San Francisco: Alcatraz With San Francisco Bay Cruise

Exploring the historic Alcatraz Island and cruising along the scenic San Francisco Bay is a captivating experience that shouldn’t be missed. This 4-hour guided tour combines the two, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the island’s captivating past and admire the city’s iconic landmarks from the water. With roundtrip ferry tickets, admission to Alcatraz, and a narrated cruise, the tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into San Francisco’s rich history and natural beauty.

This experience made our article of Our 14 Favorite San Francisco Cruises And Boat Tours.

Key Points

• This tour offers a guided experience that includes a visit to Alcatraz Island and a scenic 1-hour cruise around San Francisco Bay.
• Priced at $139 per person, the tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes roundtrip ferry tickets to Alcatraz and admission to the island.
• Guests can explore Alcatraz’s history through award-winning audio guides and have free time to discover the island at their own pace.
• The tour also includes a 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise that provides views of major landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Advance booking is recommended due to high demand, and the tour is non-refundable, with guests required to arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This guided experience offers a comprehensive tour of Alcatraz Island and a scenic cruise around San Francisco Bay.

Priced from $139 per person, the 4-hour adventure includes roundtrip ferry tickets to Alcatraz, admission to the island, and a 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise.

Priced from $139 per person, the 4-hour adventure includes roundtrip ferry tickets to Alcatraz, admission to the island, and a 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise.

Visitors can explore Alcatraz’s notorious past and hear about infamous inmates like Al Capone using award-winning audio guides available in multiple languages.

The cruise provides stunning views of landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.

While non-refundable, this tour is likely to sell out, so advance booking is recommended.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can look forward to an immersive experience at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, learning about the island’s notorious inmates like Al Capone through award-winning audio guides available in multiple languages.

The roundtrip ferry tickets from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island are included, providing access to explore the historic site.

During the 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise, guests will pass by major landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, with indoor and outdoor seating options.

Throughout the experience, travelers can take advantage of the free time to discover Alcatraz Island at their own pace.

Included Features

The tour includes roundtrip ferry tickets to Alcatraz Island, providing access to explore the historic site. Admission to Alcatraz Island is included, valued at $45.25 per person.

Guests can enjoy a 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise of San Francisco Bay, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The cruise offers views of major landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Travelers have free time to wander Alcatraz Island at their own pace. The package provides a comprehensive San Francisco experience, combining the iconic Alcatraz tour with a scenic bay cruise.

Logistics and Meeting Points

To take part in the tour, guests must arrive at Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. QR code tickets will be emailed the night prior to the tour. The 1-hour bay cruise can be taken on a different day, with the schedule provided after booking. A separate ticket exchange is required at the Blue and Gold Fleet box office for the cruise.

| Meeting Point | Arrival Time | Ticket Delivery | Cruise Scheduling |

| — | — | — | — |

| Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) | 30 minutes before departure | QR code emailed the night before | Schedule provided post-booking |

Precise planning ensures a seamless experience for guests on this Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay Cruise tour.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

How do the tour’s customer reviews and ratings fare?

According to the information provided, the Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay Cruise tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 966 reviews.

The guide rating is 4.8 out of 5, while the transportation rating is 4.4 out of 5. However, the value for money rating is slightly lower at 3.8 out of 5.

Traveler feedback highlights the great trips, excellent audio guides, and educational experiences, but some suggest adding trivia on movies filmed at Alcatraz.

Exploring Alcatraz Island

Visiting Alcatraz Island offers a chance to explore the infamous former federal penitentiary and learn about its notorious inmates. Guests can walk the prison blocks, see the cells where inmates were housed, and visit the recreation yard.

The award-winning audio tour provides a first-hand account of life on the island, with recordings from former guards and prisoners. Visitors can also see the lighthouse, gardens, and other historic structures that give a glimpse into the island’s past.

The experience offers a unique and educational look at one of America’s most famous prisons.

Sightseeing Cruise of San Francisco Bay

Though the tour of Alcatraz Island provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history, the experience is complemented by a scenic 1-hour sightseeing cruise of San Francisco Bay.

The cruise offers passengers stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including:

The cruise offers passengers stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz Island.

1. The Golden Gate Bridge, a majestic suspension bridge stretching across the bay’s entrance.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf, a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood and lively atmosphere.

3. Alcatraz Island itself, with its imposing presence and storied past.

The cruise provides an opportunity to relax and take in the beauty of the San Francisco Bay while learning about the city’s rich maritime history.

Tips for Your Visit

When visiting Alcatraz and embarking on the San Francisco Bay Cruise, travelers should plan ahead to make the most of their experience.

Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and ferry boarding. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can be cool and windy on the water.

Reviewers suggest arriving early to beat the crowds and taking the audio tour to fully take in the history of this legendary prison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Storage Space Available for Luggage on the Tour?

There is no dedicated storage space available for luggage on this tour. Guests are advised to travel light and plan accordingly, as they’ll need to carry any belongings with them throughout the Alcatraz Island visit and the San Francisco Bay cruise.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary?

Visitors are allowed to take photos inside the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, but flash photography is prohibited. Photography is permitted in most areas of the island, except for certain restricted locations for security reasons.

Are There Options for Special Dietary Requirements on the Cruise?

Yes, the cruise offers vegetarian and gluten-free meal options. Guests can request special dietary accommodations when booking their tour. The cruise staff will work to meet any dietary needs or restrictions.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs on Alcatraz Island?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs on Alcatraz Island. The island has a gift shop that offers a variety of items, including t-shirts, hats, postcards, and other merchandise related to the island’s history and culture.

Are There Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, there are discounts available for seniors and students. Seniors aged 62 and over can save 10% on their tour, while students with valid ID can receive a 10% discount as well.

The Sum Up

The "San Francisco: Alcatraz With San Francisco Bay Cruise" offers a captivating experience for visitors. With a guided tour of the infamous Alcatraz Island and a scenic cruise around the bay, guests can enjoy the city’s rich history and stunning landmarks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this tour is a must-do for a comprehensive exploration of San Francisco.

You can check availability for your dates here: