An unusual visit to discover a prison unique in the world. Ready to choose your favorite tour?
Alcatraz best known maximum security prison in the United States, together with the Golden Gate Bridge is the symbol of the city of San Francisco.
A visit to the island in the bay is a must during your stay in the Californian city. Where to start for the organization?
How to organize the visit
Consider the timing first. It takes about 15/20 minutes to reach the island by ferry and you must be at the port to embark at least 10 minutes before departure from Pier 33 of the Embarcadero. Through an audio-guided tour, the tour of the Alcatraz prison and historical exhibits will require at least 3 hours of time.
When and how to book
Purchase tickets online in advance on the official Alcatraz Cruises website since they are easily exhausted in a short time; you will find them available approx 90 days before. The ticket includes round-trip ferry transport and a visit to the prison. You can freely choose how long to stop, as there are no time limits, from a few hours to the whole day, it will depend on you. When booking you will have to choose a departure time, but for the return you are in fact free to choose the time that suits you best, without having to book the passage on the ferry.
There are various options ranging from Early Bird tour, departing early in the morning at 8:45 and 9:10, or departures approximately every 30 minutes from 9:30 until early afternoon. In addition to these free tours, there is the possibility of taking part in two private groups “Behind the Scenes” for up to 30 participants, departing in the afternoon that will allow you to visit places usually closed to the public and take part in the night tour. This option lasts 5 hours and is reserved for participants over 12 years old due to the physical effort required.
It is also possible to book only the guided tour at night, departing at sunset. The times for the latter and the Behind the Scenes visit vary according to the season; when booking you can choose the time that suits you best.
I highly recommend that you check the weather, depending on the season in which you will be in San Francisco, in fact you can enjoy a sunny day or a cold and whipping wind that will require layers of clothing to avoid getting caught! Bring water and a snack or packed lunch with you as there is no refreshment point on the island (available on the ferry).
What to expect from the tour
What will you see during the visit? Upon disembarking at Alcatraz, a national park ranger will welcome you and give some directions for your exploration, followed by a informative video of about 15 minutes with period films that will tell you the history of the prison. Then continue with a small uphill walk along the main road that will take you to the cell block on the top of the island. There you can take audio guides and begin your visit to the prison. The narrator will accompany you step by step through the rooms, telling anecdotes and stories of the time when the structure was still traveling at full speed with some of the most famous criminals, such as Al Capone, who paid their pains.
You know the movie Escape from Alcatraz? Well if you follow the tour carefully, you will understand how some inmates managed to escape from "The Rock" considered the perfect prison because it is impregnable and even enter some cells.
In addition to this, the guided tour will take you through the director's offices and common areas to introduce you to every aspect of life and daily activities on the island.
If the season permits, at the end of your visit, explore the gardens and admire the island fauna that nest in Alcatraz.
Are you ready to live an unusual experience and visit a prison that is unique in the world?
