Alcatraz Helicopter Tour 2026
Aerial views of Alcatraz & Golden Gate | Small group | Instant ticket delivery
About Alcatraz Helicopter Tour
Book an exciting Alcatraz Helicopter Tour and see San Francisco from above! It's a thrilling and memorable way to experience Alcatraz and the surrounding sights. Fly over the Golden Gate Bridge, Ocean Beach, and Alcatraz Island. This unforgettable aerial adventure offers a unique perspective on the city’s iconic landmarks. Don’t miss out - book your flight today!
Feel the rush of excitement as the helicopter takes off and watch the cityscape grow smaller beneath you. The sound and smooth lift of the aircraft, paired with the expanding view of San Francisco, make this a ride you won’t forget.
Look down on Alcatraz Island during your flight. From above, you can see just how isolated the structure is in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Your pilot will share stories about its famous inmates, like Al Capone, and escape attempts, giving you insight into this legendary spot.
Fly over Angel Island, once an immigration station for those coming to the U.S. from the Pacific. Known as the “Ellis Island of the West,” this island has a rich history of welcoming immigrants and offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
Fly directly over the Golden Gate Bridge for the perfect Instagram-worthy photos. You’ll see the bridge’s full length and the bay below from this angle. This is your chance to capture one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and stunning views from the sky.
The tour includes an audio guide providing detailed commentary on Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and other iconic landmarks around the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy learning about the history and significance of each landmark while taking in the stunning views.
Book your tickets now, if your plans change, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund!
What a fantastic experience! The Alcatraz helicopter tour gave me a whole new perspective on San Francisco. I loved seeing the city from above and flying over Oracle Park was incredible. The Golden Gate Bridge was a highlight for me, I got to take so many great photos. I also enjoyed the audio guide, particularly hearing about the history of Alcatraz Island and the stories of prisoners who tried to escape. Overall, it was a smooth and comfortable ride, I highly recommend it!
The Alcatraz helicopter tour was incredible. I loved flying over the city and listening to the audio guide. I was interested in learning more about Alcatraz so I liked hearing about the famous 1962 escape. It was amazing to think about how they managed to break free from such a secure place. Flying over Crissy Field was also beautiful and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from above was something I won’t forget. This tour is perfect for anyone looking for a more exciting way to explore San Francisco!
DESCRIPTION
Alcatraz Helicopter Tour
- Helicopter ride
- Pilot
- English
BEAUTIFUL AERIAL VIEWS TO REMEMBER
Begin your Alcatraz helicopter tour by taking off from the heliport in Sausalito. Your pilot will act as your guide as you fly over the stunning Golden Gate National Recreation Area. They will point out iconic landmarks like Baker Beach and the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse, and you'll get to see San Francisco’s beautiful coastline and skyline from a unique bird’s-eye view.
SEE ALCATRAZ FROM ABOVE AND REALIZE WHY NO ONE COULD ESCAPE
One of the landmarks you’ll fly over on this tour is the legendary Alcatraz Island. This notorious prison housed some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz". The island was originally a military fortress before becoming a federal prison, housing inmates from 1934 until 1963. The complimentary audio guide will share fascinating stories about the prison’s history, including the harsh conditions inmates endured and the various escape attempts. From the air, you'll see the isolated nature of the island, making it easy to understand why escaping from this prison was nearly impossible.
UNFORGETTABLE FLIGHT OVER SAN FRANCISCO’S LANDMARKS
As your helicopter continues, you’ll pass Crissy Field, offering a beautiful view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. You'll notice the contrast between the urban city of San Francisco and the bay's natural beauty. Your pilot will also point out Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. The tour concludes with a flyover of Angel Island, which once served as an immigration station where over a million immigrants passed through. After this, your pilot will land, and you’ll leave the heliport with lasting memories of the stunning 360-degree views - making it a tour you’ll want to experience again!
Interesting facts about Alcatraz Island and prison
ALCATRAZ PRISON DID NOT HAVE A DEATH ROW
Despite being one of the most notoriously strict and feared prisons in the world, Alcatraz did not have a death row or execution facilities. While no prisoners were executed at the prison, some did die there due to inmate violence or other causes.
ALCATRAZ ISLAND WAS HOME TO THE PACIFIC COAST'S FIRST LIGHTHOUSE
In 1854, Alcatraz Island became the site of the Pacific Coast's first lighthouse, playing a key role in maritime safety. Although a larger lighthouse replaced it in 1909, its historical significance remains.
AL CAPONE PLAYED IN AN INMATE BAND
After his transfer to Alcatraz in 1934, Al Capone joined the prison band, The Rock Islanders, as their banjo player. He often performed in Sunday concerts for fellow inmates.
NO SUCCESSFUL ESCAPES FROM ALCATRAZ?
Despite 36 escape attempts, no inmate ever successfully escaped from Alcatraz. Many escape methods were tried but all prisoners were either caught, killed, or drowned. One of the most famous attempts was by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers in 1962, who used mannequin heads to fool the guards. Even though their belongings were found, no bodies were ever recovered, sparking speculation.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Be sure to bring either a passport or ID card for identification.
- A minimum of four passengers is required for the tour to operate.
- If your group is smaller, we will combine bookings to meet this requirement.
Meeting Point
Meet your pilot at the Seaplane Adventures, 242 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 30 minutes before your flight. Free parking is available at the heliport base. If opted for shuttle service, board the shuttle between Mason and Beach Streets, in front of Tower Tours, 45 minutes prior to your tour time.
FREE CANCELLATION & FULL REFUND!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 3 days before the selected date!
FAQ - Alcatraz Helicopter Tour
Does this tour provide headphones or ear protection?
What should I wear when going on this tour?
Is there a weight limit for passengers for this helicopter tour?
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my Alcatraz Helicopter Tour?
Are there any other activities worth exploring in San Francisco and its surroundings?
Can we visit Alcatraz Island after the helicopter tour?
Don’t wait! Book now!
- Optional transportation
- Audio guide
- Easy & fast booking process
- Free cancellation
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!