San Francisco Alcatraz App Guided Tour with Cruise and Jail House
San Francisco, USA
- 1 to 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
What's Included
- App Guide
- Unlock secret stories, audio, and music
- Official Alcatraz ticket, including ferry ride to the island (Value of $48)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Pier 33San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Your tour will start at Pier 33
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Pier 33
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Alcatraz Island
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.7
based on 103 reviews
Denita_T, Jul 2026
Fun and exciting, lots of information, great history. It was interesting to hear about how the jail original started and how the prison was ran.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
John_B, Jul 2026
Just book thru the NPS. I didn't really understand how this tour worked I should have paid closer attention. I was supposed to listen to my phone. The park service already has a guided audio jail house tour. I really don't know what I would have gained by listening to my phone audio. Waist of money!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and apologize for not meeting your expectations. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take concerns like yours seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing, please contact us with more details so we can review the situation and work toward a resolution.
Judy_M, Jul 2026
Communication was very unclear! The time was changed on our tour on text but stayed same on email! very confusing! Narration was horrific! We ended up taking the headphones that the site uses. Trying to get the narration to the rest of the party was also horrific. Very poor experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and apologize for not meeting your expectations. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take concerns like yours seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing, please contact us with more details so we can review the situation and work toward a resolution.
Danielle_C, Jul 2026
Don’t do it. Not worth the time or money. It ate up our whole day. Huge tourist trap. There’s nothing to see at Angel island and you’re there for 3hours! No joke worst experience ever.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and apologize for not meeting your expectations. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take concerns like yours seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing, please contact us with more details so we can review the situation and work toward a resolution.
Olga_F, Jul 2026
We were supposed to visit Alcatraz with an app guide for almost $300 for two people. This was explicitly described as Alcatraz jail visit and optional angel Island visit. It turned out that the ferry took us all the way to Angel Island without a stop at Alcatraz and we were told we need to wait almost 4 hours to get to Alcatraz island. It was completely in conflict with description of the trip at the via website, as well as on the tickets that we received. We are waiting three days now for a refund and have no commitment from via what will happen. This is totally unacceptable and disaster experience, it’s not so much about the money but it’s about waste of time and lost opportunity to see something. We really wanted to see the premium pricing makes it much worse.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and apologize for not meeting your expectations. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take concerns like yours seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing, please contact us with more details so we can review the situation and work toward a resolution.
Adriana_A, Jul 2026
It was well organized and so worth it.. First time in San Francisco and the tour was excellent. Definitely I will come back again.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Arnold_L, Jul 2026
We were never sent our code for our tickets. We got in line first, put out of line and had to go to ticket station. I called and they never respond,never.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We're sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what happened so we can improve. If you're willing, please let us know more about your experience.
Hasaan_A, Jul 2026
It was really great to learn about the island. I learned more information about what was really going on there
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Darren_M, Jun 2026
Be prepared for the wind during transport to and from the island. The experience on the island was great. Very educational and the audio headsets are a must.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Cindee_K, Jun 2026
It was a great experience. I could learn the history of Alcatraz island. The scenery was great and the audio tour was excellent.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Vickie_M, Jun 2026
The guided tour was literally small snippets of a podcast you could get for free. My daughter found a better podcast for free on Spotify. Also the cell block tour audio is free, just buy the tickets for the ferry $48 per person and save yourself some cash.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and apologize for not meeting your expectations. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take concerns like yours seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing, please contact us with more details so we can review the situation and work toward a resolution.
Carolyn_C, Jun 2026
Interesting tour. Definitely listen to the audio. We met a former inmate that was there selling his book. Great to see he’s making an honest living now at 93.!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Jackie_G, Jun 2026
Alcatraz itself was wonderful, highly recommend. I do not recommend booking the night tour as it is double the price and does not include anything extra, per Alcatraz and viator staff. I booked this tour expecting to get the ranger led sessions and the extra access, however upon checking in, I was not given the necessary “sticker”. When I realized this and tried to rectify it, they told me they wouldn’t fix it on the island and I needed to go back to port (not realistic since I was on the island already). When I contacted Viator to dispute this, since I paid $96 for the standard $48 tour, they basically told me to fly a kite and they had nothing to do it. Therefore I do not recommend booking this, or if you do, make sure you have the right tour before you leave the island.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and apologize for not meeting your expectations. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take concerns like yours seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing, please contact us with more details so we can review the situation and work toward a resolution.
Emre_H, Jun 2026
Very interesting, audio guide really helped a lot definitely worth visiting , kids loved it too, very easy boarding to vessel
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Nora_A, Jun 2026
Very easy to use. Very informative. Alcatraz was truly amazing. One more check off my bucket list!!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Lisa_M, Jun 2026
Very historic in nature. Only way to the island is on the ferry. Basic information was given on the boat but more details were provided during the tour itself by the park.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your experience. We also appreciate your comments and will continue working to make every visit even better. We hope to see you again soon!
Josh_K, Jun 2026
Very confusing. Got to the area we were told to be at and early and staff wouldn’t accept our ticket from Viator and had to get out of line to go get a QR code ticket as they wouldn’t accept what was sent to us (barcode ticket). Staff was rude at the counter and at the gate.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We're sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what happened so we can improve. If you're willing, please let us know more about your experience.
Neal_G, Jun 2026
Great Tour. I probably should have left more time to see Alcatraz, but I was on a slightly time crunch to get somewhere else afterwards.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Mary_C, Jun 2026
The guided portion is done really well. We spent 2 hours soaking in the whole area. The Native American exhibit was very enlightening. Worth the trip!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Kim_A, Jun 2026
We will definitely be booking future tours with you.
Was a great experience and our family from Kansas thoroughly enjoyed themselves!!🙏
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Roger_S, Jun 2026
Get ready for alot of walking up and down steep hills and uneven terrain. That said alcatraz was sooooo fascinating.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
kelly_O, Jun 2026
For what we paid was overpriced no tour was included which didn't happen a ticket at the pier was a cost of $124 aus dollars and you charged $218 so not very happy feeling ripped off
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We're sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what happened so we can improve. If you're willing, please let us know more about your experience.
Diana_S, Jun 2026
Alcatraz island is very windy so tie your hair back and hold onto your hat! Everything is an uphill climb, the path is well marked be a bit uneven so wear comfortable walking shoes. An audio tour in several languages is included with your ticket so there is no need for an extra app! There is a lot to see so expect to stay about 2 hours.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Alisa_C, Jun 2026
This was something we had put off every time we came to sf for the last 30+ years.So glad we did ! It was great! Lots of history on that island and not just a prison!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Jan_N, Jun 2026
The ride out was terrific with excellent views.
We weren’t prepared or aware there are a lot of very steep and long walks to get to the prison.
The prison audio tour is excellent.
We wish NPS had some movie into as they have in most parks and missed that.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your experience. We also appreciate your comments and will continue working to make every visit even better. We hope to see you again soon!
Dawn_M, Jun 2026
Ferry ride was very nice. Audio tour with head phone set was great. Allot of walking but shuttles were available for those who needed it.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Dale_P, Jun 2026
Great tour although do not do the Pintours app, waste of time. Your get audio there which was very good.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your experience. We also appreciate your comments and will continue working to make every visit even better. We hope to see you again soon!
Callie_S, Jun 2026
I didn’t think paying extra for the app was worth it. They give you an audio set when you get in the main part of Alcatraz. I think this was enough and reading the signs throughout. Also the times were not correct and this took more than 2 hours to complete. Long lines for the ferry service and not enough seats on the ferry.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We're sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what happened so we can improve. If you're willing, please let us know more about your experience.
Edwina_F, Jun 2026
The boat cruise to Alcatraz and the admission itself were fantastic. Unfortunately, the self-guided app was a major disappointment.
The app was extremely clunky and difficult to use. The audio guide narration sounded unprofessional and was often distracting, with frequent “ums” and “ahs,” awkward delivery, and even an audible sniff at one point. We eventually turned the app off and switched to the official audio guides provided by the staff at Alcatraz, which were far superior.
The app also asks whether you’d like background music. We selected “no,” but the music still played throughout the tour. For something that costs extra, the overall experience was frustrating and poor value for money.
My recommendation is to simply purchase the cruise and entry ticket and skip the self-guided app altogether.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and apologize for not meeting your expectations. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We take concerns like yours seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing, please contact us with more details so we can review the situation and work toward a resolution.
Annette_H, Jun 2026
This was a great tour. We really enjoyed it. It took a little over 2 hours from the time we boarded the ferry until we got back to Pier 33.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you again soon!
Likely to Sell Out
From $76.49
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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