
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 1,021 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise worth booking?
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise is a 2-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $139 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 1,021 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (1,021)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $139 per person
Choose between a day tour or a special night tour of Alcatraz. The night tour includes a narrated cruise at sunset, cell door demonstrations, and talks from expert historians. Both tours include an audio guide available in multiple languages to delve into the prison's history and infamous escape attempts. Additionally, enjoy a narrated 1-hour cruise with views of landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, the Bay Bridge, and Pier 39 sea lions, all from the comfort of a boat with indoor and outdoor seating. The time you select will be your Alcatraz ferry departure. The Alcatraz ferry departs from Pier 33. You may take the Bay cruise on any day at any available departure time. These are 2 separate tours. Children 4 years and younger are free and do not need tickets. For the Alcatraz Night tour, If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour. The night tour is not available on Sundays and Mondays.
What you get
About this experience
Choose between a day tour or a special night tour of Alcatraz. The night tour includes a narrated cruise at sunset, cell door demonstrations, and talks from expert historians. Both tours include an audio guide available in multiple languages to delve into the prison's history and infamous escape attempts. Additionally, enjoy a narrated 1-hour cruise with views of landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, the Bay Bridge, and Pier 39 sea lions, all from the comfort of a boat with indoor and outdoor seating. The time you select will be your Alcatraz ferry departure. The Alcatraz ferry departs from Pier 33. You may take the Bay cruise on any day at any available departure time. These are 2 separate tours. Children 4 years and younger are free and do not need tickets. For the Alcatraz Night tour, If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour. The night tour is not available on Sundays and Mondays.
What's included
Included
- 45-minute award-wining audio tour on Alcatraz Island
- Entrance/admission fee to Alcatraz Island (valued at $45.25 USD)
- Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33
- Narrated cruise and special exhibits and demonstrations (if nighttime Alcatraz option is chosen)
- 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise
Not included
- Transportation to and from Pier 33 or Pier 39 (make your own way there)
- Food and Beverage
What you'll see and do
Alcatraz Island
Choose between a daytime tour or a special nighttime tour of Alcatraz. The nighttime tour includes a narrated cruise at sunset, cell door demonstrations, and talks from expert historians. For the Alcatraz Night tour ONLY: If you plan to take both tours on the same day, you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz tour. Otherwise, the Bay Cruise may be taken any other time or day according to the schedule. You will take a short ride on a ferry (15min) to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33. Enjoy a 45-minute immersive audio tour to listen to the incredible history of the infamous prison. After that, you have all the time you want to explore the rest of the island. Then you can take any ferry back to Pier 33. The ferry usually runs every 30 minutes. A multi-language audio tour included is now available in nine languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese, and Dutch. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
150 minutes here · Admission included
San Francisco Bay
Take advantage of prime photo opportunities with unobstructed views in every direction aboard Blue & Gold Fleet’s 60-minute Bay Cruise Adventure. Sail past the famous PIER 39 sea lions and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s fascinating skyline. Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge for a fantastic photo opportunity. This comfortable San Francisco Bay Cruise tour has both indoor and outdoor seating with full narration describing major landmarks as you sail by them. You haven’t experienced San Francisco until you’ve taken a Bay Cruise. The Bay Cruise departs from Pier 39. You may take the San Francisco Bay cruise anytime you choose. A schedule of departure times will be sent to you after booking.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Golden Gate Bridge
The 60-minute Bay Cruise typically sails toward or under the bridge for photography.
Pass by without stopping
Pier 39
Visible from the Bay Cruise as it departs/returns to the waterfront area.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
Alcatraz Night with Bay Cruise
With this option you must take the Bay Cruise before your Alcatraz Night tour if you wish to take them on the same day.
Alcatraz Day with Bay Cruise
This option includes a daytime visit to Alcatraz
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- de, ko, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Must See - Alcatraz tours / Muir Woods and Sausalito tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that this package is 2 separate tours - Alcatraz tour PLUS a separate Bay Cruise.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,018 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
1,018 verified traveler reviews for Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Just amazing
I booked the trip for me and my daughter. The pick up was easy and we arrived fairly quick on the island, there we were welcomed by a ranger, who explained us the rules. The new Bird exhibit was also very interesting tho some buttons didn’t work. The audio guide through the prison is also a must do, it was so interesting listening to all the different story’s!
via Tripadvisor
Do not book with Viator on double combo trips
Do not book with Vidor. This is the second time in three weeks that we’ve had a problem with Double trips combo trips and says go to the ferry at 3:50 PM for Alcatraz tour did that then it says to go do the Bay cruise after that at the timeslot went to the timeslots for the Bay cruise and said they were sold out this is not acceptable for how much money we paid. Definitely wouldn’t recommend this company for any tours. called customer service and they hung up on me.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced, but the situation you described does not appear to match the way our tours are normally operated. Our pricing is carefully studied to provide fair value for the complete experience, our vans operate with a limited number of guests for greater comfort, and our guides and staff are highly rated, professional, and experienced. We also take customer service and tour coordination very seriously. We appreciate your feedback and hope you’ll give us another chance in the future for the experience we strive to provide.
via Viator
Book direct save money and humiliation
Book direct cruise not sold out always plenty tickets. Agent charged 3x actual cost Overpaid by almost $300. Feel scammed
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand your concern about the price difference. Our pricing is carefully studied and set to remain fair while covering the complete service we provide, including reservation handling, customer support, coordination, and the overall tour experience. We hope you’ll give us another chance in the future for a greater experience.
via Viator
Alcatraz night tour 7.05 pm
A very enjoyable experience, we chose the night tour. However the audio tour could not be completed do to time restraints. The staff wanted to lock up the shop, we had to forfeit a visit to the shop as we wanted to hear the cell doors closing with explanation from a guide. The small trolly bus was a god send as I'm disabled, I would not have been able to visit the island. On the night tour you were not able to walk around the island
via Tripadvisor
Atmospheric tour at night
Good atmospheric tour in the evening, but currently the recreation area, dining area and showers are not available so a little disappointing as not informed prior to the tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the atmosphere of the evening tour, and we understand your disappointment about the areas that were unavailable during your visit. These temporary closures are related to ongoing maintenance and preservation work needed to protect Alcatraz for future generations. We appreciate your comments and hope you’ll give us another chance in the future for a more complete experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $139 to $159
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 357
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Must See - Alcatraz tours / Muir Woods and Sausalito tours, who run 12 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.0.
See everything Must See - Alcatraz tours / Muir Woods and Sausalito tours runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $139 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 Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 1,021 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise?
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Around 357 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?
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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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise?
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Included: 45-minute award-wining audio tour on Alcatraz Island; Entrance/admission fee to Alcatraz Island (valued at $45.25 USD); Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33; Narrated cruise and special exhibits and demonstrations (if nighttime Alcatraz option is c; and 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise. Not included: Transportation to and from Pier 33 or Pier 39 (make your own way there); and Food and Beverage. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise offered in?
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It is offered in German, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise?
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Across 1,021 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Alcatraz Night with Bay Cruise, Alcatraz Day with Bay Cruise. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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