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
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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 981 reviews
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.
bbereng, Oct 2025
It was a very interesting experience and I enjoyed the harbor views and learning the history of Alcatraz
Katherine_V, Oct 2025
I have always wanted to visit the iconic Alcatraz.
Booking was easy, the ferry well organised and the audio tour excellent. Views of the bay were beautiful, we even saw a passing whale.
Gelia_C, Oct 2025
Loved the Alcatraz tour. The bay tour wasn’t as great. For one thing about 30 people crowd the view so everyone else can’t really see anything. I don’t know what the tour people could do to change it because it’s not them it’s the other customers who are just not courteous at all. But I would definitely recommend the Alcatraz tour, not so much the bay tour.
louise_c, Oct 2025
Alcatraz visit is excellent, would recommend. However the evening SF Bay cruise was a little disappointing. We couldn’t hear the history being told as the boat engines were loud and there was too many young screaming children for my liking
Nicole_B, Oct 2025
There is zero need to pay this exorbitant fee to go to Alcatraz at night. There is no Bay cruise just a ferry. Weak.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback, and I’m truly sorry to hear the experience did not meet your expectations.
The Bay Cruise is a separate experience you booked. This is a one hour tour that goes around the bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge. We’re sorry you weren’t able to take the tour but rest assured it’s a flexible ticket so you can still take it anytime.
I understand why you felt disappointed, especially if the group size and access didn’t seem different from the day tour. To clarify, the night tour does generally offer a more limited-capacity experience because there is only one departure per evening in winter and three in summer, compared to up to 15 boats during the daytime. That means significantly fewer visitors overall on the island, but it is not a private tour.
The Alcatraz night tour also includes access to areas not available during the day, such as special programs with rangers and different perspectives of the cellhouse — but I’m sorry if this was not clearly communicated or didn’t feel meaningful during your visit.
Penny_P, Sept 2025
We weren't aware that the walking included steep hills. But it was manageable . Inside was slightly confusing with people going different ways.
John_K, Sept 2025
Make sure you turn up at least 30 mins before your set cruise time. The trip over to Alcatraz was very good and we got to see everything we wanted to like the cells the dining room the courtyard and they have a very good gift shop at the end of the tour.
LAUDELINA_R, Sept 2025
The tour itself is run efficiently and organized. It is very easy to locate, parking was across the street, less than a minute away. The ride was smooth & quick before you know it your there. The snacks available are good, fresh and did the job if you need a quick bite. Once on the Rock, you have a quick orientation and off you go to explore this very interesting wonder. There’s a souvenir shop to get some momentos. Once inside you’ll be audio guided through former correctional officers and convicts. Interesting stories, and if you visualize how it was, it’s even more impressive. What a place, what a history, so many intertwined and yet individualized, just fascinating. However, the flors are just the worst. Take a face net and a small hand fan, trust me, you’ll need it. Other than that it is a great experience.
Abbie_W, Sept 2025
Value was only ok. Schedule sent over email for bay cruise was incorrect. Near impossible to hear audio on Bay Tour. Also be aware the Alcatraz audio guide is just a pre-recorded audio guide like in a museum and wasn’t very long.
GEORGE_P, Sept 2025
The flies are terrible, they are on shore, on the boat and on the island. The workers act like guards. You are mostly on your own in an inhospitable place. This is not a pleasurable experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we’re truly sorry that your visit felt uncomfortable. Late summer can bring unusually high numbers of flies to the island due to natural seasonal conditions, and we understand how frustrating that can be. We also want every guest to feel welcomed, and we’ll be sure to pass along your comments about staff interactions so we can continue improving. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your experience.
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-10%
$125.10
per personWas $139.00
-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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