Overall this was a great way to experience Alcatraz. From the moment we got on the boat, to the moment we returned from the island, it was fun and educational. The tour boat itself that shuttles passengers to the island is solar powered, which is pleasant to know it’s operating with less of a carbon footprint. On the way to the island, there’s amazing indescribable views all around the San Francisco bay area. When you get to the island, it's great that you can venture around the island at your own pace. At first it was a little strange to be offered hand held devices for the self tour, but after getting into the tour, it actually was convenient to be able to explore at our own pace. The tour was very informative and interesting when learning more about the island's history. Before the tour, I didn’t realize there was more tied to the island other than the history of the prison. If you’re into history and exploring landmarks, this is an excellent place to visit. The costs were reasonable and the staff were very helpful. If there were ever any questions, there’s always someone nearby to help. This is a great experience for families and friends. When we arrived, we got an creepy feeling from the island. It was somewhat spooky and unsettling to be on the island, as it should be. Exploring the prison sells and different parts of the prison, it gave a feeling that’s worth discovering on your own volition. Definitely recommend experiencing this tour.

Wow this was great and super easy to buy tickets online. Buy in advance or you might miss your chance to see it. I purchased tickets about a month out. Finding the ferry was so easy, we even ended up getting on an earlier boat. They recommend you show up a45 min prior to your ferry time. Do it that’s how we went early. The ferry was quick and they had a great orientation talk upon arrival. They have a tram for those that cannot walk up the hill to get the the cell house. But if you can take the walk. So much to see. There were plenty of bathrooms throughout the tour and we loved going at our own pace. Highly recommend this tour and the company.

Great experience. Boat ride was fun and a perfect opportunity to see the Golden Gate bridge and Bay bridge from the water. The self guided tour is very nice, easy to use. Our 10 and 8 year old even enjoyed the history of the island. Everything was clean and all the staff was friendly. Be cautious: Our car was broken into while parked near the piers. It happens even during the day. Do not leave any valuables in your car while it is parked in San Francisco

This is a perfect way to see both San Francisco Bay and get a history lesson. The boat is comfortable and easy to move around Alcatraz is a perfect state of decay. The island has a very good audio tour and is easy to navigate. Definitely a worthwhile excursion.

It was better than what I was expecting. The boat only take about 15 to 20 minutes from the pier to the island (pier 33). It was pretty easy when you get there, you can go on your own or follow the guide (we followed Bryan) I think it was his name, he got old pictures of Alcatraz, was very knowledgeable and really nice . After you get to the cells we got the audio and went on our own. Don't forget to go down to where the inmates got free time, you can see the golden gate bridge from back there and a lot of birds. We love that it was clean and it felt good to be out there (it was sunny and a beautiful day) bring a sweater just in case, it was pretty windy. There are bathrooms and you can take the boat back to the pier every hour (don't need to reserve) Definitely RECOMMEND to do this, it was worth it (if you only want to do Alcatraz there is only one company that goes there) Alcatraz City Cruises, the other ones are tour companies, it took me a while to research and found out about that, since we only wanted to do Alcatraz. Enjoy!!

Highly recommend doing the night tour. It gives a good vibe that goes with Alcatraz. Night tour sells out fast so have to book tickets couple of weeks or even months before. Get to the dock at least 30 min before departure. Fog covered the whole island during our tour which made it a cool experience. A good sunset is promised but it is totally based on the weather. Guides are knowledgeable and there’s a good audio tour for cells. They give you audio devices (sanitized) so no need to worry about bringing headphones. Make sure to stay for events after the cell tour. You get to see the cells without the crowd. Bring a good jacket to protect yourself from cold specially during the night tour.

After Dark tour was great. Bit pricey but the rangers have great stories to share. There is nothing like scaring your kids with demonstration of the sound of the cells closing at twilight. SPOOKY! Hats off to the rangers, they made the experience. Audio tour was also great.

Wow, what an amazing experience! I can't believe how incredibly huge this place is! Several high profile criminals were housed here (Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone and Bumpy to name a few). It is a beautiful island but with a dark history of murder you can feel the unsettling feeling of being watched. A must see if you're in San Francisco.

A must see. Took my girlfriend and 8 year old daughter and they both loved it. Lots to see and the audio tour is a must. You get to hear guards who worked there as well as inmates give you dialog on what life was like on the island.

Found this online as a recommended attraction. Easy booking process. Many tour option times to choose from but I’m sure they sell out. I reserved a week before my trip so I got the time slot I preferred. Be sure to select Pier 33 Alcatraz Tours if using ride share service. We arrived as recommended 45 minutes ahead of our tour. We were probably behind 35 people already in line but hundreds came behind us. This place gets packed so be prepared and if u prefer to wear masks near strangers and in closed quarters, be sure to bring it. The boat ride over is nice, maybe 10 minutes. Takes longer getting everyone loaded and unloaded. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board but not allowed in certain areas so be prepared. Very interesting stories of the history of the Rock. Glad we went. Definitely recommend going. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of walking especially up inclines unless you use the tram which has limited seating. Great pic opportunities to the San Francisco city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Everyone who visits San Fransisco must see Alcatraz. Definitely take the tour too! We've decided to take the evening tour and despite the bad weather that day, it was a lot of fun! The stories were a lot of fun to listen to, especially outside. The audio tour inside was also very interesting and well made.

First of all -You MUST book in advance if you want to do this -if you want one piece of advice, that’s it! I’m not a big “organized tourism” type of guy, normally I like to explore cities (and what they have to offer) by myself. However, in order to experience Alcatraz, you must book the official boat/tour if you want to step foot on the island. As it turns out, I had no regrets. Alcatraz is an incredible place to visit -so much history, history that you can touch and feel for yourself. By the way, you should 100% take advantage of the self-guided audio tour.. it is really well made and tells the story of Alcatraz as a prison. Alcatraz, to me, is memories of growing up and watching the movie “Escape from Alcatraz” along with my father -and this tour took me right back to that movie. Despite being claustrophobic, I had no problems entering inside some of the open cells and it’s an experience that I will never forget. Two things that are normally terrible when taking an organized tour, are admission prices and the gift shop. At Alcatraz, I found both things to be good. The boat/tour ticket is less than $50 per adult -given the limited spaces available, they could probably charge way more and still sell out every day. The gift shop has some unique items (yes, I bought a replica prison issue metal cup and I don’t regret it!) and everything is quality there.

A big group of our friends went as Ive been wanting to go to Alcatraz for years, in my opinion it was overpriced & not very informative. We took the night tour since some of the group wanted the “creepy” experience—disappointing as well, a lot of walking up hill so be prepared, I like the option of other languages that the audio device had but I did hear a lot of people complaining about having to hold it up or their audio device not working. For the ppl that like to post on ig the lighting was ehhh and there wasn’t too many places to take good pics. For the people that care, another negative — Alcatraz is stolen land that was promised to Native Americans (twice) & was never given to them & was turned into this not so worth it “tour experience”. As an Alcatraz fan, save your money & watch a documentary.

Alcatraz is creepy at night but fun . Went on the Alcatraz prison night tour to get a feel of the real atmosphere of Alcatraz jail at night. It's a strange and eerie feeling, I recommend taking the Alcatraz night adventure and see it for yourself. Marie, the driver was friendly and super cool. She walked with us in muir woods and we got up on a scenic trail in the forest, that’s was fun.

Thank you for making our trip from Dallas that much worth it. I've been to SF many times but finally got to experience this unique tour and scratch Alcatraz from my bucket list. Immersive audio tour and surreal views from the island were among my favorite.

Great experience! My boyfriend and I have been on this tour twice already. tour staff are helpful and the ferry process on and off the island is smooth. Great views and educational

A must do in San Francisco. Catch the ferry from Pier 33. Do the audio tour, available in several languages. Also great views over to the city skyline, bridges and Fisherman's Wharf from the Lighthouse. Make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Love the ferry ride and the audio tour. The garden story was great d well. Mass incarceration exhibit was top notch!

What a cool experience! You definitely can feel some heavy energy here. Be sure to take pictures! You never know what you may find!! I looked back on my photos to find a picture of a figure in the utility corridor!

Lots of fun. Lots of uphill walking and waiting in lines. Fair amount of people for Wednesday. Ferry ride over was short and not rocky at all. Individual radio headsets in almost every language made it a nice personal tour at your own pace. Gift shop at the end was decent size and the line went fast.

We had a brilliant time visiting Alcatraz island, the history and location are incredible and the audio tour was informative and interesting. The only downside was the nasty flies in the boat but nothing anyone could do about them I guess. Would highly recommend this trip if you’re in San Francisco for even one day.

Your was excellent. A must do if you are in Fisherman’s Wharf! Lots of walking, once you get there. Wear good shoes.

There were no hot dogs