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Alcatraz Tour Options

As the official concessioner to the National Park Service, Alcatraz City Cruises offers in-depth visits to Alcatraz. Your visit includes round-trip transportation to the Island and outdoor National Park access.

Alcatraz Tour Options Overview

Pertinent information.

At Alcatraz City Cruises, our guests’ well-being is our number one priority. We have proudly implemented new COVID-19 procedures to keep everyone safe & healthy.

Age Policy Adult- 18-61 / Junior- 12-17 / Senior- 62+ / Child- 5-11 / Toddler 4 and under are Free

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult.

Group Tours If booking a group of 20 or more people, please contact the Alcatraz City Cruises Group Services Department at 415.438.8361; or e-mail  [email protected]

Ticket Price

Please refer to our  Fee Breakout FAQ  for complete overview of Alcatraz Island ticket prices.

Alcatraz Island Named #1 Landmark in the U.S.

Alcatraz City Cruises is a Proud Partner and Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service

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How to Visit Alcatraz Island in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More

Jessica Nemire Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Alcatraz Island is almost synonymous with San Francisco. Due to the island’s immense popularity, it can be hard to plan your visit. Never fear! That’s what we are here for. Here’s how to visit Alcatraz Island, plus all you need to know about tickets, hours, and more!

Pro Tip:  It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our  San Francisco Guide  for more planning resources, our best San Francisco tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in San Fran .

Alcatraz Island Hours, Tickets, Tours, And Facts: What We’ll Cover

Alcatraz Island housed the most infamous prison in the United States: the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Since shutting down in 1963 and sending its prisoners elsewhere, both the prison and the island have become one of the most popular tour destinations in San Francisco.

It’s also in the middle of the scenic San Francisco Bay, making it even more of an iconic place to visit to get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. You can learn more about the history of Alcatraz Island here !

• Hours and info
• Tickets and pricing
• Transportation and parking
• What to see and do
• Alcatraz tours
• Facts and history of Alcatraz

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if San Francisco tours are worth it .

How to Visit Alcatraz Island: Hours and Info

Hours:  Monday – Sunday, from 10 am until 9 pm.

Alcatraz Island is closed on the following days:

• Thanksgiving (4th Thursday of November)
• December 25

There are also various portions of the island that are closed off at certain times of the year to allow the island’s resident sea birds to nest. Alcatraz Island has been known to have special events, such as art exhibits, although there have not been any such events since 2019. If they resume events again, their events page can be found here . Currently, the island is hosting community building days to restore the the gardens on the island.

Tickets and Pricing for Alcatraz Island

Since Alcatraz Island is, you know, an island, it’s only accessible via a ticketed ferry. Due to the popularity of Alcatraz, we strongly recommend booking your tickets to Alcatraz Island at least a few weeks ahead of time! Especially during the summer and other high tourist times during the year, Alcatraz tickets can sell out even months ahead of your tour date!

Every ferry ride to Alcatraz Island departs from Pier 33 near Fisherman’s Wharf. The ferry ride from Pier 33 to the island typically takes around 15 minutes. Make sure you arrive at least 45 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to leave. There’s a lot to explore and views to take in from the island, so we recommend spending at least three hours there.

You can purchase your tickets online or in person at Pier 33, which is where the ferry departs. If buying directly from Alcatraz Island, they offer a day tour, a night tour, and also a behind-the-scenes tour. The prices listed below are for the daytime tour, as that is the most common option.

Admission:  $41 for adults, $25 for children (5-11 years), $41 for juniors (12-17 years), $38 for seniors (62+ years) Family Pricing: $119.60 total for 2 adults + 2 children 5-11years

Address:  31 San Francisco Pier 33 – Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA

Pro Tip:  Skip the line by booking your ticket online ahead of time or getting more out of your visit by joining our San Francisco in a day tour ! The tour includes a full access ticket to Alcatraz Penitentiary and Island, as well as a 4-hour guided tour of San Francisco in an open-sided van. The tour also stops by the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and includes pickup at your hotel!

Not ready to book a tour? Read more in our San Francisco Guide .

How To Get to Alcatraz Island

Please note that there is no parking available at Pier 33 (or the island) as you plan how to visit Alcatraz Island. The ferry landing dock at Pier 33 is about a 7-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Pier 39, otherwise known as Fisherman’s Wharf.

Like most of San Francisco, parking is almost impossible to find at Pier 39. For this reason, finding another way to Alcatraz Island is advised. That’s a big part of the reason why we recommend booking our San Francisco in a day tour that includes Alcatraz. All logistics and tickets are included so you can enjoy your day without stress.

Here are a few transportation options to get to your Alcatraz ferry departure at Pier 33:

• Car/Rideshare Services

The exact timing of your journey to Pier 33 to pick up the ferry for Alcatraz Island depends on which hotel you are staying at, of course. Since most of our picks for the best hotels in San Francisco are near the Embarcadero waterfront , we calculated the times from there. We also calculated some times from Union Square, as that is another popular area to stay in San Francisco.

By Trolley:

We don’t mean the cable cars when we say trolley. Although it looks similar to a cable car, the F Market & Wharves trolley is a MUNI bus that runs from Castro St. Station to Fisherman’s Wharf. Standing for San Francisco Municipal Railway,” the MUNI system is San Francisco’s bus and underground train system.

From the Embarcadero, it takes around 8 minutes to get from the trolley stop to Pier 33. From Union Square, it takes around 24 minutes. A ride on the F trolley costs $3. You can pay by cash with exact change, or on the MuniMobile app. For more information about transportation in San Francisco, check out our helpful article about getting around San Francisco !

If you’re staying by the Embarcadero, the F trolley is your only public transportation option to get to Pier 33. If you are staying by Union Square, you can take the 8 MUNI bus. It takes around 24 minutes, and costs $3.

By Car/Uber:

It takes 10 minutes to drive from Union Square to Pier 33 and around 5 minutes or less to drive from Embarcadero. Since parking is next to impossible near the piers, if you need to drive, we suggest taking Lyft, Uber, or a taxi. With all 3 options, the one-way fare for a standard car fitting 3-4 passengers is likely between $10 and $12.

It takes less than 10 minutes to bike from both Union Square and the Embarcadero area to Pier 33. There are bike rentals all over the city, including handy electric bikes. Bay Wheels, an e-bike sharing program managed by Lyft, offers bike rentals through the Lyft app. For single rides, you will be charged an unlock fee of $3 and charged 30 cents a minute. So, a 10-minute bike ride would about cost $6. Despite being a difficult area to park in, there are frequently a lot of cars and traffic in this area, so watch out for cars if you are biking!

If you are staying near Union Square or the Embarcadero, it might be easiest to simply walk to Pier 33 to catch the ferry if you and everyone in your group is up for a walk. Walking from the Embarcadero Area will take around 15-20 minutes, depending on which hotel you are staying in, and walking from Union Square will take around 30 minutes.

What to See and Do on the Island

Throughout your exploration of the buildings left standing on Alcatraz, you’ll find hundreds of photographs and memorabilia from the time of its use. Some areas are off limits to tourists as they are unstable from neglect. The walkways are also quite steep in some areas, so wear sturdy shoes!

• The cellhouse and infamous escape room
• The gardens
• The courtyard or playground
• View of the bay and the city

Alcatraz Island Tours

A trip to Alcatraz Island is only possible by purchasing a ferry ticket to the island. The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the island, so you’ll find park guides available to help you explore the island. It’s a mostly self-guided tour, but there are also several tour options available throughout the day.

The most popular tour option is the Alcatraz day tour, but there are also night tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and combination tours with Angel Island and Alcatraz Island.

Since it’s extremely difficult to get tickets during peak tourist months, booking a combination tour with a local guide is a popular option. Most tourists prefer booking both Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge to see both of the top San Francisco attractions in one day.

Facts and History of Alcatraz

To get you excited about your trip to Alcatraz, here are some interesting facts about the history of Alcatraz from authors and eyewitnesses mentioned in our other article here .

• Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary housed prisoners during the Civil War.
• The army left Alcatraz in 1934, but it was only empty for a few weeks before the Bureau of Prisons put the most dangerous criminals here.
• Most of the criminals at Alcatraz had committed violent crimes or tried to escape their previous prisons.
• Famous Alcatraz inmates included Al Capone (for tax evasion) and “Machine Gun” Kelly (not the singer) convicted of kidnapping.
• Although the prison took up most of the island, there were also barracks, apartments, and a recreation hall, and at least 60 families with children lived there full time.
• The families who lived there called it  “the poor man’s Hawaii.”
• In 1972, the island became a part of the National Park Service, and it has been home to beautiful gardens since 2003.
• Currently, many species of animals call the island home, such as salamanders and cormorants.
• It’s referred to as “The Rock” because it is made up of mostly rock, and dirt was hauled in to make it livable.
• So far, it has appeared in 10 movies and TV shows, including the 2010 movies The Book of Eli and the 2006 movie X-Men: The Last Stand .

Where To Stay in San Francisco

Make the most of your visit to San Francisco by choosing to stay in the best neighborhoods for seeing all this iconic city has to offer. You’ll love our hotel recommendations.

About Jessica Nemire

Jessica Nemire has been writing about about travel since 2011. She graduated from San Francisco State University in 2016 with a BA in journalism. She loves the ocean, Mission District burritos, and amazing sunsets.

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• Alcatraz - Sunday, June 16 Current Conditions: A Few Clouds and 63°F Same-Day Tickets Available. -->
• Experience Alcatraz: The Day Tour , the Night Tour , or if you have 4-5 hours: the Behind The Scenes Tour - See areas of Alcatraz previously unavailable to the public. Open a hidden doorway, go through a secret tunnel, visit an underground jail.
• Weekend Alcatraz Tours often sell out days in advance. A suitable alternative to an Alcatraz Tour is the Bay Discovery Cruise , a 90-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise with an app-based audio tour available in 20 languages. Learn more.
• Mobile E-Ticket Check-in: Book your tour now. Save time, skip the long ticket line. Popular Alcatraz tour dates can sell out days or weeks in advance.

Visit the legendary island that has been a civil war fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries.

An engaging evening Alcatraz experience with special programs. The Complete Tour.

Thank you for visiting www.alcatrazislandtickets.com . Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. We're a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care . This website isn't affiliated with any government entity and isn't the official box office. Total at checkout may exceed face value.  

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Alcatraz Top Tours

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Thrilling Alcatraz & San Francisco Day Tour

Embark on our thrilling top 1 tour dive into the dual delight of alcatraz and sf combo adventure. uncover alcatraz's mysteries and embrace the entrancing beauty of san francisco's iconic attractions. embark on our thrilling top 1 tour dive into the dual delight of alcatraz and sf combo adventure. uncover alcatraz's mysteries and embrace the entrancing beauty of san francisco's iconic attractions..

Epic Alcatraz & Muir Woods Expedition

Unleash your inner adventurer discover alcatraz's secrets, stand among muir woods' giants, and soak in sausalito's coastal charm. immerse in hassle-free nature & history. reserve for an epic experience unleash your inner adventurer discover alcatraz's secrets, stand among muir woods' giants, and soak in sausalito's coastal charm. immerse in hassle-free nature & history. reserve for an epic experience.

Alcatraz & Wine Country Extravaganza

Dual delight alert embark on a captivating journey to alcatraz mysteries and the charm of california wine country. sip, savor, and explore hassle-free. a thrilling blend of excitement and tranquility dual delight alert embark on a captivating journey to alcatraz mysteries and the charm of california wine country. sip, savor, and explore hassle-free. a thrilling blend of excitement and tranquility.

Alcatraz Night Adventure Unleashed

Unveil the mystique dive into alcatraz island's night tour from san francisco. a captivating adventure under the stars awaits. unlock the mysteries & book now for an unforgettable nocturnal journey unveil the mystique dive into alcatraz island's night tour from san francisco. a captivating adventure under the stars awaits. unlock the mysteries & book now for an unforgettable nocturnal journey.

Alcatraz & Silicon Valley Quest

Tech titans & alcatraz trek: explore silicon valley's wonders—google, apple, stanford, or the computer history museum. then, uncover alcatraz's mysteries —unforgettable fusion of innovation & history tech titans & alcatraz trek: explore silicon valley's wonders—google, apple, stanford, or the computer history museum. then, uncover alcatraz's mysteries —unforgettable fusion of innovation & history.

Alcatraz & Horseback Ride Bliss

Peel back the layers of alcatraz's past and saddle up for a carefree beach horseback ride. reserve your spot now for an all-inclusive getaway, blending history & relaxation with a touch of adventure peel back the layers of alcatraz's past and saddle up for a carefree beach horseback ride. reserve your spot now for an all-inclusive getaway, blending history & relaxation with a touch of adventure.

Alcatraz Quest & Candyland Fiesta

Candyland bliss & alcatraz escape: kick off your fun day with a sweet jelly belly factory tour, then venture to explore alcatraz. an intriguing blend of sweetness & thrills—an unforgettable escape awaits candyland bliss & alcatraz escape: kick off your fun day with a sweet jelly belly factory tour, then venture to explore alcatraz. an intriguing blend of sweetness & thrills—an unforgettable escape awaits.

Alcatraz & Seaplane Thrill Soar

Soar into the ultimate thrill alcatraz island in seaplane style, an all-inclusive package of excitement. immerse yourself in the splendors of sf bay from the skies. book now for an unforgettable joyride soar into the ultimate thrill alcatraz island in seaplane style, an all-inclusive package of excitement. immerse yourself in the splendors of sf bay from the skies. book now for an unforgettable joyride.

Alcatraz, Safari & Redwoods: The Ultimate 2-day Thrills

Embark on the ultimate worry-free combo adventure package explore alcatraz, an african-style safari, muir woods' giant redwoods, and delight in russian river brewery tastings. an epic journey awaits. embark on the ultimate worry-free combo adventure package explore alcatraz, an african-style safari, muir woods' giant redwoods, and delight in russian river brewery tastings. an epic journey awaits., top san francisco custom tours --> san francisco's best 3 picks, view all san francisco city tours.

The Ultimate Urban Discovery Awaits You!

Embark on a thrilling full-day private tour with a lively local guide in a luxury vehicle uncover hidden gems and explore vibrant neighborhoods, tailored just for you, creating unforgettable moments, sf splash: alcatraz adventure duo, join the ultimate combo adventure dive into alcatraz island and prison, paired with a private guided tour of san francisco's iconic landmarks and attractions—a personalized 1-day thrill awaits you, magic trio: sf, woods & sausalito, embark on the epic trio extravaganza immerse yourself in sf + muir woods + sausalito on our exclusive full-day private combo tour book this exhilarating adventure and create unforgettable memories, unwind with our top 3 half-day tranquil escapes, chill in our top 3 half-day escapes, sf half-day bliss: laughter, sights, vibes, rev up for a laughter-packed joyride dive into san francisco's half-day thrill with our private custom tour—a blend of iconic sights and cool vibes. secure your adventure now and let the fun unfold, seaside horseback: urban adventure awaits, saddle up for an epic adventure enjoy a sunny beach horseback ride and explore san francisco on a private guided tour. the ultimate blend of thrill and city charm awaits. limited spots – book now, bay bliss: city tour &bay cruise, unleash the fun: dive into our urban city tour & bay cruise combo immerse in the delights of the city by the bay, glide under the golden gate, and circle alcatraz. an unforgettable escapade awaits, visit muir woods & bay area giant redwoods --> unleash the ultimate redwood combo adventures – thrills await, view all muir woods & redwoods adventures tours, muir woods marvel: redwood adventure beckons, reveal the towering redwoods at muir woods national monument book this worry-free, personalized am or pm tour to indulge in sausalito's coastal charm and unleash the magic of the ancient redwoods., legends unleashed: alcatraz & redwoods combo, unlock legends: explore alcatraz, sausalito, the golden gate bridge, and muir woods' giant redwoods on a worry-free half-day private tour. includes alcatraz tickets for an unforgettable combo adventure, red wine & redwoods: premium adventure awaits, indulge in exclusive luxury: experience worry-free wine country bliss, sip through sonoma or napa valley premium wines, and explore muir woods' ancient redwoods. your unforgettable adventure awaits, top day getaways from san francisco tailored to your tastes, coastal dreamscape, tech explorer redwoods, and wine rhapsody., coastal dreamscape: monterey & carmel, experience a coastal dreamscape: sf to monterey & carmel. explore california's marvels on a vip 1-day private tour from san francisco to monterey, 17-mile drive, pebble beach & carmel extravaganza., tech explorer: unleash innovation, ignite the future, unleash your inner tech explorer in silicon valley: dive into the heart of innovation, discover tech marvels, explore, engage, and ignite the future your silicon valley journey awaits - ignite the future, russian river valley redwoods & wine rhapsody, embark on an opulent adventure experience the russian river valley's giant redwoods and laid-back wine country rhapsody. ideal for nature, wine, and beer enthusiasts—an extravagant journey awaits, golden state bliss: premier 2-day california escapes, coastal marvels: 2-day californian escape, embark on a 2-day enchanting escapade through california's coastal marvels – unveil the splendor of hearst castle, big sur coastal wonders, carmel, monterey, 17-mile drive. your coastal odyssey awaits, yosemite majesty: epic 2-day adventure, yosemite majesty unleashed: a 2-day all-inclusive epic adventure discover waterfalls, giant sequoias, high country thrills & revel in a complimentary hotel stay – where every expectation is surpassed, epic 2-day getaway to lake tahoe, embark on an epic 2-day lake tahoe getaway – hotel included dive into the best of lake tahoe basin with summer fun activities and winter adventures. your worry-free all-inclusive travel package awaits, have a question, have a question , call : (415) 429-4947.

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"Vintage Vibes and Prison Surprises: A Californian Adventure!"

Started with wine tasting at Viansa Winery—felt like Italy! Quick lunch at Sonoma's Basque Boulangerie, then the surprise of Alcatraz. Audio tour? Intense history! The gardens were oddly cool. Blend of wine, pastries, and Alcatraz? Unforgettable California vibes!

Alcatraz At Night? Totally Spooky! 🌙!

Our Night Tour of Alcatraz was both enjoyable and intriguing! The Spanish audio tour of Alcatraz prison was excellently executed, vividly narrating the story of the jail. While we skipped the day trip, the night tour was definitely a favorite. Unforgettable Experience.

I Highly Recommend This Combination Alcatraz & City Tour

We highly recommend Alcatraz and the city tour combo by Alcatraz Tours, Inc. A local agency secured our last-minute Alcatraz tickets despite full bookings. Their genuine recommendation made it a worthwhile experience. We will try Alcatraz night tour next time we travel to SF

San Francisco et Alcatraz - Un Forfait Touristique Sans Souci

Ce forfait touristique à San Francisco et Alcatraz était une trouvaille chanceuse : réservation aisée, journée à Alcatraz pratique et visite privée couvrant des lieux inédits, le tout valant chaque centime. Une expérience incontournable. Cheers à ces aventures sans souci !

Redwoods, Houseboats & Alcatraz: Mary's Marvelous Adventure!

Mary led an incredible adventure! Starting at Muir Woods, her insights amplified the majesty of redwoods. From Sausalito's houseboats to an afternoon at Alcatraz with Mom and sisters. The top-notch audio tour combined eerie tales with stunning island views. Highly recommend.

Exploring Alcatraz : San Francisco's Riveting Historical Journey

Alcatraz exploration: a riveting historical journey! Buddy's tours, from San Francisco to Muir Woods, were an absolute delight. The self-guided Alcatraz tour with exceptional audio was a highlight. Highly recommend this company for well-organized, excellent tours.

"Beyond Bars: Alcatraz & SF Escapades"?

SF July 4th was a blast! Alcatraz lived up to the hype—Adam, our ninja guide, made it epic with hidden spots and electric vibes. Lunch in Japantown fueled our unforgettable visit, blending history with thrilling tales. The city & Alcatraz combo trip was the perfect fit!

“The Rock : Native Americans’ Legacy and the Great Escape"

Alcatraz goes beyond! Native American legacy and the Great Escape added depth. The self-guided tour immersed us, comfy shoes needed for exploration. Witnessing past remnants was fascinating. The escape saga was riveting. For history buffs & movie lovers, it's a must-visit!

"Alcatraz: ¡Aventura y Reflexiones Históricas!"

Alcatraz fue una aventura emocionante en nuestra primera visita a San Francisco. El tour de audio en español fue informativo, y nos pusimos a reflexionar sobre los derechos de los pueblos indígenas en Alcatraz y sus hábitats perdidos. Alejandra y Gabriela – Salamanca

Una Experiencia 5 Estrellas en SF, Muir Woods y Alcatraz

Alcatraz Tours Inc.: ¡Operador en San Francisco de 5 estrellas! Nos encontraron entradas a última hora para Alcatraz y combinaron con Muir Woods. Excepcional servicio en español, guía privado ameno y recorrido excepcional por la ciudad. Lo Recomendamos totalmente 100%.

A Lovely Family Trip to Alcatraz from San Francisco

Alcatraz Island—a game-changer for our family in San Francisco! Ferry ride: skyline magic. Audio tour: storytelling gold, kids mesmerized by escape tales. Island exploration: lighthouse, gardens—a gripping storybook. Prison yard walk: surreal, epic views. Must-do for families!

Immersive Adventures: A Memorable Day at Alcatraz and Beyond

Just had to share our Alcatraz day tour experience with my husband—it was a blast! Glad we booked this ahead of time; made things smooth. Our tour guide who chauffeured us around Muir Woods & Sausalito was a riot! Super fun& took care of us like a pro throughout.

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10 Best Alcatraz Tours: What to Know, How to Get Sold-Out Tickets & More

Our picks for the 10 best alcatraz tours in san francisco, so you can enjoy the most popular sight in the city and spend less time planning..

Alcatraz is arguably one of the most famous landmarks in or around San Francisco. Getting to the infamous former prison can be tricky. There’s only one company allowed to bring travelers to the island — Alcatraz City Cruises.

During the height of busy tour season, from around April through October, tickets to Alcatraz sell out. Fast. We’re talking *months* in advance.

The good news is that even though there’s only one company bringing people to Alcatraz Island — tour companies around San Francisco have official partnerships with Alcatraz City Cruises. This means, even if Alcatraz City Cruises has sold-out tickets to Alcatraz, there are San Francisco tours that bundle Alcatraz tickets!  

We want to share with you our picks for the 10 best Alcatraz Tours and the San Francisco tour companies that offer official Alcatraz tickets with their Muir Woods tours and San Francisco tours . AKA the best way to get sold out Alcatraz tickets!

These are the 10 Best Alcatraz Tours

• Dylan’s 1-Day Alcatraz Experience
• San Francisco City Tour + Alcatraz Tour and Alcatraz + 3-Hour San Francisco City Tour by SF Excursions
• Early access to Alcatraz and exclusive cable car sightseeing tour by Hornblower Classic Cable Cars
• “Fogcutter” Tour with Alcatraz by SF Adventure Tours
• San Francisco City and Alcatraz Combo by Vantigo
• Alcatraz and Touch of Gold Combo by Bay Voyager
• Alcatraz and Wine Country Tours by Green Dream Tours
• Alcatraz and Wine or Alcatraz and beer by Gears and Grapes Getaways
• Combined Alcatraz tickets by Alcatraz Bikes and Tours
• Grand City Tour and Alcatraz Island by Gray Line San Francisco

*Know before you book

It is important to note that Alcatraz City Cruises requires San Francisco tour companies to provide the names of all travelers over 18, ten days before the tour. Unfortunately, this means that day-of tickets or next-day tickets to Alcatraz will not be available.

There are also no private Alcatraz tours available because Alcatraz hours are limited to the official ferry times with Alcatraz City Cruises. 

#1 Dylan’s 1-Day Alcatraz Experience

• Tickets: $179 for adults, $119 for children 12 and younger
• Duration of the tour: 10 hours (this includes the trip to Alcatraz)
• TripAdvisor reviews: 5 stars  

This is Dylan’s signature tour for travelers who want to see  San Francisco in one day . Traveling with Dylan’s on the 1-Day Alcatraz Experience means exploring with a company with the most 5-star reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

We are reliable, honest, and guarantee to have your Alcatraz tickets (even when official Alcatraz tickets sold out already) — as well as over an hour in Muir Woods and lunch along Sausalito’s waterfront. 

We might be a bit biased, but we think this is a pretty ideal option for the best San Francisco bus tour company to go with what’s affiliated with Alcatraz City Cruises. We also offer San Francisco Private Tours, which allows you to set a custom route through the entire Bay Area!

Book the #1 Alcatraz Tour

#2 San Francisco City Tour + Alcatraz Tour and Alcatraz + 3-Hour San Francisco City Tour by SF Excursions

• Tickets for the San Francisco City Tour + Alcatraz Tour :  $129 per adult, $119 per child.
• Tickets for the Alcatraz + 3-hour San Francisco City Tour: $139 per adult, $124 per child
• Duration of the San Francisco City Tour + Alcatraz : 5 hours (this includes the trip to Alcatraz)
• Duration of the Alcatraz + 3-hour San Francisco City Tour: 8 hours in total (this includes the trip to Alcatraz)
• TripAdvisor reviews: 5 stars

Ever heard of a sister company? Well SF Excursions is Dylan’s’ brother company. As in, it’s Dylan’s brother Brendan who runs SF Excursions!

Just like the founder of Dylan’s, Brendan is a San Francisco native showing off his hometown and Alcatraz all in one Ultimate Day with their Alcatraz combo tickets. They also offer a tour that is combined with Muir Woods, but it does not include Alcatraz, so we won’t discuss it in this blog. You can definitely check it out on the website!

Both of the tours include a trip to Alcatraz. With the San Francisco City Tour + Alcatraz Tour, you will start your day with the Official Alcatraz Island Tour. After the tour, SF Excursions picks you up outside the Alcatraz ferry terminal to take you on a 90-minute tour of San Francisco. The tour includes a photo stop and a local guide!

The Alcatraz + 3-hour San Francisco City Tour starts with a tour through the city. This includes 11 different locations and photo stops. It features all of SF Excursions’ favorite neighborhoods! After the city tour, they will drop you off at the location where you will board the early afternoon ferry to join the Official Alcatraz Island Tour.

#3 Early access to Alcatraz and exclusive cable car sightseeing tour by Hornblower Classic Cable Cars

• Tickets: $192.50 for anyone 12 and older, $152.50 for children 5 through 11
• Duration of the tour: 7 hours (this includes the trip to Alcatraz)  
• TripAdvisor reviews: 4.5 stars

Did you know you can explore San Francisco on trolley tours made from modified cable cars? Back in the 1950s, cable cars from the California line were being auctioned off when a local San Franciscan purchased one of them. That cable car was converted into a motorized vehicle. This created the first cable car tour ever!

With Hornblower Classic Cable Cars (one of the best hop-on/hop-off tours in San Francisco) you can get an Alcatraz combo tour with one of their trolley tours for a unique San Francisco tour.

You start your day touring Alcatraz before all of the heavy crowds arrive on the island. You will have two hours to explore and tour the island. After lunch on pier 33 you will board the Hornblower trolley to start the city tour. The tour includes a professional guide and three stops with photo opportunities. Around 3:15 pm they will bring you back to the location where you started your tour.

#4 “Fogcutter” Tour with Alcatraz by SF Adventure Tours

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fogcutter Tours (@fogcutter_tours)

• Tickets: $180 for adults, $122 for kids and $67 for tots
• Duration of the tour: 4 hours (this does not include the trip to Alcatraz)  

We’ve previously ranked SF Adventure Tours as one of the best tours in San Francisco because this one is led from a modified safari-style pick-up truck!

You can now combine their open-air tour with Alcatraz Island tours. You will start your day with a four-hour tour through San Francisco. Continue the adventure with a visit to Alcatraz Island.

It’s not just us who think SF Adventures has one of the best tours in town, just check out their Alcatraz tours TripAdvisor reviews and you’ll see that it’s highly rated as one of the best Alcatraz tour combo packages!

#5 San Francisco City and Alcatraz Combo by Vantigo

• Tickets:  $129 for adults, $75 for kids 5 to 11
• Duration of the tour: 7 hours (this includes the trip to Alcatraz)

What happens when someone with a passion for tinkering on vintage VW combines that with a passion for meeting new people? Vantigo is what happens!

These beautifully restored VWs can go where bigger tour buses cannot — Coit Tower, the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park and the Sutro Bath Ruins. On the way, they will share the tales that shaped the San Francisco we know today.

They’re a great option to go with if Alcatraz sold out already on the official website and you want a 60s-themed (aka  very  San Francisco) tour of the city.

NOTE: This tour is updated 2 to 3 months in advance based on Alcatraz City Cruises releasing Tickets at that pace.

#6 Alcatraz and Touch of Gold Combo by Bay Voyager

• Tickets: $155 per person
• Duration of the tour: 90 minutes (this does not include the trip to Alcatraz)

TripAdvisor’s #1 Bay Tour in San Francisco! Explore the San Francisco Bay up close and personal in the water on a 28-footer RIB (rigid inflatable boat) with Bay Voyager.

Seriously, this is such a unique experience — and it looks like it could be a part of a ride at Great America! This just might be one of the most unique Alcatraz combo tours out there, and one of the best Alcatraz tours for those who want more of an adventure.

You’ll start with a 90-minute Bay Voyager excursion where you will explore The Ferry Building, Presidio, and past The Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. After this part of the tour, you will head over for a separate guided Alcatraz tour.  

NOTE: for reservations, a minimum of 4 days advance notice is required.

#7 Alcatraz and Wine Country Tours by Green Dream Tours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcFBAbN49UI

• Tickets : $179 for those 21+, $159 for 20 and under
• Duration of the tour : 10 hours (this includes the trip to Alcatraz)
• TripAdvisor reviews : 4,5 stars

Green Dream Tours is kind of like if Dylan’s did Wine Country tours. They have local guides leading tours on minibuses. You’ll discover two wineries in Sonoma and enjoy lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf before being dropped off for your Alcatraz ferry.

If you’re looking for Alcatraz combination tours that get you exploring outside of the city as well as Alcatraz, this is the perfect option.

NOTE: This tour is only available from May to October

#8 Alcatraz and Wine or Alcatraz and beer by Gears and Grapes Getaways

• Tickets Alcatraz and Wine: $202 for adults 21+
• Tickets Alcatraz and Beer: $112 for adults 21+
• Duration of the wine tour: 9 hours (this does not include the trip to Alcatraz)
• Duration of the beer tour: 3 hours (this does not include the trip to Alcatraz)
• TripAdvisor reviews: 4,5 stars

Ever wanted to ride a bike through Wine Country? How about a biking brewery tour of San Francisco? Well, with Gears and Grapes you can combine either their wine or beer bike tours with official Alcatraz tickets! It’s truly a win-win for one of the best Alcatraz tour experiences.

For the wine tour, you can choose to go to Sonoma or Napa. A shuttle will take you to the wine country. Once there, your guide will lead you to the wineries. There will also be a stop for a delicious picnic lunch in the vineyards. If you would rather be driven, a shuttle will follow the group.

For the beer tour, a tour guide will take you 3 stops of San Francisco’s finest beer drinking and brewing establishments.

NOTE: the tours do not take you to Alcatraz. The Alcatraz ticket is included in the price but is a separate tour.

#9 Combined Alcatraz tickets by Alcatraz Bikes and Tours

• Tickets: between $109 and $225 (18+)
• option 1: 24-hour bike rental
• option 2: 60 minutes tour
• option 3: 24-hour ticket
• option 4: 9-hour tour
• TripAdvisor reviews: 4 stars

Can’t choose what kind of tour you want to combine with your Alcatraz ticket? No worries, Alcatraz Bikes and Tours has enough options for you! This tour company offers combined Alcatraz tours, but you can choose your own combination.

They offer the following combo’s:

• If you are a fan of biking pick the option with Bike Rental , you can use the bike for 24 hours to explore the city on your own!
• For the people who love sailing, they offer the option Bay Cruise, you will sail under and around the Golden Gate Bridge with great views of the skyline of San Francisco.
• Can’t choose which part of the city you want to explore? The 1Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour combines two diverse tours on one ticket. You will have unlimited hop-on hop-off use for 24 hours so you won’t have to choose!
• Ready for an escape from the city? Choose the Napa Valley Wine Tour option. You will visit three favored wineries where you will spend approximately 1-hour for a tour and tasting.

The price of the ticket depends on which combination tour you choose. You can find the prices below:

• Alcatraz tickets and Full-Day bike rental; $109 18+
• Alcatraz tickets and Bay Cruise; $119 18+
• Alcatraz tickets and 1Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour; $144 18+
• Alcatraz tickets and Napa Valley Tour; $225 18+

NOTE: the date you select on the calendar on the website of Alcatraz Bikes and Tours is for you Alcatraz ticket only. You have to contact the company for the additional attraction of your choice.  

#10 Grand City Tour and Alcatraz Island by Gray Line San Francisco

• Tickets : $115 for adults, $90 for kids 5 to 11
• Duration of the tour : 6.5 hours (this includes the trip to Alcatraz)
• TripAdvisor reviews : 4 stars

Packaged with the Grand City Tour, this combo-tour will take you to the o so famous, chilling Alcatraz prison. First of you will start the 4 hours guided city tour in Union Square, Along the way there are photo stops at key locations, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks.  

After you have been from the Bay to the Ocean, you will take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island, which features an award-winning, cellular audio tour and round-trip boat ride to ‘The Rock’.

Always wanted to do a bay cruise or visit the Aquarium? Gray Line San Francisco gives you the opportunity to update your ticket!

NOTE: This tour requires 5 days in advance reservations.

Tips on getting last-minute Alcatraz tickets

We’re convinced that going through an official Alcatraz partner is the best way of getting sold out tickets to Alcatraz . We can’t, in good conscience, suggest going through a scalper. The National Park Service takes illegally reselling Alcatraz tickets very seriously.

Rest assured though, all Alcatraz tickets combined with San Francisco tours with the companies we’ve listed above are all official and legitimate tickets to Alcatraz. That being said — even these San Francisco tours will sell out. The best way to get Alcatraz tickets is to get them as soon as you can!

Canceled Tickets

When Alcatraz tickets combined with San Francisco tours are also sold out, you can check for canceled tickets. People used to be able to get same-day tickets by waiting in line in the early mornings but that has changed. Canceled tickets are added back to the online ticket sales on alcatrazcruises.com. These tickets get updated several times a day, so keep checking for the days you want.

Night Tickets

Another way of getting last-minute tickets are the Night Tour standby tickets. During the high season, there are two evening sailings running out to the island. There will be tickets for the same evening’s tour for sale at the ticket office at Pier 33. They have about 20 standbys for sale in the summer and around 10 during the winter season. But be aware: it’s based on a first-come, first-served basis. Standbys are allowed to board after the passengers of that sailing are on board and if there is room (no-shows or cancellations). If you are not allowed on board, you will get a refund on your ticket.

The only time it is relatively easy to get tickets is in the winter season (except for the holidays), especially November. In winter, you may score same-day tickets, depending on how early you start trying. If that doesn’t work, you usually can get tickets for the day tours the next day. The Night Tours tend to sell out quicker in the winter season. You should book at least 6 weeks ahead if you want to be sure you can get tickets. Later in March, all the tours start to get booked up again, especially around Easter Break.  

If you’re still trying to figure out how to get sold-out Alcatraz tickets, without also taking a tour, we have some tips on what to do if Alcatraz tickets are sold out .

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A Few Other Alcatraz Resources

Should You Buy an Alcatraz Ticket or an Alcatraz Tour?

11 Things You Didn’t Know About Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Night Tour vs Alcatraz Day Tour

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The Best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco: A Locals Guide

Living in Oakland, California, and having toured Alcatraz three times, I can’t recommend it enough.

It’s a popular destination, yet far from a tourist trap. Everyone I’ve introduced to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco finds it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Choosing the right Alcatraz tour can be daunting with so many options, and not all offer good value.

To help you avoid disappointment, this guide provides essential tips for selecting the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You’ll learn how to secure last-minute tickets and which tours to skip for a memorable experience.

A local’s tips for booking the best tour of Alcatraz:

• To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the official website and will be the cheapest price.
• For the ultimate tour of the main sites in the city, the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz is the best Alcatraz tour in San Francisco . Also, it boasts many 5-star ⭐ reviews, so you can’t go wrong!
• It’s essential to secure your tickets well in advance! Tip tickets are released 90 days in advance.

Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco 2024

I’ve curated a list of the top Alcatraz Island tours and combo tours, offering you the best experiences to book.

Keep in mind, Alcatraz tickets sell out fast, so early booking is key! If you’re looking for last-minute tickets, don’t worry – I’ve got some handy tips to help you secure them.

Plus, at the end of this post, I’ve included a comprehensive FAQ section about Alcatraz, covering topics like tours to avoid, whether you can visit Alcatraz without a tour, ticket costs, recommended attire, and much more.

Alcatraz City Cruises

To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the most affordable and direct way to get your tickets for Alcatraz Island and Prison.

Alcatraz City Cruises provides three tour options: Alcatraz Day Tour, Alcatraz Night Tour, and Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour. Each includes ferry transportation, an audio-guided tour of the island and cell house, access to historic outdoor spaces, and views of San Francisco.

1. Alcatraz Day Tour

Discover Alcatraz Island’s rich history with an Alcatraz Day Tour. I have done this tour before, and I recommend it for a comprehensive and enjoyable visit. However, day tours tend to be busier than night tours. So I suggest you plan to arrive early for the ferry and expect a wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour to minimize crowding.

The Day Tour is popular for being the most affordable and frequently available option. Tip, you can book the Early Bird Tour, departing at 8:45 or 9:10 am, to experience the island before it becomes crowded.

2. Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz Night Tour is one of the more popular options of tours offered at Alcatraz, and will typically sell out quicker than the day tours because they are limited to only a number of people per night and offer many perks that the day tour does not.

It offers exclusive perks, including special programs and activities not available during the day. Additionally, it provides a stunning upfront view of the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

3. Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

The Behind the Scenes Tour is a small group tour with your own personal guide. They will take you behind the scenes to explore off-the-beaten-path areas of Alcatraz that are closed to the general public. You also have the option to stay for longer on the island and join the night tour.

The Behind the Scenes Tour involves a lot of walking up steep hills, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time. They also do not allow children under the age of 12 to participate in the Behind the Scenes Tour due to the physical and strenuous demands.

Best Combo Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

When you are visiting San Francisco, there is so much to do and see in such little time. A combo tour is a perfect way to see Alcatraz and experience other amazing Bay Area locations and attractions in San Francisco.

Also, a combo tour is a great option if the official tickets to Alcatraz Island are sold out.

Below is a list of the best combo Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco that I believe are worth the cost and from a reliable tour company.

Best Overall Tour 4. One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

As a Bay Area local who has visited Alcatraz multiple times, I find the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz to be the best combo tour. It’s a comprehensive, well-rounded experience, covering numerous incredible Bay Area locations in a single day.

Your One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz includes a guided city tour, visiting landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. You’ll stop in Sausalito for lunch with bay views, then visit the enchanting Muir Woods, famous for its towering redwoods. The tour concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island for a historic exploration of the prison.

• It is the perfect tour if you are on limited time
• You get to see Alcatraz, Sausalito, Muir Woods, and other famous San Francisco neighborhoods.
• Informative tour guide
• Many raving and 5-star reviews
• You do not get a lot of time at each location since you are squeezing in so much in one day.
• Muir Woods entrance fee is not included
• One of the more expensive tours on this list

✅ Book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz here

5. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

The Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour offers a similar experience to the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz, featuring three top Bay Area attractions.

The key differences are a shorter duration, lower price, and exclusion of the San Francisco neighborhood tour. This tour suits those looking for a full day’s exploration with a smaller group (maximum of 11 people) and without the guided tour of San Francisco’s neighborhoods.

The tour begins in San Francisco, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, and first stops at Muir Woods for over an hour of hiking among the redwoods. Next, you’ll visit Sausalito for lunch and exploration, including options like my favorite spot Lappert’s Ice Cream.

The day concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island, including an audio-guided tour detailing the history of infamous inmates like Al Capone and James “Whitey” Bulger.

• A packed day of touring three must-see Bay Area locations
• Extra time to spend at each location compared to other Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito tour
• You do not get a tour of San Francisco neighborhoods.

✅ Book your Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour here

Best Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco 6. Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion

The Bucket List Excursion is ideal for adding a shorter activity to your Alcatraz visit. This approximately 5-hour tour combines a trip to Alcatraz Island with a guided exploration of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods.

Starting at Alcatraz Landing, you’ll take a ferry to the island for a self-guided audio tour that vividly recounts its history as a federal prison. The tour includes the prison cells and stories of notorious inmates and escape attempts.

After Alcatraz, you’ll join your guide for a city tour, visiting key San Francisco sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Pacific Heights, with lots of opportunities for photos.

• Great opportunity to visit Alcatraz and do a city tour of San Francisco
• Shorter tour than some of the others on this list
• Many 5-star reviews
• Knowledgeable tour guides
• More of a sightseeing tour, you do not get to stop at each of these San Francisco locations.

✅ Book the Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion here

Most Unique Tour 7. San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz

For a tour that is different and unique, I love this San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz . It is especially great if you’ve already explored San Francisco and want a differnt experience.

This 90 minute food tour starts at the historic Ferry Building, a bustling marketplace full of restaurants, specialty food stores, coffee shops, artisan meat and cheeses, specialty wine, and more.

Sample offerings from popular vendors and visit the renowned farmer’s market at the Ferry Building, known as one of the world’s best.

After your food tour, head to Alcatraz Landing, a short Uber ride or 20-minute walk from the Ferry Building, to catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island, a must-see San Francisco attraction.

On “The Rock,” you’ll use an audio guide to explore the former maximum security prison, learning its history and enjoying panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco.

• Unique combo tour
• 4 hour tour, less time than other tours so it won’t take up an entire day
• Transportation from the Ferry Building to Alcatraz Landing is not provided
• On the expensive side compared to other tours

✅ Book the San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz here

8. Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour

Book an adventurous two-day combo tour and get the opportunity to check off some San Francisco bucket list attractions. The Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour takes place over two days, which is nice if you don’t want to cram everything into one day.

Day one features a guided bike tour through iconic spots like the Palace of Fine Arts and Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. There, enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Bay and San Francisco. You can choose to bike back, return the bike in Sausalito, or ferry back with the bike.

Day two is dedicated to Alcatraz, including ferry transport and a 2.5-hour audio-guided island tour.

• Tour spread out into two days
• Get to see many must-visit locations by guided tour
• They also offer electric bikes to help with the hills
• You may not have enough time to dedicate two days to a tour
• Not the best tour for young children

✅ Book your Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour here

9. San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket

One of our favorite things to do is cruise the San Francisco bay by boat! You get a unique and incredible view of many iconic San Francisco sights. The San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Tour is the perfect combo tour, especially if you love to be on the water.

Your tour will begin at Alcatraz Landing, where you will catch a ferry to The Rock and explore the island that famously was a maximum security prison. The audio guide will transport you back in time as you learn about the history and the interesting stories of those who lived at Alcatraz.

After your tour, your will return to Alcatraz landing and begin the catamaran cruise. The catamaran provides an exciting and fun way to see San Francisco and the surrounding sights. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and other marine life during your cruise. Even on a sunny day, bring a jacket with you. The Bay can get very chilly and windy.

• Unique tour and way to see the city
• Get the opportunity to sail on the Bay with an experienced captain and crew
• There are two separate cruises, the catamaran does not drop you off at Alcatraz
• The exact time of the Alcatraz ferry departure may vary and you won’t be notified until 10 days before the tour.
• Weather dependant

✅ Book the San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket here

10. San Francisco: Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise

The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise is one of the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You can book a thrilling and adventurous tour and explore the waters by a high-powered Rigid Inflatable Boat. The inflatable boat provides a more exciting journey and the chance to get up close to wildlife and many iconic sights.

The tour starts with a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour, exploring prison cells and historic outdoor spaces. After Alcatraz, return to land and head to Pier 39 to join the Voyager Adventure Cruise. Your captain-guide will share insights about the area during this unforgettable sightseeing tour of San Francisco’s main attractions.

• You can get an up-close view of sights and marine life
• An adventurous and exciting way to see the Bay.
• Weather-appropriate gear is provided
• Numerous 5 star reviews
• Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or children under 5 years of age.
• There are two separate cruises, the voyager does not drop you off at Alcatraz

✅ Book The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise here

Why You Should Book a Combo Tour to Alcatraz

There are some benefits of booking a combo tour with a tour company. You get to see Alcatraz along with other top San Francisco locations. Planning a combo tour is perfect if you are visiting San Francisco for a short period of time and would like to do and see as much as possible.

Another perk of booking a combo tour is securing a ticket to Alcatraz. The tickets to Alcatraz sell out very quickly, and you typically need to book them months in advance. However, a tip for getting last-minute tickets to Alcatraz is by booking your tickets through an official Alcatraz partner.

Tips for Booking Alcatraz tickets for Sold-Out Days

If you are looking to see Alcatraz on a sold-out day there are some tips for scoring a couple of tickets. However, do not buy your tickets from a scalper.

It is illegal to resell Alcatraz tickets, but also at the departure gate, they may check to see if the name on the ticket matches yours. So to avoid all of this, I do not recommend buying your tickets from a scalper.

• Check for canceled tickets: You can do this by checking Alcatraz City Cruises
• Book a combo tour: Book one of the tours that I have listed above with a tour company
• Night tour standby tickets: Purchase a standby ticket at the box office during the day. It’s first come first serve. After they board the passengers for that night’s sailing, they allow the standbys on if there is room. You will be refunded if you do not go to Alcatraz.

What Tours I Wouldn’t Suggest

Choosing the right Alcatraz combo tour can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with San Francisco or the specific tour, you could be getting ripped off. Some tours significantly mark up prices, and in my experience, they may not offer value for the money.

An adult ticket to Alcatraz costs $45.00, and all tours include the same audio-guided experience. When considering tours with added extras like walking tours or restaurant discounts, ensure the additional cost is justified and provides good value.

How Much is an Alcatraz Tour

The cost of an Alcatraz Tour varies upon which tour you decide to do. Here is a breakdown of how much it is to book a tour to Alcatraz. This does not include any combo tours, only the cost of the Alcatraz Tour itself.

Adult & Junior: $ 45.25 Child: $27.55 Junior: $45.25 Senior : $42.65 Family Pack: $131.85 (2 adults 2 children)

Night Tour:

Adult: $56.30 Junior: $55.10 Child: $33.00 Senior: $52.25

Behind the Scenes:

Adult: $101.30 Junior: $97.10 Senior: $94.25

Can I Visit Alcatraz Without a Tour

No, you cannot visit Alcatraz without a tour. Alcatraz Island is open to the public, but Alcatraz Cruises is the only commercial boat service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island.

To visit the famous Alcatraz Island and prison, you must book a tour in advance either with Alcatraz City Cruises or an approved tour company.

What to Wear Visiting Alcatraz

Even if the forecast calls for sunshine and clear skies, I always bring layers and warm clothes when visiting Alcatraz Island. The ferry ride and standing outside on the island can be very chilly and windy.

Also, the tour does require walking up some hills and walking up stairs. I suggest wearing a pair of comfortable and sturdy shoes for your visit to Alcatraz as well.

In Conclusion: Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

I hope that my list of best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco will help you decide on which epic tour to book to see the famous Alcatraz Island.

Related Posts:

• Ultimate Day Trip Itinerary to Sausalito
• Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting: Why You Should or Should Not Visit
• 18 Awesome Things to Do in Pescadero, CA
• Day Trip to Napa Valley, CA
• Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco
• Top 12 Monte Rio CA Restaurants & Where to Eat Nearby Or you can check out my California Travel page for all of my California content including Death Valley National Park , Paso Robles , Palm Springs , & more!

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

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• Alcatraz Tours

By  Karen

Updated June 5, 2024.

Alcatraz Tours & Tickets for 2024

A local's guide to choosing the best Alcatraz tours, and how to save money on booking Alcatraz tickets.

Here's the inside scoop on how the Alcatraz tours and tickets work: my secrets on navigating the system! 

• What are the Alcatraz tours like?
• What's the best way to get Alcatraz tickets?
• What if Alcatraz tickets are sold out?
• What to do and see on the island?

The bleak remains of Alcatraz prison sit on a windy island in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

Every year, over 1.4 million people visit Alcatraz, definitely one of the most popular of San Francisco attractions. A fascinating spot - both creepy and beautiful! Highly recommended.

The dark history and sense of isolation seem to seep out of the penitentiary's damp walls. It's no Disneyland ride; this is real and has a rough edge to it. Plenty of "atmosphere"! Lots of people have said this was their favorite San Francisco attraction.

What Alcatraz tours are available now? 

The Day Tour , the Night Tour , the Behind the Scenes Tour, and t he combo Alcatraz/Angel Island Tour are all running now

New for 2024: both the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour have added one extra sailing each day, which may explain why it's easier to get last-minute tickets now (for the Night Tour, anyway).

And the combination of Alcatraz with a visit to Angel Island has finally returned after an absence of several years!

Happy note: currently (early June, 2024), you can usually get next day   tickets  for the Alcatraz Day and Alcatraz Night Tours ! And lots of them. I have never seen this; they are usually sold out for a couple of months at this time.

However, the Behind the Scenes tours are often sold out over 6 weeks in advance, with maybe a single ticket available here and there before that.

Day tour: daily , 8:40 am to 3:50 pm, about every 30 minutes.

Night tour:  Tue-Sat, at 5:55, 6;30 and 7:05 pm.

Behind the Scenes tour: Tue-Sat,  at 4:20 and 4:50 pm.

Alcatraz/Angel Island tour:  daily, at 9:40 and 9:50 am.

General Info on the Tours

My insider tips on:

• The best ways to get Alcatraz tickets
• What the different Alcatraz tours are like

What if Alcatraz is sold out for the dates you want? It's still possible to get tickets! See my page on the ways to get last-minute Alcatraz tickets for sold-out days.

The best ways to get Alcatraz tickets...

Tickets for Alcatraz go on sale 90 days in advance of the tours. These tickets book up, so get them as soon as you know your travel dates!

There are two ways to buy Alcatraz tickets :

• Tickets for Alcatraz only
• Tickets for Alcatraz combined with another tour

Single Alcatraz tickets or Alcatraz combination tours?  

You can get tickets just for Alcatraz or you can book a package that combines Alcatraz with some other fun San Francisco attractions or activities (see information on  combo tours below).

Getting tickets for Alcatraz only

The best way to get the Alcatraz tickets is to purchase them directly from City Experiences (cityexperiences.com), the "official" seller of the tickets and the company that runs the only ferries out to Alcatraz.

There are three ways to buy them from City Experiences:

• Online: at cityexperiences.com
• By phone: 415 981-7625
• At Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, on the Embarcadero

Warning: don't overpay.  There are no "discounted" Alcatraz tickets and other companies sell the individual tickets for much higher prices. There is no reason to buy individual tickets from other companies, and here's why...

Not only are the prices a lot higher than with the with official seller, cityexperiences.com, you don't get to pick your dates and times directly and you'll have to stand in line to exchange your voucher to get a ticket!

So how do those companies sell individual Alcatraz tickets? They "sell" a ticket to the customer (for considerably more that the official ticket costs), then go to the cityexperiences.com website and buy the ticket in your name with the credit card you provided.

Problem:  aside from being overcharged when you book from them, you also can't see the number of spaces available for each day and departure time, you can't just download the ticket and print it out like you can from City Experiences.

So basically you're paying them to buy the ticket from City Experiences for you, with your credit card.

It's legit, but why bother? Why not just go directly to the source and pay a lot less. Plus, you won't have to wait in line at the ticket booth at Pier 33 to exchange your voucher for a ticket.

You can get right on the boat with the ticket you print out from City Experiences or use the mobile version they give you on your phone.

Inflated prices:   one major company you'll see in the search results sells the official $45.25 adult day ticket for $41.01, plus a $10.99 service charge per ticket, plus a $6.95 processing fee per order: total = $58.95!

You get nothing extra with that, and if the official company, City Experiences, is sold out, they are sold out as well.

Plus, you have to select three possible departure times when you book, and they'll give you one of your choices in order requested (if available) so you don't know which departure time you are getting, if any, when you book it.

When you book directly with cityexperiences.com , the price is a lot cheaper, and you choose the departure time you want from all those available at the time.

You know which tour you're doing when you book the ticket. The official ticket company has no "service" fees or "processing" fees tacked on.

Another prominent company you'll see in the search results sells the $45.25 adult ticket online for $53.25.

Combo tickets: Alcatraz + another tour

Package tours.  City Experiences does sell bundles of tickets to approved tour companies who combine them with other tours.

Buying the packages that include Alcatraz is a popular way to get tickets for Alcatraz, and basically the only way of getting deals.

Are you thinking about visiting Muir Woods or Sausalito, doing a bay cruise, or taking a city tour?

There are no bargain or discounted tickets for Alcatraz per se, but if you are planning to take another tour or tours while you're here, you may save some money by doing a combination of Alcatraz plus another attraction(s).

In some cases, it's actually more expensive to do the combos, but may be the only way of snagging tickets for sold out days. See the list below.

This article contains affiliate links and I get a small commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you. See affiliate disclosure . This helps me provide all the free information on the site. Thank you!

Alcatraz Combo Tours

Here are some of the most popular Alcatraz combination tours:

Alcatraz & Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour.  Get a 1-day pass on the hop on hop off tour bus that hits most of the main San Francisco sights (including Sausalito), and a visit to Alcatraz. $123.30.

See  Hop On Hop Off & Alcatraz  for info and booking.

Alcatraz, SF & Bay Cruise.  See Alcatraz combined with a city tour. Plus sail around the bay and out to the Golden Gate Bridge. Great views out on the water (and goes under the bridge - very cool). All in one day. $169.

See  Alcatraz, SF Tour, & Sail the Bay  for info and booking.

Alcatraz plus a City Bus Tour.  See the city sights by bus, with photo stops at the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and more, and visit Alcatraz, all in one day. Hotel pickups and lunch included. $160.

See  Alcatraz & City Tour  for more info and booking.

Alcatraz, Muir Woods & Sausalito. Tour Alcatraz and explore the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods all in one day, with a stop in the charming, seaside town of Sausalito. $170.

See Alcatraz, Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour for info and booking.  

Alcatraz & Bike the Golden Gate Tour. This is a 2-day tour, with a visit to Alcatraz one day, and the day before, a guided bike tour through the waterfront, over the Golden Gate Bridge, and down to the seaside town of Sausalito. $179.

See  Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour  for info and booking.

Or check out  Alcatraz combo tours  to see a list of the many combinations available; there are lots!

Alcatraz Night Tour combos

The good news: starting in 2018, some tour companies started offering the harder-to-get, Alcatraz Night Tour in combination with other tours.

They're not as many combos as with the day tours, but they're worth checking out, especially if the night tour is sold out.

The bad news: since Covid, most of the night tour combos haven't been running, but I've found a couple that are running.

This used to be a good way to get night tour tickets when they were sold out. Hopefully it will be again.

January 2024: two of the night tour combos are now available! 

The Alcatraz Night Tour combo tours:

Alcatraz Night Tour & SF Bay Cruise.

The Alcatraz Night Tour is combined with a one-hour boat cruise of the bay.

Sail out under the Golden Gate Bridge and along the waterfront for a great view of the bay and city skyline.

See Alcatraz Night Tour & SF Bay Cruise for info and booking.

Alcatraz Night Tour & HOHO City Bus Tour.  

See Alcatraz one evening, then tour the city on the Hop On Hop Off bus at your leisure, getting off to explore any of the sights.

See Alcatraz Night Tour & City Bus Tour for info and booking.

How the Alcatraz Tours and Tickets Work

Alcatraz Island is administered by the National Park Service .

All the tours on the island are free and are given by US Park Rangers or volunteer guides.

The ticket to Alcatraz pays for the ferry ride out to the island and includes all the activities once you're on the island.

The only thing you have to pay for once you're out there is bottled water or shopping in the gift store.

All the tickets for the Alcatraz ferry are sold by the City Experiences company at cityexperiences.com  (formerly alcatrazcruises.com).

You can get the tickets either directly from them (via their website or ticket office), or through third parties (other tour companies) authorized by them to combine their tickets with other tours.

Tickets for Alcatraz aren't transferable. They are issued in the name of the purchaser, and once sold, can't be resold (to deter scalping).

How do you get out to Alcatraz Island?

The only way to get out to Alcatraz Island is to buy a ticket for one of the Alcatraz ferries. These are the only boats that stop at Alcatraz and allow you to get off and explore the island and prison.

The ferries out to Alcatraz Island are run by City Experiences,  which currently holds the Alcatraz ferry concession from the U.S. Park Service. 

How often do the ferries run? The Alcatraz ferries for the day tours run seven days a week, starting at 8:45 am, and leaving about every 30 minutes during the day.

The ferries for the night tours and the Behind the Scenes tours run four nights a week, Tuesday through Saturday. There are two night tour sailings each evening (one sailing in winter).

Where do you catch the Alcatraz ferry? The ferries leave from Alcatraz Landing, located at Pier 33 on the San Francisco Embarcadero.

How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz? The ferry over to the island takes about 15 minutes. The views are spectacular: the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, SF Bay and Angel Island.

For more information on taking the ferry, plus how to get to Pier 33, and suggestions for parking, see my page on visiting Alcatraz .

What do you get with your Alcatraz tickets?

All of the Alcatraz tours include the following:

• Roundtrip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
• Self-guided audio tour of the prison
• Free guided tours by park rangers and staff
• Film about Alcatraz and its history
• Exploration of the prison and island

Note: there are also Alcatraz cruises that go around the island (see below for my recommendations), but don't allow you to visit Alcatraz itself.

They are great fun too (see my page on SF Bay Cruises for tips on the different bay cruises), but that may not be what you were looking for. So read carefully about the tour being offered.

• Book early. In summer, especially on weekends, and around holidays, these trips are very popular. The Alcatraz ferries get sold out, weeks or months in advance, so it pays to plan ahead. There are ways to get tickets when Alcatraz is booked-up, but it's better to buy them well in advance if you can (up to 90 days, usually).
• Alcatraz sold out?   There are ways to get tickets for sold-out days, for both the day and night tours. If you find yourself in this situation, check out my tips for getting last-minute tickets . It can be done! But they don't do the early morning line-ups for day tours anymore.
• Save money. Buy individual tickets directly from cityexperiences.com (the official company) or get a combination package (sometimes cheaper, sometimes more, see combo tours ).
• Avoid the lines. If you buy your tickets online directly from cityexperiences.com and print them out (or use the mobile version), you won't have to wait in a line to (a) buy a ticket, or (b) pick up your "will call" ticket when you get to Pier 33.
• E-tickets. If you buy your tickets online, you can either print them out or use your mobile phone version. They can scan either format at the boarding gate. If you have a voucher, exchange it for a ticket at Pier 33.
• Discount passes. Can you visit Alcatraz on the Go San Francisco Card , or the  San Francisco CityPass  ? Yes, but only if you buy the cards from the City Experiences company at Pier 33 or by phone through their company at 415 981-7625.

Hardest times to get tickets: June, July & August, plus around the Christmas/New Years holidays, Easter break, Memorial Day (end of May) and Labor Day (beginning of September). And to a lesser extent: April, September and October.

In other words, just about any time can be tough to get tickets, except for January, February and early March!

However, ever since Covid, it's been a lot easier to get tickets. So far (end of December 2023), you can usually get tickets just one week out for the day tours and night tours!

Toughest tours to book: in order of how fast the tickets book up:

The Behind the Scenes Tour

• The Night Tour (most popular)
• Early Bird Day Tour (first day tour of the day)

Alcatraz Sold Out?

Alcatraz Sold Out for the dates you want?

Don't despair! There are ways to get tickets. I've given the steps of how to do it on my page, Last Minute Alcatraz Tickets .

Also, see above for some Alcatraz combination tours that might have tickets for sold-out days.

Alcatraz is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Also, the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour don't run on July 4th, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Something cool for California residents.  Residents get a good deal on Alcatraz tickets during the slow season. 

The  Buy One Get One Free  sale is available for Day Tours on select dates in January and February each year.

The Alcatraz Prison Tours

The tours of Alcatraz island come in four flavors.

The different types of Alcatraz prison tours:

• Behind the Scenes Tour
• Alcatraz/Angel Island Tour

What to see on the island...

Once you're on Alcatraz, in addition to seeing the prison itself, you're free to explore the island, including the Civil War era buildings, seabird nesting areas and the Alcatraz gardens.

You'll be able to walk the halls where Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly did their time, and see the solitary cells where  Robert Stroud, the Bird Man of Alcatraz, sat out most of his sentence.

The first floor of the prison cell block is open for visitors to explore; the audio tour directs you through the prison to see various places of interest, like Al Capone's cell (B 181, on the second tier of cells near the starting point of the audio tour.

The cell door is open and the light is on, but it's not labeled as his cell.

The former prison exercise yard is also open to visitors; from there, you can see how close San Francisco must have looked to the inmates.

They had a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, too!

Some areas are off-limits due to safety issues or fragile historical artifacts, mainly on the second floor of the prison.

But some of those areas are included on the night tour or the Behind-the-Scenes tour, like the Civil War tunnels and the basement cells.

Now you can also go into the New Industries Building where the prisoners worked in the laundry, which use to only be accessible on the Behind the Scenes Tour.

Spring/Summer Schedule Starts in March

For all the tours, check the current schedule and ticket availability on their website: cityexperiences.com .

Day Tours of Alcatraz

This Alcatraz island tour includes:

• The boat trip to and from Alcatraz
• The self-guided Audio Tour of Alcatraz prison
• Guided tours by park rangers and volunteers

Day Tour Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $45.25
• Juniors (12-17): $45.25
• Kids (5-11): $27.55
• Seniors (62+): $42.65
• Under 5: free
• Family (2 adults and 2 kids ages 5-11): $131.85

The Early Bird Tour. The first tour of the day is called the Early Bird Tour, leaving at 8:40 am.

This one's very popular because it's the first boat out to the island and you can explore before it gets really crowded. This tour gets booked up faster than the other day tours, so booking ahead for this one is even more important.  

Alcatraz Day Tours Ferry Schedule

Spring/Summer schedule.   The Alcatraz Day Tours run seven days a week, and leave about every 30 minutes from Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing). Daily, 8:40 am-3:50 pm.

Fall/Winter schedule (October - March). Daily, 8:40 am-1:35 pm.

The return boats leave Alcatraz every 60 minutes; the last one leaves Alcatraz at 6:30 pm in summer (4:25 pm in winter) and you can take any of the boats back. The return times are posted at Pier 33 and at the dock on the island.

In summer, there are 15 day-tour sailings out to the Rock, and 11 sailings in winter. Each boat trip carries about 300 people to the island.

As the day progresses, it tends to get more crowded, since there's no time limit and visitors can take any boat back; as a result, the morning tours tend to be more popular and book up faster.

How much time do you need to see Alcatraz? Allow at least 3 hours for the whole trip; you may find yourself spending more than that once you get exploring the prison and the island.

Once on the island, there are free guided tours by Park Service staff and the self-guided Alcatraz prison audio tours , included in the ticket.

And you are also free to explore the island and the buildings remaining from the time when Alcatraz was a fort and military prison.

During the Civil War, Confederate prisoners and were held there, and during WW1, the prison held POW's and conscientious objectors.

At other times, it was used as a stockade for U.S. military prisoners.

How long is the ferry ride? The boat ride to Alcatraz island is about 15 minutes. There's no presentation during the trip, but the views of the city and the bay on the way over are spectacular!

Views from Alcatraz. Alcatraz has an amazing view of the San Francisco skyline. If you walk down to the southern side of the island (facing the city), there's a walkway along there with a spectacular view of the city. Both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge are visible from this side as well.

There's also a great view from the area by the lighthouse; you'll end up here at the end of the audio tour.

Alcatraz Night Tour

This version of the Alcatraz prison tours is very popular and includes:

• Ferry ride to and from Alcatraz
• A narrated cruise around Alcatraz island
• The self-guided Alcatraz Audio Tour of the prison
• Guided tours inside the prison
• A variety of lectures only given at night
• Access to areas not open on the day tours

Night Tour Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $56.30
• Juniors (12-17): $55.10
• Kids (5-11): $33.00
• Seniors (62+): $52.25

Night Tour vs. Day Tour

Advantages of the night tour.

• There are fewer people on the night tours, so the prison is much less crowded and has a more intimate feel.
• There are interesting tours and talks by the park rangers about Alcatraz history and stories about the prisoners.
• You have access to areas of the prison that are off-limits during the day tours.
• You circle the entire island by boat.
• You get to watch the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge and see the lights all around the bay begin to sparkle.

What Happens on the Night Tour

There are three night-tour sailings to Alcatraz most of the year, and one nightly sailing in winter (two over Christmas holidays). They recently added the third night tour sailing, so it's easier to get tickets now.

The night tour runs five days a week , Tuesday through Saturday. Each boat carries about 150 people to the island.

Cruise around the island. The Night Tour ferry makes a trip around Alcatraz Island before arriving at the dock (unlike the day tour ferry, which sails directly to the dock).

During the cruise, you'll hear information about the island and its history. 

Arriving at the Dock

The passengers will be let off in three groups, so that not everyone arrives at the prison at the same time. Groups are chosen by who's in line first.

Each group is assigned to a park ranger, who gives a brief talk on what to see on the island, how the tours work and what activities are scheduled for that evening.

The ranger takes you up towards the prison entrance, where you head inside to pick up your equipment for the audio tour.

From there, you are free to explore the prison and start the audio tour, explore the other buildings and gardens, watch the film in the dock's theater, or otherwise ramble over the island and enjoy the views.

Special Evening Programs

There are a couple of guided tours given by the park rangers each night that take you into places not normally accessible, like the gun gallery on the second floor, and other blocked-off areas.

Plus there are scheduled talks on various subjects related to Alcatraz. The topics vary from night to night.

These tours and talks are posted inside the prison, just as you enter, and inside the gift shop, plus the ranger who takes you up to the cellblock goes over them as well.

What to do first? Here's what I recommend:

Figure out which guided tours and talks you want to go to.

Then, to avoid the crowds inside the prison, go outside and explore the grounds and admire the views.

After that, come back later, in an hour or more, and do the audio tour after the others have finished and left the prison.

Most people do the audio tour first, and people tend to get bunched up around the points of interest the recording is telling you about, so this approach is one way to have the prison (almost) all to yourself while you do the tour!

The evening's topics vary , depending on which rangers are doing them.

On one of my visits, one of the guided tours took visitors to the areas of the prison connected with Machine Gun Kelly, and there was an interesting talk on the kidnappings of the 1930's (and the kidnappers who ended up in Alcatraz).

Another time we heard talks on the gangsters' bank-robbery techniques and prisoner escape attempts.

At posted times during the evening, they also demonstrate the opening and closing (en mass) of all the cell doors; pretty intense!

Night Tour Schedule

In summer , the Alcatraz Night Tour leaves Tuesday through Saturday at 5:55 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:10 pm from Pier 33 and lasts about 2.5 hours. You can return on either the 8:40 pm or 9:25 pm boats.

The sun doesn't set until around 8:30 pm in mid-summer, so it will be light for the first couple of hours, good for exploring the island.

During winter , (October-March) there is only one night tour, leaving at 3:50 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, returning at 6:40 pm.

At the darkest time of year in San Francisco, the sun has usually set by 5 pm, so you'll see both the sunset and the city lights.

There's a special holiday schedule  in Dec & Jan, with an additional night tour leaving at 4:45 pm, returning at 7:40 pm.

Return times are posted at Pier 33 and at the dock on Alcatraz.

The three night tour sailings (5:55 and 6:30) resume in March each year. That time of year, the sun sets around 7:15 pm, so if you take the later boat, it will be dark 30 minutes after arrival on the island.

The prison is even eerier after dark, and if it's a clear night, the lights of San Francisco are truly magical.

For lots more about the night tour , plus photos, see my page on the Alcatraz night tour .

This one is the smallest tour , limited to 30 people max.

The Behind the Scenes tour includes:

• Boat trip to and from Alcatraz
• Extra 2-hour guided tour of the island and prison

Change in format. This tour is back to being a late afternoon tour that allows you to join the night tour afterwards.

Behind the Scenes Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $101.30
• Juniors (12-17): $97.10
• Seniors (62+): $94.25

This tour starts out with a special, guided 2-hour tour of the island with a park ranger, going into places that the other tours don't go.

Then you rare free to do the other activities on the island, including the audio tour of the cell block, for a 4 to 5 hour total Alcatraz experience.

Tip: taking the Behind the Scenes Tour is one way to enjoy the night tour even if the night tour tickets are sold out;-).

After the guided Behind the Scenes Tour, you are free to explore the island as you would on the Day Tour, which includes the Cell House self-guided audio tour, but you can also join in the Night Tour events.

Cool places only this tour goes: this tour can take you into the dungeon cells in the basement (creepy!) and underground through a Civil-War-era tunnel leading to a different part of the island.

The tour group may go inside the crumbling, New Industries building, the island factory where prisoners worked and did the army's laundry.

You may also be allowed into A Block, a cellblock normally closed off, as well as the eerie prison hospital or the prison chapel.

Where you actually go on the tour depends on the guide and on construction issues.

There are repairs ongoing at the prison which result in certain areas not being available at any particular time, so the content of the tours is unpredictable...it'll be a surprise. But very interesting!

Requirements: this tour involves a lot of walking up and down stairs and steep hills and is limited to age 12 and above for that reason.

They describe this one as "strenuous". They say they don't have breaks, so eat (and whatever else you need to do) before the tour! But there was one bathroom break about half-way through when I was there.

What does "strenuous" mean? I went on this tour and can reassure folks that you don't have to be really fit to do this. Basically, if you can climb one flight of stairs and walk at a reasonable pace, you can do this tour. There's plenty of standing and hearing stories interspersed with the stairs and hills.

Behind the Scenes Tour Schedule

Summer Schedule: the Behind the Scenes Tour leaves from Pier 33 at 4:20 pm and 4:50 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.  You can return on either the 8:40 pm or 9:25 pm boats with the night-tour folks.

Winter Schedule:  (October-March) the boats leave at 2:15 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and you can return on any of the afternoon boats. 

So far, there aren't any combination tours that bundle the Behind the Scenes Tour with other attractions.

For more details about what this tour is like , and photos of some of the places it visits, see my page on the Behind the Scenes tour .

Alcatraz & and Angel Island Tours

This tour running again!

The Angel Island/Alcatraz combined Tour includes:

• The ferry to Alcatraz
• All the features of the Alcatraz Day Tour
• The ferry to Angel Island
• Tram tour around Angel Island (narrated, one hour)
• Time to explore Angel Island
• Return ferry to Pier 33

This was a handy combination if you wanted to make a day of it and see both sights. Plan to spend at least 5½ to 6 hours doing this tour.

Angel Island is a beautiful place with spectacular views of SF Bay. It was the Ellis Island of the West Coast, and thousands of immigrants from Asia came through Angel Island, especially during the Gold Rush era.

The Immigration Station there has been made into an interesting museum, recreating the furnishings of the  dormitories and common rooms; it's one of the stops on the tram tour, and worth a visit.

There are some pretty hikes to do once you're on the island as well.

For more on this this tour, and booking tickets, see  Angel Island/ Alcatraz tour  .

Do-It-Yourself Angel Island Tour

You can also see Angel Island on your own by taking the Blue and Gold Ferry to Angel Island from Pier 41 or the Ferry Building.

Once on the island, in addition to beautiful hiking trails, there are tram tours, bicycles for rent, an immigration museum and cafes. You could easily make a full day of it.

See my tips on what to see and do on Angel Island .

Doing Angel Island on your own (ferry ride from SF plus tram tour) would run around $33.50 for adults, less for seniors and kids.

The three prisoners who escaped in 1962 were headed for Angel Island on a homemade raft. Did they make it? Possibly; some evidence suggests they did.

Doing the Alcatraz Prison Tours

Once on the dock at Alcatraz, you can take one of the guided tours which will lead you up the hill to the prison and finish at the cellblock entrance (day tours only).

Or you can walk up the hill to the cellblock on your own, and explore the Civil War era buildings on the way up.

The audio tour starts inside the cellblock.

The Alcatraz Audio Tour

You will receive your headset for the Audio Tour after you enter the prison, following a steep climb up the hill.

If you don't want to do this tour, tell the people passing out the headsets and you'll get a refund of $8.00 for adults, a bit less for others. Refunds are only available on the day tours.

It really adds a lot to the experience, so I highly recommend doing it if you can.

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

This 45-minute, self-guided audio tour is a very well-done presentation that takes you through the prison: cellblocks, dining hall, library, prison yard, warden's office, etc.

You can pause it or rewind it and so take your time going through the prison.

Some of the cells are set up and furnished as they would have been then: grim 9' by 5' rooms with a small cot, toilet and desk.

The prisoners spent most of their days alone in their cells and talking was forbidden. Rather chilling.

On the recording, you'll hear the voices of actual prisoners and guards describing their experiences at Alcatraz.

The narration directs you to particular spots in the prison where interesting events took place.

Explore the solitary cells where the Bird Man of Alcatraz spent most of his time, passageways where inmates crawled to escape, and scenes of murders and shootouts.

You can walk around in the prisoners' exercise yard and see how close San Francisco must have looked to the inmates.

In spite of the desperate escape attempts, Alcatraz' location defeated them all. (Or did it? Three escapees left on a raft and were never seen again. There is some evidence two of them made it to Brazil.) The water was too cold and the current too strong.

Even though the City was close enough for the prisoners to hear voices and laughter, they couldn't swim the distance: only 1.25 miles (2 km).

At the end, it's sort of relief to "escape" from the oppressive atmosphere in the jail and come out by the Alcatraz lighthouse.

This is where you'll have another spectacular view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The S.E.A.T. Tram

For those who have difficulty getting up the hill, there is a tram that leaves from the dock every 35 minutes, and carries people back down as well.

More things to do on Alcatraz

In addition to the cell block which you can explore with an audio tour, you can roam all over most of the island.

There are buildings from the Civil War era and a lighthouse, as well as pretty gardens, and of course the amazing city and bay views. 

Guided Tours by Park Service Volunteers

These Alcatraz tours are free and are offered on a variety of topics, like "Escapes", "Famous Inmates", and "Fortress Alcatraz".

These guided tours are available for visitors doing the day tours; they start at the dock and travel up the hill, ending at the prison.

The people doing the tours are volunteers with the Park Service - folks who have a passion for the history of Alcatraz and enjoy sharing their knowledge.

Times of Guided Tours

There is no fixed schedule for these tours. When you get to the dock on Alcatraz, check out the list of tours on the chalkboard to the right of the bookstore. They also post a list on the dock at Pier 33.

Each tour lasts about 45 minutes. The last time I was there, they were scheduled at 10:00, 10:30, 1:00 and 3:30.

I went on an "Escapes" tour, given by an entertaining guide (in "real life" a middle school history teacher) who told us interesting anecdotes about the escape attempts, along with some Alcatraz history.

(The Great White Sharks patrolling along the coast rarely come into San Francisco Bay - who knew? But the prisoners were told they would be eaten if they swam in the water.)

Highly recommended!

Guided Garden Tours

There are also free, guided, docent tours of the extensive gardens on Alcatraz, including tours of areas normally off-limits to visitors.

Tours are Friday and Sunday mornings at 9:45 am, leaving from the Alcatraz dock (you would have to take the first or second ferry).

Also, the Officers' Row area is open every Wednesday from 11 to 2, with a docent present for questions.

Most of the garden areas are open to explore on your own.

Seabirds on Alcatraz

Thousands of seabirds use Alcatraz Island as a breeding ground.

In spring, cormorants, gulls, and snowy egrets hatch their young here and you can see the nesting areas.

Note:   Construction and repairs. Alcatraz is starting to crumble from the effect of sea air on the metal frames of the buildings, so they're fixing up various sections of the prison.

They recently completed some major repairs on the main cellblock building and repainted it, so the areas normally open on the day tour are all open again.

The areas affected by the repairs are mainly those that would be available for the Behind the Scenes Tour , such as the prison hospital, underground tunnels, prison factory, etc. 

Consequently, that tour varies depending on what is accessible at the time, and it changes from day to day.

Can't get enough of Alcatraz?

A cool board game has been released,  Alarm 22, Escape from Alcatraz,  where you play as one of the inmates and try and escape from the Rock. 

It's a fun game created by Jimmy Treehorn, who designed the large scale model of Alcatraz that you'll see at the Pier 33 dock.

It's based on a number of actual escape attempts, and the game play is a good balance between strategy and luck.

You can find it at a number of local shops, including the Alcatraz Gift Shop at Pier 39. Also available online. See the  alarm22.com  website or Amazon for more info or purchase.

Alternatives: Sail Around Alcatraz

If you aren't able to get tickets to Alcatraz, or you don't have time to do an Alcatraz tour, you can still get a good look at the island and the outside of the prison by taking an Alcatraz cruise.

These bay cruises also take you out under the Golden Gate Bridge, a really a cool experience.

There are a number of bay cruises available that sail around Alcatraz Island, but don't stop there.

You'll get a close-up view of the entire island as they circle around and most of them will give you some information about Alcatraz as they circle it.

Some popular Alcatraz bay cruises...

These are tours that have been around for a long time and have generally high ratings.

Escape from the Rock Cruise. This is a nice, 90-minute bay cruise on the Blue and Gold Ferry that gives you a tour of San Francisco Bay and takes you out under the Golden Gate Bridge.

In addition, you'll circle Alcatraz Island and hear what Alcatraz was like for the prisoners and some stories of the more dramatic escape attempts. And with each child ticket, you get a pair of souvenir binoculars. Leaves from Pier 39. $46 for adults. See Escape from the Rock tour for more info and booking. 

If the Escape from Alcatraz cruise is sold out, the next cruise is always available:

Blue and Gold Ferry. This is a one-hour bay cruise with a recorded narration about the sights that leaves from Pier 39. You sail past the sea lions, and head out to the Golden Gate Bridge. You go out under the bridge, then turn around and sail for Alcatraz, making a full circle around the island.

Super views of the city skyline, Angel Island and both bridges. $38. See Blue & Gold cruise for more info and booking.

Fancy going out on sailing on San Francisco Bay?

Catamaran Sunset Cruise. This is another fun boat tour, sailing on a catamaran that takes the same route as the ones above: out under the Golden Gate Bridge, across the bay, and around Alcatraz.

Being on a sailboat on the bay is a great feeling, plus beer, wine and snacks are available for purchase. Alcatraz and the bridge with a glass of wine...not bad!

Audio tour available in 8 languages. $80, 90 minutes.

See Adventure Cat sunset cruise for more info and booking.

They also have a  catamaran day cruise .

There are a huge variety of bay cruises available: quick one-hour tours, more leisurely brunch and dinner cruises, and sailing trips on catamarans and sailboats. 

Check out my list of what I think are the best bay cruises .

Escapes from Alcatraz

Alcatraz was supposed to be escape-proof.

It had to be, because many of the prisoners there had already escaped from other federal prisons, and they were really bad guys.

Did they make it?

Most of the escape attempts resulted in death or recapture. But one in 1962 may have succeeded.

The video below tells the story and describes recent evidence of what may have really happened to those three prisoners.

A new book about this escape was recently published:  Inseparable , by David Kruh.

It's a fictional account of how this escape could have happened. It's gotten good reviews and is available through the author's website , or from Amazon .

More Tips on Visiting Alcatraz

For information on:

• How to get to Pier 33
• Taking the Alcatraz ferry
• What to bring
• What to see on the island

See my page on visiting Alcatraz .

Check out the best (and safest) places to park near Pier 33. 

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Alcatraz Tours

Escaping to Alcatraz ? Enjoy the trip. And make sure to check out the Parks Conservancy's award-winning "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour." The audio tour is included with the purchase of an Alcatraz tour ticket. Get your Alcatraz tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises here  or call (415) 981-ROCK (7625). 

Also try our unique Alcatraz Night Tours  and Behind the Scenes Tours . You’ll get access to hidden areas of the island on small tours led by NPS rangers and historical experts from the Parks Conservancy. No two tours are ever the same, perfect for a birthday or other special occasion. Get tickets today from Alcatraz City Cruises  and find more info about how you can Escape to Alcatraz !

To purchase Alcatraz tour tickets and for tour schedule information, call (415) 981-7625 or visit Alcatraz Cruises .

Be sure to buy tickets several days in advance (up to several weeks in summer), as tours sell out quickly. Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and get ready to have an exciting and memorable visit to The Rock!

Guided tours are offered each day by park rangers and other staff. You’ll learn about:

• The island’s natural history
• San Francisco Bay
• Civilian life of correctional officers
• Escape attempts
• Restored historical gardens

Alcatraz Tour Features

Fresh-air ferry ride Speed across the bay through the wind and salt spray as the ferry takes you from Pier 33 to one of the most infamous island prisons of all time. The make-believe home of Clint Eastwood in Escape from Alcatraz, the prison housed many a bad guy in its heyday.

Walk-in prison experience Step behind bars into the depths of a maximum-security cell house. See where prisoners ate, slept, exercised, or did time in the isolation of the “Treatment Unit,” or worse still, in the complete darkness of the “Hole.” Learn how some of the convicts made their escapes.

Sound and light Take advantage of the audiovisual aids to learn some history: the cell house audio tour features voices and stories of actual inmates and guards, and a video exhibit explains the birth of the Native American Red Power movement at Alcatraz.

Special Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz Historic Gardens Tours Join a garden docent for a walk through the restored historic gardens and learn about the softer side of the Rock. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock every Friday and Sunday at 9:30 am. On Wednesdays from 11 am–2 pm, have your questions answered by a gardener at the Officer’s Row overlook and enjoy a personal tour of these gardens.

Alcatraz Night Tour You can also experience the island at night on the Alcatraz Night Tour , a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors each evening. Called the “best tour of the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Chronicle, it includes special programs, tours, and activities offered only to the island’s night visitors.

The Alcatraz Night Tour operates year-round, Thursday-Monday evenings. The evening includes roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. To purchase tickets visit Alcatraz Cruises or call (415) 981-7625.

Proceeds from the Alcatraz Night Tour support preservation and restoration projects on Alcatraz and throughout the Golden Gate National Parks. For general (non-ticket) Night Tour information, please call (415) 561-4926.

Become an Alcatraz Night Tour volunteer —Volunteers with the Alcatraz Night Tour work in one of America’s most famous sites. Activities include welcoming and orienting arriving visitors, showing them some lesser known areas of the island as well as performing resource protection duties. If you would like to join our team as a VIP, please call the NPS volunteer hotline at (415) 561-4755, the Night Tour directly at (415) 561-4927.

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5 facts you probably didn't know about America's most notorious prison

By Elizabeth Stamp

Before it became among the world’s most infamous prisons, Alcatraz Island was just that, an island. But since the time the federal penitentiary opened in 1934, the location quickly turned into one of the world’s most infamous prisons. As a result, Alcatraz has long been a source of fascination for the public. The former federal penitentiary is set on a rocky 22-acre island located a mile and a half off the coast of San Francisco and once housed some of America’s highest-profile prisoners, including Al Capone, James “Whitey” Bulger, George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes, and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz.

The island was originally named Isla de los Alcatraces, or Isle of the Pelicans, by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, who sailed through the bay in 1775. Before bank robbers and gangsters occupied the cells, the island was a military prison and armoury. Thanks to the Gold Rush, San Francisco became an important port in the mid-19th century. In 1850, an executive order by President Millard Fillmore reserved the island for public use, and the US Army built a fortress to form, along with Fort Point and Lime Point, a “triangle of defense” for San Francisco Bay. The fort included 111 cannons, a wharf, a guard house, and a three-story citadel among its structures and defensive measures. The first lighthouse on the West Coast was also built on the island in 1854. According to the National Park Service, Alcatraz was used as an armory to protect weapons from being used by Confederate sympathizers, and the crew of a Confederate privateer and local citizens accused of treason were imprisoned on the island during the war. Today, Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination operated by the National Park Service and is home to gardens and hosts exhibitions by artists such as Ai Weiwei, but its penal history remains central to its legacy. While most people know of the Rock, there’s far more to the island than you’ll see on a tour or in the movies. Read on to learn the secrets of this infamous landmark.

Ground-Penetrating Radar Found Historic Fortifications on the Island

Alcatraz had been used to house prisoners since 1859, and by 1900, the prison population had grown to 441. In 1907, the Army redesignated Alcatraz as “Pacific Branch, US Military Prison, Alcatraz Island.” When the island’s purpose became carceral rather than defensive, the citadel was torn down, and a new cell house was built over the basement and moat. In 2019, archaeologist Timothy de Smet and other researchers from New York’s Binghamton University used a number of techniques like terrestrial laser scans, ground-penetrating radar data, and georectifications to uncover the remains of the citadel, including vaulted tunnels and bombproof traverse.

It Had Incredibly Strict Rules But Decent Food

The Army left Alcatraz in the 1930s, and the complex was transferred to the Bureau of Prisons, which used it to house incarcerated individuals deemed difficult, violent, or escape risks by other penitentiaries. According to the Bureau of Prisons, Alcatraz could accommodate 336 inmates, but the average population was 260–275. Inmates were not allowed to have newspapers or radios, and they didn’t receive original letters, but instead were given copies retyped by staff to prevent secret messages.

In her book Alcatraz Prison in American History, Marilyn Tower Oliver writes, “To keep escape attempts at a minimum, Alcatraz had a rule of silence. Prisoners were not to speak to one another in the cell block or dining hall.” One bright spot were the meals, which weren’t gourmet, but could have been worse. “Alcatraz ‘cuisine’ was considered the best in the federal prison system,” Jolene Babyak writes in Breaking the Rock: The Great Escape from Alcatraz. Inmates were served dishes such as grilled sausages, Swiss steak, spare ribs, and stuffed peppers.

There Were 14 Known Escape Attempts

Alcatraz’s isolated setting made it nearly impossible to escape, though there were certainly attempts. During the 29 years it was a federal prison, Alcatraz had 14 known escape attempts by 36 men, two of whom tried to escape twice.

Twenty-three men were caught, six were shot and killed, and two drowned. Five men’s fates are unknown, and they are listed as “missing and presumed drowned,” allowing the prison to boast that no one ever officially succeeded in escaping.

There Were Children on Alcatraz Island

Also inhabiting the island were the men who worked at the prison—and their families. “Surprisingly, about 60 families and ten or so bachelors had always resided on the Rock,” Babyak wrote in her book, Eyewitness on Alcatraz: True Stories of Families who Lived on the Rock. Babyak’s father served as superintendent of industries and later associate warden, and her family lived on Alcatraz for three years during her childhood. Most children would cross the bay daily to attend school in San Francisco. “At the top of our neighborhood was a maximum security penitentiary,” Babyak wrote. “Yet I saw prisoners only from a distance and paid little attention to them. Our parents frequently said they felt safer living on Alcatraz than in San Francisco.”

It Closed Following Several High-Profile Escape Attempts, But That’s Not Why It Shut Down

In June of 1962, Frank Morris, John Anglin, and his brother, Clarence Anglin, escaped from Alcatraz, leaving dummy heads in their beds. They were never found, and the escape placed scrutiny on the penitentiary. However, the decision to close Alcatraz the following year was financial according to the Bureau of Prisons. The island required $3–5 million dollars in repairs to stay open and the operating costs were three times as much as other federal prisons due to its remote location and the need to transport everything (including fresh water) by boat.

Indigenous Activists Occupied The Island For 19 Months

Alcatraz closed as a prison in 1963, and on March 9, 1964, five Sicangu Lakota occupied the island for four hours, declaring it indigenous land per the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. On November 20, 1969, a group of 78 Native American activists lead by Richard Oakes, calling themselves Indians of All Tribes, landed on Alcatraz and would occupy it for 19 months, claiming the land and planning to develop a Center for Native American Studies, a museum, a training school, as well as ecology and spiritual centers. The occupation ended on June 10, 1971 and brought attention to the fight for Native rights.

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Deseret News archives: Did the Alcatraz escapees make it?

Most think of alcatraz as an island tourist stop, or a great site for a movie. in 1962, it was an unescapable prison; then it wasn’t.

By Chris Miller

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On June 11, 1962, three prisoners at Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay staged an escape, leaving the island on a makeshift raft; they were never found or heard from again.

But many still wonder what happened to them. Including family, law enforcement and Hollywood.

John Anglin, Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris disappeared from the federal prison on Alcatraz Island 61 years ago. Whether the three men perished in chilly San Francisco Bay, as prison officials and federal agents insisted at the time, remains a subject of hot speculation because their bodies were never found.

Per historical reports, out of the 36 Alcatraz inmates who tried to flee before the prison was closed in March 1963, the three are the only ones who remain unaccounted for, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which maintains active arrest warrants on Morris and the Anglins.

Per alcatrazhistory.com, famous criminals who spent time as “guests of the federal prison system” were Al Capone, Alvin Karpis, “Machine Gun” Kelly, Mickey Cohn and James “Whitey” Bulger.

Robert Stroud became known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” and is likely the most famous, and perhaps, most violent inmate who stayed there.

Movies using Alcatraz as a setting include: “Point Blank” (1967), “The Enforcer” (1974), “The Rock” (1996), “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006), and of course, “Escape from Alcatraz” (1979). In total, more than 20 movies and dozens of TV shows have focused on “The Rock.”

A couple of details: Each cell was 5 feet by 9 feet in size. Inmates could have one visitor per month as approved by the warden. About 300 civilians lived on the island at any time, including spouses and children of the guards. It closed in 1963, mainly because of rising costs and the deterioration of the facility, per official reports.

Here are some interesting Alcatraz stories from Deseret News archives:

“ FBI re-creates decoy heads Alcatraz inmates used in escape ”

“ Once a prison, Alcatraz now top tourist lure ”

“ Night tour of Alcatraz Island is eerie ”

“ 7-year-old triumphs over Alcatraz ”

“ Alcatraz movie premiere has ‘em trying to break in”

“ Alcatraz: Former guard remembers notorious prisoners at ‘escape-proof’ island”

“ Only survivor of Alcatraz plot dies at 61″

“ ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ gets anniversary attention ”

“ Alcatraz film revisits 1969-71 takeover ”

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Aptos’ Skylar Osborne, 12, to confront fears in…

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Aptos’ skylar osborne, 12, to confront fears in alcatraz sharkfest swim | open water swimming.

The recent Valencia Elementary School graduate, who has battled bouts of anxiety since the COVID-19 pandemic, will be one of the youngest entrants to compete in the 31st annual Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim on Sunday morning, a 1 1/2 mile oceanic journey from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park Cove in San Francisco.

“The scariest part of getting in the water, there are sharks,” said Osborne, who checks in at 5 feet, 100 pounds, “and me being this tiny thing in so deep of water, where it’s huge and endless.

“Physically, I’m prepared, but mentally, we’ll see.”

Osborne has plenty of experience in water, but it’ll be her first open water swimming competition.

She has been a Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguard the past four years, after first gaining experience in Pool Guards and Guards at the Simpkins Family Swim Center. She’s also in her first year competing for the 12U competitive Santa Cruz Water Polo team.

Osborne said she had separation anxiety growing up and wherever her mother, Tina, went, she followed. Often that meant following her mom into the water.

Tina grew up swimming in the North Sea, off the coast of Germany. Her family moved to California and she attended Monta Vista High in Cupertino and later UC Santa Cruz, partly to be closer to the ocean. She never left and has embraced the beach life.

Tina has competed in four Mermaid Triathlons in Capitola. The Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim is a level up, figuratively speaking.

“We’re beginners at this,” Tina said. “We’re not doing triathlons on a regular basis or open water swims. All of us have some fears, but she’s gonna make it and see she can overcome her fears. And she’s going to realize, if she can do this, she can do anything.”

Osborne will be joined on the swim by her mother, as well as family friends Val Vigil and Jessica Santillano, both of whom are doctors, and roughly 600 other adrenaline and fitness junkies.

The Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim came up during a conversation between the friends on Thanksgiving, but Osborne, busy playing hide and seek, didn’t give it a ton of thought when her mother extended the invitation for her to join.

“My first thought was no way, that’s so dangerous,” Osborne said.

Dangerous is quickly becoming second nature. Osborne was training with the junior guards near Capitola earlier this week when she and her teammates were cleared from the ocean due to a shark sighting.

“She swam with a shark three days ago and got back in the water the next day and again yesterday,” Tina said Friday. “And the odds are a lot less that there will be a shark sighting during the swim. There’s going to be 600 of us, splashing around.”

There will also will also be dozens of safety officials among the swimmers, in kayaks.

Race organizer Enviro-Sports assures entrants on its website that the event has been safely run for more than 30 years. It also informs them that the biggest variable they’ll likely deal with is the tide.

That said, it also states that it’s not a race for novices, and that swimmers should be able to swim one mile comfortably in a pool in less than 40 minutes.

Osborne enjoys being in the pool and shallow ocean water.

“I like the feel of it,” she said. “It’s peaceful and calming.”

Both mom and daughter will wear wetsuits for their swim. Tina’s husband, DJ, a chief ROV pilot for Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and her 10-year-old son, Denali, will be cheering from shore.

Tina, a teacher at UCSC, plans to bring a small, water camera with her to capture the experience.

“I’m not trying to win it,” she said. “I’m trying to finish it, and enjoy it while doing it.”

Osborne has different take: “I’m going to try and go fast, so I can get it over with.”

She’s well versed in the history of Alcatraz and the dangerous waters that surround it. She knows the fabled story of the three inmates who escaped the former prison on a raft made of raincoats on June 11, 1962 — and that they were never seen or heard from again.

She also knows that more than 20,000 Alcatraz Sharkfest swimmers have reached shore safely, and wants to find out if she can do the same. It’s an undertaking not for the faint of heart.

Many who complete the swim like the Sharkfest tend to challenge themselves in other open water swims. Hearing that, Osborne is open to the idea of testing herself in other races, like the annual Rough Water Swim around the Santa Cruz Wharf, a 1-mile race.

“I would do that,” she said, without hesitation.

Sounds like she’s gaining confidence by the second.

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