Alcatraz Inside Access Ferry and Audio Tour with Night Option
San Francisco, USA
+13
- 2 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
What's Included
- Round-trip ferry tickets to Alcatraz Island
- Official Alcatraz admission
- Immersive audio tour from start to finish
- Official Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour
- Food & Drink
- Live Tour Guide
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Pier 33San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Please go to Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) approximately 30 minutes before your departure time. Boarding will begin 15 minutes prior. Make sure you have the QR codes that will be sent the day before and go directly to the boarding line (not the ticket line).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Alcatraz Island
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 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
4.0
based on 279 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Sebastian_C, Aug 2026
The place is great, however the tour company completely ruined our experience, they disnt sent the ticket(somehow he was mad because we call and theyr were sleeping) then without notification he changed our hour and impacted our full plan!
Maria_G, Jul 2026
Great trip, services were awesome, staff were very attentive and helpful. The weather is a little chilly.
Alexandra_M, Jul 2026
We were refused entry. They didn’t accept the viator vouchet. Absolutely disappointing.
Telephone support didn’t help at all.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and we're sorry to hear your experience didn't go as planned.
After reviewing your booking, we found that the departure was missed due to a late arrival. During the summer season, our boats operate at full capacity, which is why we ask all guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Unfortunately, once a boat is full and departs, we're unable to accommodate late arrivals, which we understand can be frustrating, especially after contacting phone support.
We're sorry for the inconvenience this caused and understand how disappointing this must have been. We'd truly welcome the opportunity to make things right on your next visit to San Francisco — please reach out to us directly beforehand and we'll do everything we can to ensure a smooth experience.
Carly_S, Jul 2026
Great communication with Viator & Alcatraz ferry company. Emails and text with QR code tickets and reminders to arrive early.
Ferry was clean and traveled on time. Tour was lovely- my teenager liked that it was self guided w audio tour that was not boring or too long.
Tory_F, Jul 2026
It’s a must see if you are in California
Was always curious
Very well organized with ferry and lots of time to get back on ferry when done
Audio was very good
Georgios_T, Jul 2026
Very good experience. I managed to book tickets last minute (one day before). While I saw negative comments and was a bit reluctant, everything went smooth - I booked and then received a link with the QR code and all the detailed info and instructions. Very smooth and easy process. I couldn’t find tickets through the official tour “Alcatraz city cruises” but Viator had availability and they send you the link with the QR code of the official provider, very smooth and easy process.
Mary_B, Jul 2026
So much history, so well done! Well worth the trip. Only place like it and worth being preserved and shared
KERRIE_D, Jul 2026
Download the app before you go to Alcatraz. Also, make sure you have hardcopy photo identification, we were asked for this at the counter when we arrived at pier 33.
Adam_S, Jul 2026
This was my second time to Alcatraz and if I had known that a lot of it was closed I wouldn't have gone.
Saige_M, Jul 2026
Super fun experience - I appreciated the reasonable prices of both the trip and souvenirs at the gift shop. Even though the lines can be long to board the ferry they move quickly and efficiently and I was able to get there and back without any trouble on an extremely busy day. For any noise sensitive travelers, such as myself, I recommended bringing Loops or noise canceling headphones - lots of excited children, a loud boat, and seagulls with plenty to say. I traveled by myself and spent a good 3.5 hours wandering around reading and taking photos.
Hannah_F, Jul 2026
Unfortunately, it was a terrible experience buying these tickets through Viator.
I had never had an issue before until now.
My niece had never been to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. So I bought a package deal that included the ferry ride to the island and an audio tour once we were inside Alcatraz.
I purchased these tickets through Viator but these tickets were “operated” by another party, Must See. Which I wasn’t aware of until I had an issue trying to use my tickets. For some ODD reason that company’s name (Must See) appeared as the ticket holder instead of my name.
It was so embarrassing when we were asked to step aside because these tickets were invalid. Needless to say I was confused and so upset, especially since I paid $190 for these two tickets.
Just for the record, my name did appear on the tickets, but underneath in fine print it had the words operated by Must See. I didn’t think that was going to be an issue.
So here we were on the phone with Viator, instead of getting on the ferry. FYI: if you miss your ferry time you have a 50-50 chance of getting on the next ferry, IF they aren’t full. It didn’t help that it was a Saturday, so this tour was sold out and each ferry was extremely full.
I was on the phone with Viator for about 40 minutes trying to fix this problem, they were never able to get on the phone with Must See to correct the issue.
All I got was a “I’m so sorry speech” from Viator. They weren’t even willing to give me my money back because it was a non-refundable tour, even though this was an issue on their end.
The woman I spoke to kept telling me that they were going to investigate this issue before considering a refund. I don’t know how many times she told me it was a non-refundable ticket, so of course it didn’t give me much hope.
It felt like such a scam.
Luckily my husband immediately called our credit card and told them the issue. They were very helpful and quick in stopping that payment.
Aleace_B, Jul 2026
Quick ferry ride with self guided tour. Beautiful views and educational as well. Would visit again any time .
Deanna_E, Jul 2026
This was interesting! If you like history you will enjoy this, very sad but interesting! The ferry ride was very smooth considering the bay is so choppy
Leigha_B, Jul 2026
Absolutely phenomenal tour! Loading was beyond easy, just walked right through the line. Had access to all open areas on Alcatraz island and was able to roam as freely and safely as allowed! (Absolutely recommend cell tower audio tour provided on the island while walking through the prison. Voiced by Alcatraz inmates!) as easy as it was to load and get there was as easy to leave and safely return! (Ferries run every 30 minutes, I spent 5 hours on the island!)
Nirtika_C, Jul 2026
This tour is on the official tour boat and you get to go on the island. You might have to call Viator to get the QR code sent to you so make sure you arrive 30 minutes before departure. The boat will only accept the QR code so make sure you have it - I had a little issue with this but Viator was able to send it to me. Try to book using the official website but if it's sold out then this is a good option but it is almost double the price.
JamesCharles_B, Jul 2026
Night tour didn't seem to have the exclusive access that day tours don't get. Would have been nice to stay later but island doesn't stay open past 9:45 pm.
Jamie_W, Jul 2026
A must see. Very interesting and a must see. Never remembered seeing this. I believe it was kept out the news and should be seen by all.
Bryan_G, Jul 2026
The entire point of the night tour is to see parts that you cant see on the day tour… unless all those areas are closed which was not shared with us prior to the trip. The app needs to be downloaded before leaving the dock but no one really shares that it isnt what is provided in the audio tour which is really what’s more useful. This tour is 100% not worth $350.
Kimberly_G, Jul 2026
Be prepared to walk. Although there are only 12 acres, and a lot of the sections are closed down or blocked off, you can get in quite a bit of walking. So wear comfortable shoes. I absolutely appreciated the Native American exhibition. It teaches us a lot about their reclamation of the island. I also really appreciated and liked the audio tour about the inside of the prison. It was engaging. Take your time and don't rush it.
And bring single dollar bills! To get the tour maps (several different options on the island), you need to donate a $1 -dollar bill - each time. Worth it.
Eileen_N, Jul 2026
Just make sure you have your walking shoes on and keep warm!! We just absolutely loved this experience and definitely something we’ve always wanted to do!!!
manuel_h, Jul 2026
Amazing experience and amazing people working and would absolutely do this tour again. The instructions and where to go was very well informative
Kevin_W, Jul 2026
Did not like the audio part of tour. We got messed up in the beginning and could not find a way to rewind or fast fwd so was unable to get back in sync with audio, so did not learn anything about the place other than visually seeing it.
Anna_W, Jul 2026
Very good tour - easy boat ride and plenty of time to walk around Alcatraz with audio guide. Recommend for any age group
Debbie_W, Jun 2026
It was interesting and educational. The ferry ride was short and easy to access. I was happy with our experience.
Charles_O, Jun 2026
Upon arriving at Pier 33 as instructed, I presented the tickets provided by Viator. However, the local operator’s kiosk system could not verify the booking under my name. Instead, the reservation was listed under the name "Tom Tucker". Because I could not provide an ID for Tom Tucker, my party was denied entry and subsequently missed the tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Charles Ospina Betancourth,
We are very sorry about your experience. This is not what we want for our customers. That's why we ask customers to arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. After verification, we noticed that you arrived after the departure time. Alcatraz was sold out that day, which meant the team was unable to place you on the next boat.
It is very important to arrive 30 minutes before departure to avoid missing the tour. Please let us know if you would like to reschedule for another date, and we would be happy to arrange that for you.
Thank you.
Josh_B, Jun 2026
Wear a jacket if it's the night tour. Every thing else was really good. Don't need to change anything
Stacy_P, Jun 2026
Hills are steep. There is a tram. Lots of baby seagulls. The flowers were surprisingly beautiful!!! It was warmer than in the city.
Anansa_H, Jun 2026
Get there early to find parking. The lines get long quick. Once you get off so many places to eat or walk around the pier. Had a blast. Weather was perfect not to hot not to cold! Perfect!!
Dominique_M, Jun 2026
What a great experience, walking through Alcatraz the path so many walked was an experience I will never forget. Must see
Jason_D, Jun 2026
Such a great experience! Was so much more fun and informative than I thought it would be. :) Two thumbs up!
Likely to Sell Out
From $90.99
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Alcatraz Inside Access Ferry and Audio Tour with Night Option
279
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$90.99
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- City Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Bus Tours
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- San Francisco
- Half-day Tours - Sausalito
- Bus Tours - Sausalito
- City Tours - Oakland
- Half-day Tours - Oakland
- Bus Tours - Oakland
- City Tours - Napa & Sonoma
- Half-day Tours - Napa & Sonoma
- Bus Tours - Napa & Sonoma
Attractions in San Francisco, USA
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) Tours & Tickets
- De Young Museum Tours & Tickets
- Market Street Tours & Tickets
- Ocean Beach San Francisco Tours & Tickets
- Cliff House Tours & Tickets
- Vesuvio Cafe Tours & Tickets
- Marin County Tours & Tickets
- Baker Beach Tours & Tickets
- USS Pampanito Tours & Tickets
- Tiburon Tours & Tickets
- Conservatory of Flowers Tours & Tickets
- Ferry Building Tours & Tickets
- Napa Valley Wine Train Tours & Tickets
- Lombard Street Tours & Tickets
- The Castro Tours & Tickets