Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States

Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

Outty Ranking 58 4.4 · 18 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $152

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$152
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise worth booking?

Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise is a 4-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $152 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (18)
Duration
4 hours
From
$152 per person

These two high-quality, separate-departure tours can be done on the same day or over more than one day. First, choose a date from the schedule for the daytime Alcatraz prison tour, complete with headset audio (availabl

What you get

    About this experience

    These two high-quality, separate-departure tours can be done on the same day or over more than one day. First, choose a date from the schedule for the daytime Alcatraz prison tour, complete with headset audio (available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish). Either before or after Alcatraz, you can enjoy a "boat-load" of spectacular views along San Francisco Bay. (With wifi/mobile phone audio tour available in nine languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, and Taiwanese. ) Considering how often Alcatraz sells out at the Pier 33 Box Office, this package is often a great way to get a ticket to Alcatraz and make memories going under the Golden Gate Bridge.

    What's included

    Included

    • Separate, Single Departure & Arrival @ Pier 41 for a Loop Under the Golden Gate Bridge
    • Round-trip ferry from Pier 33, San Francisco to Alcatraz Island
    • Ferry and Admission Ticket to Alcatraz Island
    • Note: The date you choose is the date of your Alcatraz Tour

    What you'll see and do

    1. Alcatraz Island

      Discover America’s most infamous prison, with a chance to go inside the cells and feel the cold and dark life firsthand. During the award-winning 45-minute cell house audio headset tour you will learn of escape attempts, riots, bizarre characters, and much more. Displays include prison life, guard controls, and how Frank Morris and 2 others made their infamous “Escape From Alcatraz.” Alcatraz is continually one of the most popular tours in the country: • Video History Presentation – No Charge • Audio Tour includes sound effects, interviews with prisoners and guards, and historic details • The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. • Bookstore with information in many languages • Permanent exhibit The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States • Other rotating exhibits • Visit the prison Recreation Yard, talk with Park Rangers, and walk the Perimeter Trail.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Golden Gate Bridge

      The Golden Gate Bridge is quite impressive when seen from below! This easy 1-hour tour on a stable 300-passenger ferry boat makes for smooth sailing. Daily departures from 11:00 am let you control the clock. These boats all have a snack bar with Beer and Wine, restrooms, and indoor and outdoor decks. You'll take in fabulous skyline views of Fort Mason, Marina Green, Pacific Heights, Presidio and Historic Ft. Point, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and points around the SF Bay. The included audio tour is playable via on-board wifi to connect with your phone. Or simply enjoy the scenic ride and broadcast tour, moving around the boat at your leisure. The audio tour is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German and Taiwanese. Valid within 365 days from your date of purchase. Even on a sunny day the wind can be strong and the Pacific Ocean moisture can feel cool, so seasonally appropriate layered clothing is recommended.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Francisco

    FOR BAY CRUISE, YEAR ROUND: Available before or after Alcatraz, go to the small “Victorian House” kiosk near Pier 39. Show mobile voucher & mention DiscoverTown Tours to get Bay Cruise tickets. Multiple departures; 11:00am -6:15pm in summer, 11:00am -4:15pm in winter. No reservations needed.

    Meeting point

    San Francisco

    Bring email voucher & a Government Issued Photo ID (for anyone age 18+) directly to Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing. Go to the Will Call window 20- 30 min. before your departure. Note DiscoverTown Tours. Call us if help is needed. AGE 18+ = VALID PHOTO ID REQUIRED.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Similarly, the Bay Cruise component begins and ends at the dock between Piers 39 & 41.

    Ends at

    The Alcatraz Island ferry & inside the prison tour components begin & end at Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33... departing at your designated tour time.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, ru, pt, ko, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, nl, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    DiscoverTown Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Get the Complete Inside-the-prison tour with AudioViews of the SF Skyline from Telegraph HIll, to Russian Hill, to The Marina District, and The Presidio.Includes the Blue and Gold Fleet Bay CruiseIn Sun or Fog, Alcatraz CaptivatesThis Trip Provides many Great VisualsGo Under One of America's Best Landmarks!

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    18 verified traveler reviews for Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    12
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    John_J · May 2025

    ONLY somewhat satisfied and not at fault of tour company but Viator

    We booked our cruise for 9:40 AM. We had planned our day around this time, but when we arrive, the office did not open till 10 and we were told that Viator had provide us wrong information. We called Viator and were told that they had emailed us that there was a change. No email was ever received. They were able to get us on a different boat through a different company for 940, but we ended up having to run between piers to find that other company. It was not a good way to start the day; however, the cruise around the harbor later on went well.

    Response from the operator: We are working to clarify the process. Our apologies it was not smoother for you.

    via Viator

    Christa_N · April 2025

    Truly educational!

    Lots of walking up/down hills/stairs and worth every minute. Very well done tour and the staff on the boat and at Alcatraz were incredibly hospitable.

    Response from the operator: The 1/4 mile (+) climb to the cell house goes up 130 feet, which may not sound like much to some, but it's still like a 13 story building... but worth it as you say!

    via Viator

    Maya P · November 2024

    Great time

    Lots of fun and cool facts to learn. Gift shop wasn’t as cool but all in all we had a great time. The boat ride was fast and our tour guide was a great guy.

    Response from the operator: Good stuff!

    via Tripadvisor

    Philip_S · October 2024

    Well worth the money for both tours

    Alcatraz tour was excellent and very educational. Audio tour very well done. Boat trip to and from island was uneventful. Lucky to be on boat tour when Blue Angels flew overhead!

    Response from the operator: We are glad your trip included such a bonus, Phillip. The Blue Angels perform 3 days every year and I've seen them many times, but never from the water. I may plan on that for next year!

    via Viator

    janice_c · October 2024

    Disappointed didn't see Alcatraz

    Trip was cancelled so disappointed . Electrics put on Alcatraz and wasn't going to be fixed whilst I was there . So have to come back and go there again.

    Response from the operator: As stated to another guest who was unable to take the tour, we ask that you reconsider this 1-star review as the cancellation was far beyond our control. The 2.5-day power outage on Alcatraz Island was highly abnormal. San Francisco has much to offer, and hopefully you were at least able to appreciate the Golden Gate Bridge trip. Still, we recognize how much people want to see Alcatraz, and are thus sorry this trouble happened during your visit. Please contact us directly if any concerns remain.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)63
    Review evidence (18% weight)38
    Booking momentum (14% weight)29
    Value for money (12% weight)65
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)41
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.

    How much does Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $152 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.

    Is Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise?

    +

    Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

    +

    San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

    +

    September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Francisco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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