Alcatraz Boat Tours

Alcatraz, located one and a half miles from San Francisco in the middle of San Francisco Bay, was a military prison and later a maximum security U.S. prison. The property, dubbed "The Rock," is now managed by the National Park Service and open to the public every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. Visitors reach Alcatraz via a private ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco. Some of the facilities may be viewed on a self-guided tour, but one of the guided tours is recommended in order to get the most out of a visit.

Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour

The 45-minute Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour, offered by Alcatraz Cruises, gives visitors a chance to hear prisoners and correctional officers who lived and worked at Alcatraz describe the cell blocks and other facilities. The tour is introduced via a film, produced by the Discovery Channel. The tour is offered continuously throughout the day.

Alcatraz Cruises, LLC
Pier 33, Hornblower Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-7625

Gardens of Alcatraz Tour

This unusual tour explores the surviving gardens of spring bulbs and perennials that survived after the facility closed in 1963. The gardens, which provided a peaceful oasis for both inmates and guards, are now being restored by the Alcatraz Garden Conservancy. The tour is offered each Friday and Saturday morning.

Alcatraz Cruises, LLC
Pier 33, Hornblower Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-7625

Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz Night tour begins with a narrated boat tour from San Francisco. Visitors are then treated to a number of special "night only" features as well as the audio cell house tour. On a clear night, tour members can see the sun set over Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz Cruises, LLC
Pier 33, Hornblower Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-7625

Alcatraz Discovery Lunch Tour

The Alcatraz Discovery Lunch tour departs San Francisco's Pier 3 each morning at 11 a.m. The two-hour cruise features a gourmet lunch, live entertainment and a narrated tour of the landmarks in San Francisco Bay, including Alcatraz. Discounts are offered to seniors, military personnel and children.

Hornblower Cruises
Pier 3
San Francisco, CA 94111
(888) 467-6256

Resources

Article Written By Sandy Mitchell

Sandy Mitchell is an Ohio-based writer, blogger and editor. She writes for "The Better Drink" and other online publications. Before devoting herself full-time to writing, Mitchell was a travel agent and cruise school instructor for 18 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Bowling Green State University.

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