz Island from San Francisco on a half-day guided tour, with comfortable round-trip transportation from central location.
• You'll get an expert, English-speaking local guide, as you explore the majestic redwoods at Muir Woods, and the charming seaside community at Sausalito. For the Alcatraz Island visit, you'll get a multilingual audio guide tour.
• Muir Woods: Towering redwoods, tranquil trails, and filtered sunlight create a peaceful retreat perfect for nature lovers.
• Sausalito: A charming waterfront town with art galleries, boutique shops, and stunning bay views ideal for strolling or dining outdoors.
• Alcatraz Island: Infamous former prison offering gripping history, bone-chilling stories, and sweeping Golden Gate views.
• Upgrades: Combine your day trip with a visit to the nearby Aquarium of the Bay, featuring over 20,000 marine animals including sharks and sting rays.

Inclusions

• Daytime or nighttime tour of Alcatraz Island (as per option selected)
• Local tour guide
• Guided tour in a small group
• Round-trip transportation in a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van
• 1 hour & 15 minutes free time at Muir Woods
• 1 hour free time in Sausalito
• Picture stop at Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint
• Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
• Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
• Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
• Admission to Aquarium of the Bay (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument
• Food & beverages
• Gratuities/tips
• Optional ferry back ticket from Sausalito to San Francisco

What to bring

• Carry a valid photo ID.
• Dress in layers and bring a jacket, as San Francisco weather can be unpredictable and cool, especially near the bay.
• Carry some cash or a credit card for the Muir Woods entrance fee (USD 15 for adults, free for children) and optional ferry ticket from Sausalito to San Francisco.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour or inside Alcatraz Island for security reasons.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Intoxicants and illegal substances are strictly prohibited on the tour and at all sites.
• Smoking is not permitted on the tour bus, ferry, or at any of the tour stops.
• Food and beverages are not allowed on Alcatraz Island, except on the dock.

Accessibility

• This experience is not fully wheelchair accessible. Some areas, including parts of Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island, may have uneven terrain and limited accessibility for guests with mobility impairments.

Additional information

• The tour operates year round and is suitable for all ages.
• The entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument is not included in your ticket; separate charges apply.
• Gratuity for your guide is not included (20% recommended).
• Food and beverages are not provided; plan accordingly.
• Optional ferry tickets from Sausalito to San Francisco can be purchased on the day of the tour.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore top sights in San Francisco from two unique perspectives, from land and sea.

• Everything you get: Ride through San Francisco on a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour with engaging audio commentary. Pass iconic landmarks, then take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. Enjoy entry to the Aquarium By The Bay, a digital walking tour of Chinatown, set off on a sunset tour, and avail a bike rental.
• Why choose this: Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at your convenience and gain access to the infamous Alcatraz Island—all in a single, convenient pass you won’t want to miss.

Inclusions

San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour:

• 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
• Access to Red Route
• 1-hour Chinatown digital walking tour
• Entry to Aquarium By The Bay
• 60-min sunset tour
• Bike rental offer: book 1 hour, get 1 free
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese & Korean (on the bus)
• Audio guide English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese (on the walking tour)
• Complimentary headphones
• Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Alcatraz Island:

• Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
• Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
• Multilingual audio guide

Exclusions

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Food and beverages
• Tips

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.
You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Red Route (City Highlights Tour)

• Discover San Francisco's major landmarks while cruising down the red route of this flexible hop-on hop-off tour.
• Popular stops: Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39

Alcatraz Ferry

• Board from: Pier 33
• Redeem tickets at: 99 Jefferson St Information Center the day before or up until 10:00am the day of your Alcatraz visit

Your time slot will be allocated after ticket redemption.

Sunset Tour

• Departure: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
• Frequency: Once every evening
• Duration: 60 mins

Digital Walking Tour

• Departure: Scan the QR Code at Stop 1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) and head to Stop 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) for departure
• Duration: 1 hour
• Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese

Bike Rental

• Purchase 1-hour, get 1-hour free
• Avail offer at: Blazing Saddles at 2715 Hyde Street or Pier 41

What’s not allowed

San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour:

• Keep in mind luggage, food & beverages are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
• Due to operator restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Alcatraz Island:

• Keep in mind large bags, luggage, oversized backpacks, food and beverages (except bottled water), weapons, skateboards, “wheelie” shoes are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
• Feeding wildlife on the island is prohibited.

Accessibility

San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour:

• Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. If you require it, contact the company at least 48 hours in advance of your tour.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on board.

Alcatraz Island:

• The ferry and the island are wheelchair-accessible.

Additional information

Alcatraz Island:

• Heads up! The time slot selected is for the Alcatraz ferry and not the hop-on hop-off tour
• You can stay on the island for as long as you like.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore a classic San Francisco duo—a famous waterfront and an infamous prison.

• Everything you get: A 90-minute guided walking tour of the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, led by a local expert who brings the area’s history and hidden gems to life. Explore Pier 39 and Musée Mécanique before hopping aboard a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided, self-paced exploration of the former prison using a pre-recorded audio guide by former inmates and guards.
• Why choose this: It combines two of San Francisco’s must-see attractions in a single, organized outing with expert guides, live and audio.

Inclusions

• Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
• Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
• 90-minute walking tour of Fisherman’s Wharf
• English-speaking local guide for walking tour
• Multilingual audio guide for Alcatraz in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean

Exclusions

• Food and beverages
• Tips
• Live guide on Alcatraz Island

Fisherman’s Wharf:

• Not suitable for visitors with mobility issues, because it includes a mile of walking at a moderate pace.
• The tour is in English.

Alcatraz Island:

• The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
• You can explore the island for as long as you like, until closing time.
• Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
• Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore San Francisco and beyond with one ticket—marine life, dramatic granite cliffs, and gripping prison tales.

• Everything you get at Alcatraz Island: Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz and explore the island at your own pace. Use the included multilingual audio tour to hear stories from former inmates and guards as you walk through the cell blocks and prison grounds.
• Everything you get at Aquarium of the Bay: Visit the Aquarium’s multiple galleries and walk through glass tunnels filled with sharks, rays, and native fish.
• Everything you get at Yosemite National Park: Ride in a guided coach from San Francisco with hotel pickup and drop-off included. See major sights like Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls on a narrated tour, then spend three hours in the valley to hike, bike, or explore on your own.
• Why choose this: With tickets, transport, and guiding included, you’ll avoid the hassle of organizing logistics across multiple locations. It’s perfect for travellers short on time who want to cover key California highlights with comfort and ease.
• Upgrades: Choose between a day tour or a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The night tour offers exclusive access to restricted areas and includes special ranger-led programs, paired with your visits to the Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite National Park.

Inclusions

• Round-trip ferry rides to Alcatraz Island
• Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
• Multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
• Entry to the Aquarium of the Bay
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Complimentary pickup/drop-off from select San Francisco hotels
• In-coach narrative of Yosemite
• Entry to Yosemite National Park
• 3 hours of free time in Yosemite
• Round-trip transfers to Yosemite in a mini-coach

Exclusions

• Live guide at Alcatraz Island and the Aquarium of the Bay
• Food and beverages (available for purchase)
• Gratuities

• Day 1 (Alcatraz + Aquarium of the Bay) is a self-guided tour that does not include transportation. The only transfers included in this tour are the ferries to and from Alcatraz Island.
• Day 2 (Yosemite National Park) is a guided tour, and you'll enjoy comfortable transportation aboard a mini-coach.

Alcatraz Island:

• The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
• You can explore the island for as long as you like.
• Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
• Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

Aquarium of the Bay:

• Luggage and large backpacks are not allowed.
• Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
• It is accessible; wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yosemite National Park:

• It is largely accessible, with marked trails for wheelchairs.
• Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are available from multiple locations in the city on day 2 of the tour.
• Cellular service is limited.
• Do not approach or feed wildlife.
• Do not carry weapons or sharp objects on you.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

An exhilarating helicopter ride with 360° views, expert narration, and unforgettable landmark flyovers.

• Everything you get: Lift off on a 30-minute helicopter ride with just two passengers onboard for an intimate, sky-high experience. Your pilot shares live commentary as you fly past the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Oracle Park, and the Painted Ladies. Bubble windows ensure panoramic views from every seat.
• Why choose this: This tour combines low-altitude flying, unobstructed 360° views, and expert narration for a unique experience. Hover over landmarks and enjoy a smooth ride designed for visibility, comfort, and a lifetime of memories.

Inclusions

• 30-min San Francisco helicopter tour
• Noise-cancellation headset
• Experienced and knowledgeable pilot
• 2 passengers per tour

Exclusions

• Shuttle service
• Tips

• Free parking is available at the Seabase.
• All passengers are required to sign a waiver before boarding their flight.
• Check in 30 minutes before departure.
• Carry a valid ID proof.
• Provide local contact details at the time of booking.
• Infants under the age of 3 can fly on their parents’ laps.
• Passengers weighing more than 220 lb (99.7 kg) will not be able to take part in the activity.
• Passengers taller than 6’1” cannot be accommodated.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• Service animals are allowed.
• Carry noise-cancellation headsets or earplugs for your infant (due to limited availability onboard).
• Smoking is strictly prohibited.
• Flight route may vary due to weather conditions.
• In the event of severe weather, the pilot may cancel the flight up to 30 minutes before departure. You can reschedule your seaplane tour for up to one year from the original date.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

A curated 2-day journey through San Francisco’s top sights and wine country—covered end to end with one easy ticket.

• Everything you get at Alcatraz Island: Take a round-trip ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz. Explore the infamous prison island at your own pace with a self-guided Cellhouse audio tour featuring real inmate and guard stories.
• Everything you get at Aquarium of the Bay: Visit the aquarium at the bustling Pier 39 with general admission included. Walk through glass tunnels surrounded by native marine life like sharks and stingrays.
• Everything you get at the Napa/Sonoma Valleys: Begin with hotel pickup from San Francisco and drive through scenic countryside with an expert guide. Visit three boutique wineries across Sonoma and Napa for curated tastings. Enjoy a lunch break in historic Sonoma Town Square and soak in panoramic vineyard views throughout the day.
• Why choose this: This 2-day experience gives you the freedom to choose, the ease of guided travel, and just the right amount of downtime—all without worrying about logistics or nitty-gritty planning.
• Upgrades: Choose how you want to experience Alcatraz: go during the day for open-bay views and a flexible visit, or opt for the exclusive night tour for a more atmospheric, less crowded experience.

Inclusions

• Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
• Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
• Multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
• Aquarium of the Bay entry ticket
• Round-trip transfers to Napa/Sonoma wine country
• Professional guide
• 3 flights of wine tasting in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys
• Free time to explore Sonoma Plaza

Exclusions

• Food and beverages (available for purchase)
• Gratuities
• Additional tastings

• Day 1 (Alcatraz + Aquarium of the Bay) is a self-guided tour that does not include transportation. The only transfers included in this tour are the ferries to and from Alcatraz Island.
• Day 2 (Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country) is a guided tour, and you'll enjoy comfortable transportation aboard a mini-coach.

Alcatraz Island:

• The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
• You can explore the island for as long as you like.
• Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
• Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

Aquarium of the Bay:

• Luggage and large backpacks are not allowed.
• Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
• It is accessible; wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Napa/Sonoma Valley:

• Carry a valid ID proof.
• Dress in layers.
• Avoid wearing cologne/perfume to the winery as it can mask the aroma of the wine.
• Avoid wearing light colored clothes in case of spillage.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.