Alcatraz City Cruises Day Tour

• Explore the windswept island and learn about its layered history through outdoor interpretive signs and guided interpretive programs, a Discovery Guide island map, and the award-winning audio guide “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.”
• Delve into the story of the influential 19-month occupation of Alcatraz by Native Americans in the exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of that event.
• Discover interesting facts about the American criminal justice system in the new permanent exhibit “The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States.”
• Get some fresh air in historic outdoor spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sally Port, and the Rose Garden.
• Enjoy scenic vistas across San Francisco Bay and up-close exterior views of the historic Cellhouse, Building 64, Warden’s House, Water Tower, Officer’s Club and Model Industries building.

Tips

• You will encounter stairs, steep walkways and gravel paths while touring Alcatraz Island, so wear comfortable shoes with grippy soles. Sandals, high heels and open-toe shoes are not recommended. The approximately ¼ mile from the dock to the Cellhouse ascends 130 feet in elevation, equivalent to a 13-story building.
• About half of the Alcatraz Island tour route is outside, so bring sunblock, sunglasses and a sun hat or other protective clothing and be prepared for rain, especially during winter and early spring.
• You can spend as much time on the island as you would like, but plan at least 3 hours for the roundtrip ferry ride plus the Cellhouse Tour.
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older. Minors must be supervised while visiting Alcatraz Island, at the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, and while on board Alcatraz City Cruises vessels.
• Standard backpacks, measuring 16” x 20” maximum, are allowed on Alcatraz City Cruises vessels and while visiting Alcatraz Island. Picnic baskets, coolers, luggage, and oversized bags are not allowed. There is no storage space for these types of personal items at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing or on Alcatraz Island.

Amenities

• Dining: There are no restaurants on Alcatraz Island; you can purchase a healthy snack on board any of the Alcatraz City Cruises vessels.
• Gift Shop: The Parks Conservancy operates a small store on the island with educational and commemorative merchandise.

Best Time to Visit

• You will generally encounter fewer crowds in winter; weekdays (especially mornings) tend to be less busy than weekends at any time of year.

Accessibility

• Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is fully accessible with an “Accessibility Drop Off Zone” located at the entrance. Accessible bathrooms are found at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing and on all Alcatraz City Cruises vessels. Visitors with mobility issues who are unable to make the climb up Alcatraz Island’s steep roads can take advantage of the S.E.A.T. tram, the accessible shuttle that runs between the Alcatraz Island dock and the Cellhouse. Get more information on accessibility.

Parking/Transportation

• There are 15 commercial lots within a five-block radius of Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing with a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. You can also use convenient public transportation. Get more information on parking/transportation.

Reservations Required.

Reservations for your Alcatraz City Cruises Day Tour are created on your behalf at the time of purchase.

Find helpful information for planning your park visits such as entry information, what's included with CityPASS® tickets, attraction hours and locations, and more, using the My CityPASS® app. Go to my.citypass.com to download the app for iPhone or Android or to use our browser-based web app.

See reservation and planning information.