Alcatraz Cruise Tickets 2026
Alcatraz, 2 bridges & iconic bay views | Skip-the-line | Reserve now & pay later
About Alcatraz Cruise Tickets
Book our Alcatraz Cruise for a relaxing, scenic cruise around one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, Alcatraz Island. This 90-minute boat ride takes you underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, offering stunning views of the San Francisco bay area. Listen to the audio guide to discover many interesting facts about the sights you will see. For example, did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge was supposed to be black and yellow stripes?
Cruise past the site of the USA's most infamous prison - Alcatraz Island. A maximum-security prison that housed criminals such as Al Capone, this island jail was considered inescapable, and it is not known whether those who tried to escape survived the bay's currents.
The Alcatraz Cruise passes underneath San Francisco’s two iconic bridges: the amber Golden Gate Bridge and the colossal San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. As you sail under these marvels of engineering, take some photos: it’s the perfect vantage point!
Your island tour departs from Fisherman’s Wharf - a hub of restaurants, aquariums, and sunbathing sea lions. Admire the lively neighborhood as you cast off before catching beautiful panoramic views of the city’s skyline once you reach open water.
As you sail around Alcatraz Island, enjoy a headphone audio tour of the infamous prison’s significance. You’ll learn all about its bloody history: how the worst inmates spent time in “The Hole”, how they tried to escape, and more.
If your travel plans suddenly change, don’t worry! Simply cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and we’ll issue a refund so you can then re-book. Alternatively, just reserve the cruise but pay later, after you’ve finalized plans.
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
This is one of the nicest guided tours I’ve done! San Francisco was beautiful, plus the departure time was perfect - it was sunset time as we returned to the city. I also liked the audio guide since I actually didn’t know anything about Alcatraz, even that Al Capone was there! It was nice to learn that. Highly recommend this experience!
Really glad we got these Alcatraz Cruise tickets! I hadn’t heard of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge before, and sailing underneath that huge structure was pretty incredible. And of course the Golden Gate Bridge was breathtaking! Honestly, wherever I pointed my camera, I got incredible pictures. Highlights for me were Angel Island and, obviously, Alcatraz Prison.
DESCRIPTION
Alcatraz Cruise Tickets
- 90-minute cruise around the San Francisco Bay
- Great view of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Great view of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
- Great view of Alcatraz Island
- Great view of the San Francisco skyline
- Headphone audio guide
- Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Korean
ADMIRE THE VIEWS OF SAN FRANCISCO
All Alcatraz city cruises depart from Fisherman’s Wharf - including this one. You’ll set sail with stunning views of this iconic neighborhood, featuring shops, restaurants, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and the famous sea lions lounging at Pier 39. As you cruise out into the waters of the Bay, enjoy the gorgeous panoramic sight of the San Francisco skyline.
CRUISE UNDERNEATH FAMOUS CITY BRIDGES
As the cruise continues, you’ll pass underneath two iconic bridges: the huge San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. Colored a deep red (not gold), the latter is named after the Golden Gate Strait - the entrance to the bay from the Pacific Ocean. Snap some photos while sailing below them - it’s a one-of-a-kind vantage point!
CIRCLE AROUND THE USA'S MOST NOTORIOUS PRISON
Once the Alcatraz Cruise reaches a stark complex on a solitary island, you’ll know you’re at Alcatraz Prison. Nicknamed "The Rock", Alcatraz Island was a maximum-security prison, and only three inmates ever escaped, but it’s widely believed they drowned before reaching the mainland. After seeing the Bay’s waters, you’ll understand why the prison was ideal for housing hardened criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
Interesting facts about Alcatraz Island
- Alcatraz was originally a military outpost, and became a federal prison in 1934.
- In 1775, Juan Manuel de Ayala named Alcatraz Island "La Isla de los Alcatraces", meaning "island of the pelicans". Over time, the Spanish was anglicized and Alcatraz became its official name.
- Despite Alcatraz’s reputation as the toughest prison in the USA, there was no death row there.
Want to learn more interesting facts about Alcatraz? Book our Alcatraz Cruise Ticket and discover all its secrets!
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Make sure to charge your phone so you can take plenty of photos!
- If there’s fog or wind, it can be a bit chilly onboard the cruise, so make sure to dress warmly.
- The Alcatraz Cruise is fully wheelchair accessible.
- It is required for all visitors to have a valid form of photo ID; either a passport or national identity card.
- If you plan to visit Alcatraz in the summer, make sure to put on sunscreen beforehand to protect your skin from the sun.
- This Alcatraz Cruise is selling out quickly - ensure you get your tickets on time!
Meeting Point
To begin your Alcatraz Cruise, head to the Red and White Fleet Box Office at Pier 43 ½. You’ll find it right in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf, at Taylor Street and Embarcadero, right behind the famous crab sign.
FAQ - Alcatraz Cruise Tickets
Where should I park when going on the Alcatraz Cruise?
Are there toilets on this cruise?
Can I purchase food and drink on the Alcatraz Cruise?
Are children allowed on board the Alcatraz Cruise?
When should I be at the Alcatraz Cruise departure location?
What else should I do during my visit to San Francisco?
Don't wait! Book now!
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation
- Audio guide
- Easy booking process
- Best value for your money!
We have the best value Alcatraz tours & tickets for you!
Ferry ride included
Alcatraz Day Tour
Visit Alcatraz Island at your own pace and learn about its history with an audio guide. Explore the cell blocks and learn about Al Capone, "Machine Gun" Kelly, and other infamous prisoners, as well as why escape from the island was hard. The tour includes a convenient round-trip ferry ticket.
Multilingual audio guide
San Francisco Bay Cruise
Cruise along the beautiful San Francisco Bay while admiring the sights from the water. Sail under the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and around the infamous Alcatraz Island. This island was once used as a prison and was considered escape-proof. On your cruise, keep an eye out for wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins, and learn about San Francisco's history from your audio guide.
Explore San Francisco
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz Tour
Enjoy a 2-day Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour through San Francisco to see top spots like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. Visit the famous Alcatraz Island and prison, and enjoy a guided walking tour of Chinatown. Enjoy the unique opportunity to see the city's iconic landmarks illuminated under the evening sky on a panoramic sunset tour. Make the most of your time in San Francisco, reserve your spot now and experience both the city and the island with one booking!