Alcatraz Night Tour 2026
Sunset cruise & Alcatraz cells after dark | Reserve now & pay later
About the Alcatraz Ghost Tour
Wander through the gloomy corridors of America’s most notorious prison on the Alcatraz Night Tour. Discover dark secrets, learn about the inmates’ crimes, and cruise over black waters as you experience 'The Rock' under the moonlight. As you sail out, you’ll also catch a beautiful sunset.
Alcatraz Island at night is a completely different experience than the daytime. The shadows, glittering stars, and chilly air lend a mysterious atmosphere to the infamous island, allowing you to feel the full force of its haunting history.
The Alcatraz Night Tour leads you through the island’s infamous prison, a three-story stronghold with over 300 cells. See all four chilling cell blocks and peer into the six ominous “Hole” cells reserved for the worst inmates.
While exploring the prison, you’ll learn all about its most hardened criminals: Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Capone was an alcohol bootlegger and ruthless mafia boss, whereas Machine Gun served time for kidnapping and armed robbery.
If you haven’t finalized plans yet, don’t worry - just reserve your tickets online and simply pay later once you’re sure. Alternatively, if you need to cancel, tell us 24 hours in advance. We’ll issue a refund so you can re-book.
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
This was my first time doing a night tour, and I loved it! The nighttime made Alcatraz even more mysterious - the night sky and shadows gave it a spooky thrill, which is exactly what I wanted. It’s perfect when talking about these darker topics. I also really liked the boat ride, beautiful views of San Francisco!
This audio tour is highly educational. You see all four cell blocks, including The Hole, and can even go inside it - a scary but humbling experience! There’s also a typical prison menu hung up in the dining hall, and of course, you learn loads about famous inmates like Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone, Robert Stroud, etc. Definitely worth booking!
DESCRIPTION
Alcatraz Night Tour
- Admission to Alcatraz Island and Federal Penitentiary
- Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
- Panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline
- Audio guide with stories and music
WATCH A GORGEOUS SUNSET OVER SAN FRANCISCO
Your Alcatraz Night Tour departs right as the sun is setting. While you cruise over the lapping waves, look back to see majestic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. As you admire the panorama, stunning colors will light up the sky, painting the skyline into a beautiful sunset landscape.
WALK AROUND THE USA'S MOST INFAMOUS PRISON
By the time you reach the island, it’ll be night - the perfect environment to explore Alcatraz Prison. As you wander the prison hallways (all ironically named after major U.S. streets, e.g., Broadway), the black sky and gloomy corridors only strengthen the complex’s mysterious, chilling atmosphere. Explore all four cell blocks, including the infamous “Hole” in D Block, where cells had a sink, toilet, small desk/shelf, and a cot.
LISTEN TO STORIES ABOUT NOTORIOUS INMATES
When you visit Alcatraz Prison, the harsh island and choppy waves make you wonder: who exactly was dangerous enough to be imprisoned here? As part of the Alcatraz Tour, you’ll learn all about the criminals housed there. Learn how Al Capone convinced guards to enjoy luxuries like a radio while behind bars and how Machine Gun Kelly kidnapped businessman Charles F. Urschel, collecting a $200,000 ransom. Under the dark night sky, such heavy history only feels more sinister.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
Did you know Alcatraz Island had the first lighthouse on the West Coast?
Alcatraz Island was originally a military outpost and as part of that complex, featured a lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1854, was constantly used to guide ships to safety in San Francisco. However, the lighthouse was unfortunately badly damaged by the catastrophic 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Today, another, stronger lighthouse stands in its place and is still in use.
Book the Alcatraz Night Tour and hear more similar stories from your audio guide!
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- It can be quite cold and windy at night on Alcatraz, so make sure to dress very warmly, with multiple layers.
- The tour is partially accessible; SEAT tram is available.
- It is necessary for all visitors to carry a valid form of photo ID; both a passport and a national identity card work.
- There are a few steep hills on Alcatraz, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes.
- This Alcatraz Night Tour is selling out quickly, so make sure you get your tickets on time!
Meeting Point
To begin your Alcatraz Night Tour, head to Pier 33 in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf (it’s right on the Embarcadero). The round-trip ferry will depart from here, providing you with stunning views of San Francisco as you sail.
FAQ - Alcatraz Night Tour
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Don't wait! Book now!
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation
- Audio guide
- Ferry ride
- Easy booking process!
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!