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 1,009 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
cynthia_b, Aug 2026
The boat ride was windy and cold (even though we went in August) take a sweatshirt. The views on the boat are amazing. Look at the water and how rough it is. You'll remember it when the tour audio talks about swimming/escape. Wear comfortable shoes, lots of walking up and downhill. Unimaginable living conditions, but then remember the time and dates, probably better than some had at home. We will be back, next time to do the night tour. That would be fun and probably spooky too!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed review! We’re glad you enjoyed the incredible views from the ferry and the unique experience of exploring Alcatraz.
Your tips about bringing a sweatshirt, wearing comfortable shoes, and being prepared for the hills are very helpful for future visitors. The stories of the escape attempts and the conditions inside the prison certainly take on a different meaning once you experience the island and surrounding waters firsthand.
We’re especially happy to hear that you’re planning to come back for the Night Tour. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to see you again in the future for another memorable experience!
Maria_B, Aug 2026
Sight see at your own pace. It’s a page out of American history with colorful characters from our criminal past.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad you enjoyed being able to explore Alcatraz at your own pace and discover such an important and fascinating part of American history.
The island’s stories and colorful characters truly make the visit unique. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to see you again in the future for another memorable experience!
Chris_G, Aug 2026
It was an awesome experience, very well made up. Was not sure how to get the second tour until I asked somebody from the company. They had told me I needed to go to another pier after I got done with the Alcatraz tour. We went to pier 39 and the lady at the ticket booth asked for our voucher and gave use tickets.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you had an awesome time and enjoyed the overall tour. We’re also glad our team was able to explain how to access the second part of the experience and direct you to Pier 39 to exchange your voucher for the additional cruise tickets.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again in the future for another enjoyable and memorable experience!
Kelsey_S, Aug 2026
Just get a regular ticket to Alcatraz. The bay cruise was like a side note that you’d have to chase down tickets for and go on a separate boat ride. Pretty sure I over paid for this tour when there was no coordination with a guide. You’re just part of the regular “heard” getting on and off the Alcatraz boat. Don’t get me wrong, we had a good time. But I paid a lot extra for nothing.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Alcatraz, but we’re sorry that the overall package did not meet your expectations.
The Alcatraz visit and Bay Cruise are separate experiences and may operate from different departure locations and schedules. We understand that this may not have been as clear or as convenient as you expected when booking. We also appreciate your comments regarding the value of the package and the level of coordination.
Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve how the experience and inclusions are communicated to future guests. Thank you again for sharing your experience.
John_H, Aug 2026
The additional Golden Gate Bridge portion of this tour is very misleading. I was of the impression that the boat that took us to Alcatraz would also be taking us over to the bridge. That was not the case. The bridge portion of the tour required a different boat, so a separate trip, and that boat left from a totally different location ( pier 39, not pier 33). Needless to say I did not get to experience that piece of what was included in the price.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and we're sorry the Bay Cruise portion didn't work out as you expected.
To clarify: this package includes two separate cruises — the Alcatraz ferry and the San Francisco Bay Cruise, which passes the Golden Gate Bridge. They are operated as two distinct experiences and depart from different piers. Our listing's meeting point section notes that the Alcatraz ferry departs from Pier 33 at the time selected at checkout, and that the Bay Cruise voucher is exchanged at the Blue and Gold Fleet box office at Pier 39.
We understand that this wasn't clear to you at the time of booking, and we're sorry you missed out on a portion of the experience. Feedback like yours helps us see where our booking information could be made clearer, and we'll be reviewing how prominently this detail appears in our listing and confirmation materials.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention
Joel_J, Jul 2026
Just as advertised. fast service to and from island . multiple pick ups from the island, steady boats two and from island.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your great review! We’re glad to hear that everything was just as advertised and that you enjoyed the smooth and efficient ferry service to and from Alcatraz. The multiple return ferry options definitely make it easier to explore the island at your own pace. We truly appreciate you choosing us!
Ann_K, Jul 2026
We had the night tour of Alcatraz. It was so great to see it in the evening, as it was less crowded. In addition, there we nighttime only ranger talks which we loved. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Alcatraz night tour and appreciated the quieter evening atmosphere. The special ranger talks offered at night can make the experience even more unique and memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are glad you had such a great visit!
William_H, Jul 2026
Amazing views of San Francisco. Must do. BUT WEAR WARM CLOTHES. I wish someone told me that the Bay Area by the sea was so windy and cool even during the summer. I just wore a long sleeve shirt, I wasn’t freezing but still I would have preferred a windbreaker jacket for sure. My only other issue is that I really wish there were actual human guides on Alcatraz. Instead you just get a listening device that you wear with headphones as you walk past. I think they feel that it’s unique because I believe that some of the narrators are former Alcatraz convicts or guards, but it got quite confusing because I think some sections of the prison, like the dining hall were closed when I went and the recording just plays, you can skip sections but it’s not so clear. Also no guides means no questions. Note that there are crowds, a lot of people go. Again finally, it’s worth it just for the incredible views of SF alone. Truly magnificent. I went during sunset and it was a picture perfect view from the boat ride on to off.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the incredible views of San Francisco, especially during sunset. The scenery from the Bay and Alcatraz truly can be unforgettable.
Thank you again for your honest feedback and for recommending the experience. We hope to see you again in the future for another memorable visit to San Francisco!
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.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you found the audio tour easy to follow, informative, and well organized. We’re especially glad the timing worked well for your family and made the experience enjoyable with young children.
Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to see you again in the future for another memorable experience!
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.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience and these helpful tips for future visitors! Dressing warmly for an evening visit and wearing comfortable shoes can definitely make the experience more enjoyable. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again in the future for another memorable experience!
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.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the audio tour, learned a lot, and found the views well worth the hike. It’s great to know you would do the experience again. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again in the future for another memorable experience!
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!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you found the excursion informative and educational and enjoyed exploring Alcatraz at your own pace. We’re also glad you had a great time on the Bay tour, and we appreciate your helpful tip about dressing warmly for future visitors. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to see you again in the future for another memorable adventure!
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.
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