• 14 reviews | 918 travellers
    It was amazing, a very interesting and impressive place, and the audio guide was narrated in a very easy-to-understand way and takes you step by step through the entire tour.
    10 Enrique Antonio
from
US$ 63.94
See availability

Explore one of America's most famous prisons on this immersive trip to Alcatraz Island with an audio guide, where you'll learn about American history, justice, and resistance. Round-trip ferry ticket and island admission included!

Tour Details

One of San Francisco's must-sees is Alcatraz prison. To visit, simply make your way to Pier 33, where our ferry departs: Alcatraz City Cruises, the only authorized official provider with exclusive ferry services to Alcatraz Island.

In just a 20-minute crossing, you'll arrive at "The Rock". Still debating about whether Alcatraz is worth a visit? Trust us, you won't regret it!

Once you get off the ferry, you'll have all the free time you need to explore the world's most famous high-security prison. But why is it so famous? How did this uninhabited island become one of the United States' great defensive strongholds?

Thanks to your audio guide in English, you'll discover the history of Alcatraz, from its beginnings as a fort in 1850 to its role as a prison between 1934 and 1963. As you walk around the grounds, you'll learn about the prisoners who have passed through its cells, as well as details of escape attempts. Did you know Alcatraz Island had infamous inmates like Al Capone, the gangster Machine Gun Kelly, and Robert Stroud, known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz"?

You'll also see the prison's dining halls and courtyard with your own eyes, which is the best way to learn about the inmates' way of life.

At the time of your choosing, you can take the ferry back to Pier 33. You'll have visited one of the most feared maximum-security federal prisons in the United States!

Alcatraz Evening Tour

If you want to make your visit to this prison even more special, you can book the option of visiting Alcatraz at night. This way, you'll enjoy a much more intimate experience, discovering Alcatraz Island when most of the visitors have left.

In addition to admiring the views of the illuminated San Francisco Bay, you'll be able to access areas of the prison that are closed during the day. To make the experience even more complete, you can enjoy a special night programme run by the island's guards. 

Please note that this evening tour is only available from Tuesday to Saturday.

Explore one of America's most famous prisons on this immersive trip to Alcatraz Island with an audio guide, where you'll learn about American history, justice, and resistance. Round-trip ferry ticket and island admission included!

Tour Details

One of San Francisco's must-sees is Alcatraz prison. To visit, simply make your way to Pier 33, where our ferry departs: Alcatraz City Cruises, the only authorized official provider with exclusive ferry services to Alcatraz Island.

In just a 20-minute crossing, you'll arrive at "The Rock". Still debating about whether Alcatraz is worth a visit? Trust us, you won't regret it!

Once you get off the ferry, you'll have all the free time you need to explore the world's most famous high-security prison. But why is it so famous? How did this uninhabited island become one of the United States' great defensive strongholds?

Thanks to your audio guide in English, you'll discover the history of Alcatraz, from its beginnings as a fort in 1850 to its role as a prison between 1934 and 1963. As you walk around the grounds, you'll learn about the prisoners who have passed through its cells, as well as details of escape attempts. Did you know Alcatraz Island had infamous inmates like Al Capone, the gangster Machine Gun Kelly, and Robert Stroud, known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz"?

You'll also see the prison's dining halls and courtyard with your own eyes, which is the best way to learn about the inmates' way of life.

At the time of your choosing, you can take the ferry back to Pier 33. You'll have visited one of the most feared maximum-security federal prisons in the United States!

Alcatraz Evening Tour

If you want to make your visit to this prison even more special, you can book the option of visiting Alcatraz at night. This way, you'll enjoy a much more intimate experience, discovering Alcatraz Island when most of the visitors have left.

In addition to admiring the views of the illuminated San Francisco Bay, you'll be able to access areas of the prison that are closed during the day. To make the experience even more complete, you can enjoy a special night programme run by the island's guards. 

Please note that this evening tour is only available from Tuesday to Saturday.

How Does It Work?

  • The time you choose during the booking process is for the ferry to Alcatraz.
  • To take the ferry between Alcatraz and Pier 33 and vice versa, you must arrive at least 30 minutes before the time indicated on your booking.
View complete description

More Information

Language

The activity takes place with an audioguide in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Japonese, Dutch and Korean. The activity takes place with an audioguide in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Japonese, Dutch and Korean.

Included

Round–trip ferry between Pier 33 and Alcatraz Island

Admission to Alcatraz Island

Audio guide in English

When to book?

You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - How long is the ferry ride?

    A - The ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island takes approximately 12–15 minutes.

  • Q - How long should visitors plan for the experience?

    A - Guests typically spend 2–3 hours total including ferry travel and time exploring the island.

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis, we offer tickets at official prices, with full transparency and exclusive benefits for our users. In a few exceptional cases (less than 5%), these rates may be slightly higher than the ticket office price as they include booking fees and/or audio guides. The advantage is that your spot is guaranteed, and you won’t have to wait in line at the ticket office(although there may still be wait time at security and to access the monument).

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Alcatraz City Cruises Corporate name: Alcatraz Cruises LLC Registered Office: Millenia Park One, 4904 Vineland RD STE 200, Orlando, United States Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 33-2580877 Contact information Email: citycruisesota@cityexperiences.com Phone: 1-415-981-7625

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Pier 33.

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