Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco, USA
- 2 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This convenient package gives you access to two separate essential San Francisco experiences—a visit to Alcatraz Island, and a sightseeing cruise. Instead of waiting in long ticket lines, this time-saving option helps you explore San Francisco more efficiently. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island where you can go inside the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and enjoy an audio guide. A San Francisco Bay cruise is also included with views of Pier 39's sea lions, the waterfront area, and the city's skyline. Please note, children 4 years old and younger do not need purchased tickets.
- Get to Alcatraz Island with ease—round-trip ferry tickets are included
- Enjoy audio commentary about former Alcatraz inmates—including Al Capone
- Choose a day to suit your schedule for the San Francisco Bay cruise
- Choose a daytime or nightime tour of Alcatraz in the evening
What's Included
- Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33
- 45-minute award-wining audio tour on Alcatraz Island
- Entrance/admission fee to Alcatraz Island (valued at $45.25 USD)
- 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise
- Narrated cruise and special exhibits and demonstrations (if nighttime Alcatraz option is chosen)
- Transportation to and from Pier 33 or Pier 39 (make your own way there)
- Food and Beverage
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Pier 33San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
The time you select at checkout is the time of your Alcatraz ferry. The ferry will leave on time at your specified departure time. Please arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time. For the Bay Cruise, exchange the voucher at the Blue and Gold Fleet box office at Pier 39.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
This Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay cruise combo package is ideal for travelers looking to check off two amazing experiences in one day.
On the day of your tour, make your way to San Francisco’s Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. You must board the ferry before that tour time as that’s when the ferry will take off from the pier.
Take the ferry over to Alcatraz Island, and once you arrive, explore the former-prison grounds by listening to an audio tour that’s available in nine languages for convenience. You can pause the audio tour whenever you’d like, and after it’s done, you can also explore the island independently, if you choose to.
After you’re done, take the ferry back to Pier 33 and, at the cruise time you chose, head to Pier 39—the pickup location for your San Francsico Bay cruise. On board, enjoy full narrations of landmarks with outdoor and indoor seating available. A main highlight of the cruise is going under the Golden Gate Bridge.
On the day of your tour, make your way to San Francisco’s Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. You must board the ferry before that tour time as that’s when the ferry will take off from the pier.
Take the ferry over to Alcatraz Island, and once you arrive, explore the former-prison grounds by listening to an audio tour that’s available in nine languages for convenience. You can pause the audio tour whenever you’d like, and after it’s done, you can also explore the island independently, if you choose to.
After you’re done, take the ferry back to Pier 33 and, at the cruise time you chose, head to Pier 39—the pickup location for your San Francsico Bay cruise. On board, enjoy full narrations of landmarks with outdoor and indoor seating available. A main highlight of the cruise is going under the Golden Gate Bridge.
1
Alcatraz Island
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
San Francisco Bay
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Golden Gate Bridge (Pass By)
Pier 39 (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Please note that this package is 2 separate tours - Alcatraz tour PLUS a separate Bay Cruise.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 992 reviews
Zlata_G, Jun 2026
Really easy to follow the audio tour and it is well done and super informative. It is perfect amount of time especially with young children.
Monica_V, Jun 2026
If going towards evening wear something warm, comfy shoes to walk and enjoy. There are restrooms and you buy sweatshirts if you forget to bring something warm.
Steven_B, Jun 2026
Well worth the hike up. It was a great audio tour and Inwiuld do it again. We learned a lot and the views are amazing.
Doug_M, Jun 2026
Very informative and educational excursion. Alcatraz was at your own pace and amazing experience. The Bay tour was a great time but dress warmly! Even in June it was cold!
sfmcmehlman, Jun 2026
Loved Alcatraz- had been on my “ to do list” for years. Worth it! People were saying since they take you on a boat you don’t need the separate bay cruise but I disagree. Bay cruise was beautiful and educational too. I didn’t do sunset version but could see how that would be worth it.
Marcel_B, Jun 2026
This was a great day magical and better then expected the experience highlighted my trip and I have so many great memories and pictures from the day
Hugo_Q, May 2026
Great overall value and experience, I really enjoyed the fact that I could take the ferry over the bay on a different day from the Alcatraz tour and the availability and logistics was great!
Kelly_S, May 2026
This was an amazing tour. Highly recommend it. It was so great to see the history of Alcatraz. And then a ride to see the sights from the water- Alcatraz, the seals, and The Golden Gate Bridge.
It was great!
Luz_G, May 2026
There wasn’t a Viator representative to help check in or give expectations. Just kinda got herded to ship by a security guard. For the exorbitant price of the tour I think it could have been better. Have done other Viator tours for much 1/3 the price with a better explanation and tour of the experience. I would suggest you buys tickets there when you arrive instead of through Viator.
AnneMarie_S, May 2026
It was very good… little pricey but unique very informative and interesting.. the boat ride was great and the audio tour was extremely interesting
Andrew_M, Apr 2026
Booking procedure straight forward and easy.Instructions were perfect.
Boat ride was 15 minutes approximately but felt quicker. Staff were professional.
On Alcatraz the Ranger briefing on the dock was helpful and explained what to do and where to go.
The whole Alcatraz experience was amazing and with the headphone system explaining step by step and where to go was very good.
A dissapointing part was some maintenance work on the building going in to the exercise yard and down the steps with scaffolding and Tarps.For me that is a iconic part of Alcatraz but I understand work has to be done.Its just a pity we wasn't informed when booking.
Overall a fantastic experience.
Ciara_S, Apr 2026
We did the 340 SF bay tour which gave us enough time to explore the pier and have some dinner beforehand. We were excited for the night tour but heads up, if you need the tram for medical issues, you will only have 45 minutes or 2 hours at Alcatraz due to the tram pickup times. Wish we would have gone earlier so we didn’t feel as rushed. But that’s poor planning on our part
Jared_W, Apr 2026
I bought a combined experience with the afternoon Alacatraz tour and the bay tour, not realizing they could not be done in the same day due to time constraints. They make it appear that they are linked, but they are completely separate tours, and you have to coordinate yourself!
Reem_R, Apr 2026
It was smooth everything what it stated in the instructions. I booked the 3:20 got there 45 minutes early, no problems at all.
Bogdan_A, Mar 2026
I called to take two events a trip to Alcatraz tour and a night bay cruise . I was told that the Alcatraz tour was at 6:30 pm and the night bay cruise was afterwards . I was told the Alcatraz tour started at pier33 and the bay cruise started at pier 39 . I asked several times what time does the night bay cruise start and was assured when we get back from Alcatraz. On Wednesday we arrived at pier 33 and went to Alcatraz and when returned we went to pier 39 to take the night bay cruise to find out the Blue and Gold is closed.
What a disappointment!
The sales persons at Viator gave me the wrong information. You need to train your staff on what they are selling and what are the hours of operation of the events.
I’ve paid for four tickets and only received two!
To me I was cheated out of two tickets for a bay cruise. I am very disappointed!
Sara_M, Feb 2026
The tour itself was great and very informative. The bay cruise and ferry crew make you feel comfortable and safe. The tour company was also very easy to communicate with and informative about a delay that was not their fault.
Nathan_T, Feb 2026
Every email I had from the day off booking this trip said it was at 3:30 pm, se we turned up at 2:30pm, thinking we had plenty of time to then find out the last trip was at 1:35pm, nice waste of money!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Nathan, we rescheduled you when you booked in October and chatted via the Viator portal about the new time and new tickets we sent you. We're very sorry for any confusion.
Nicholas_B, Feb 2026
The third party vendor was rude and not fit to do business. They re booked the trip with little notice and wouldn’t credit me back when. You can also book these tickets for Alcatraz on site for $42 this whole site is a complete rip off.
Akeem_H, Feb 2026
Just watch your step on all the steps when walking in and out the buildings.
Overall, a great experience and great knowledgeable guides
Maria_B, Jan 2026
The Alcatraz Night Tour is an unforgettable experience. Arriving after dark adds an eerie, powerful atmosphere that completely changes how you experience the island. The audio tour is incredibly well done, with former inmates and guards bringing the history to life. Exploring the cellhouse at night, hearing the stories, and taking in the city lights from the island made this one of the most memorable experiences in San Francisco. Absolutely worth it—highly recommend doing it at night.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks for your review, Maria! Glad you enjoyed your experience!
Tina_S, Dec 2025
It’s amazing experience and very interesting, beautiful views and lots of photo opportunities
Highly recommended
Daniel_C, Dec 2025
Too expensive. Almost everything was closed and restricted. Only 1st floor is for sightseeing. Great view from boat.
Kelly_C, Dec 2025
You do not get an hour tour of the bay, we were shuffled to and from the island. There is no one speaking on the boat, thought they would have facts about the city, etc. The tour of Alcatraz is fine, it’s pre-recorded and interesting to see the island and you can explore all the areas. Not worth $149/per ticket. Would not spend the money again.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi Kelly, the Bay Cruise is a separate excursion to the Alcatraz ferry. It's an additional tour. The information is included in your booking. This cruise is a flexible ticket and can still be taken anytime.
John_w, Dec 2025
We had a great time at the night tour! I broke my leg the month before and I was able to take the trany up to Alcatraz and was also taken back down!!
Jason_K, Nov 2025
Did tghe alcatraz and bay golden gate bridge excursion read online instructions from one to the other was confusing couldn't be further from the truth all the information was 1st class accurate and clear great company to use cruise along the bay / bridge was fantastic
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks Jason! We're glad you enjoyed your day.
Patrick_W, Nov 2025
Tour was very informative and staff was friendly and Professional. You learn a lot about the original mission of the island and it’s progression to Federal prison and then the impact it had on Native American civil rights which was something I was unaware of.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Glad you enjoyed Alcatraz, Patrick. We agree the history of the island is super interesting, glad you had a great experience.
Dan_D, Nov 2025
My son and I booked the Night Alcatraz Tour and the 1-Hour Bay Cruise. Everything went very smooth, absolutely perfect!!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks, Dan! Appreciate your note. Hope you enjoyed your time in San Francisco!
Anonymous, Nov 2025
Beautiful boat ride over to the island, got the full experience in the day amd life of an inmate. Totally worth it. Note step hills to climb, if not able consider the free shuttle
Anthony_M, Oct 2025
There is more to Alcatraz than meets the eye. The interior shows the signs of time, and this visit was a spectacular follow-up after watching the movie, Escape from Alcatraz.
Extra efforts were taken by Park Service to protect nature and wildlife. After seeing the multitude of seagulls in the recreation yard amd around the island, I think it should be renamed "Jailbird Island" 🐦 🐦⬛
Clare_S, Oct 2025
Very interesting audio tour of the cell block facility. It would be improved by having a similar audit history and structure when touring the rest of the island.
Very interesting displays, but we were unable to read them all due to the boat schedule to return back to SF.
In hindsight I would take the day option to have more time and there was no difference to the tour between day and night.
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