1.25 mi.
Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz Island is located in San Francisco Bay, 1.25 mi offshore from San Francisco, California, United States.
How long is the boat ride from San Francisco to Alcatraz?
12-15 minutes
The trip over to Alcatraz Island is 12-15 minutes each way and is factored into the suggested time of 2 ½ to 3 hours. Most guests spend approximately 2-3 hours total for the duration of the trip and tour. Alcatraz Cruises’ return ferries leave Alcatraz Island roughly every half hour from the time of arrival.
Can you go to Alcatraz on your own boat?
How to Visit Alcatraz. The only way to visit Alcatraz is to take one of the ferries operated by the Hornblower company. Other Bay cruises may include a trip past or around Alcatraz, but they don’t let you get off on the island (see other San Francisco Bay cruises).
How often do boats leave Alcatraz?
approximately every thirty to forty minutes
The ferry, operated by Alcatraz City Cruises, runs approximately every thirty to forty minutes to and from Alcatraz. You may return to San Francisco on any ferry. The island closes for the day at 6:30pm in the summer, and 4:30pm in fall, winter and spring.
Where does the boat for Alcatraz leave from?
Pier 33
Alcatraz City Cruises – Pier 33
The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz City Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street – just a bit south east of Fisherman’s Wharf. There is no parking at Pier 33.
Can you take the ferry to Alcatraz without a tour?
Is Alcatraz open to the public? Alcatraz is open to public tours. However, the Alcatraz docks are exclusively available to one ferry line, Alcatraz Cruises. So, the only way the public can visit this famous jail in San Francisco is to buy a tour and take one of the official Alcatraz ferries.
What pier does the ferry to Alcatraz leave from?
Pier 33
Pier 33 is located along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. This is the spot to catch the ferry that whisks you away for an experience of a lifetime on Alcatraz!
How much does the Alcatraz ferry cost?
Departure Schedule Alcatraz City Cruises
| Bay Discovery Cruise | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult 18-61 years old | $40.00 |
| Junior 12-17 years old | $40.00 |
| Children 5-11 years old | $25.00 |
| Senior 62+ years old | $35.00 |
How much does it cost to swim Alcatraz?
$235 per event
Feel free to contact us if you’re not sure if you are up for it. Alcatraz swims are $235 per event. There is a $50 late registration fee within one month of the swim. In addition to the swim itself, registration includes an event t-shirt, an Alcatraz Swim sticker, and a yellow silicone Alcatraz swim cap.
Do sharks swim around Alcatraz?
Great white sharks (unfairly made infamous by the movie “Jaws”) rarely venture inside the bay, even though they are numerous in Pacific Ocean waters just outside the Golden Gate.
Is there food on Alcatraz boat?
There is no food service on Alcatraz City Cruises vessels or on Alcatraz Island – only water. There are drinking fountains located by both restrooms – at the dock and near the lighthouse, and bottled water is available in the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy book stores on the island.
Is an Alcatraz tour worth it?
Alcatraz Island has a story so intriguing the island draws in over 1.5 million visitors each year. But are the Alcatraz day and night tours worth your valuable time and money? In short, the answer is yes.
What should you wear to Alcatraz?
The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and liable to change unexpectedly, so be prepared by bringing along a light jacket or sweater no matter how nice the day starts out. The best advice is always to dress in layers. Wear rain gear during wet winter months. (Rain gear is available for purchase at the bookstores.)
How much does a Alcatraz tour cost?
Tickets can also be purchased by calling 415-981-7625 (ROCK) or from the ticket booth at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. General admission is $14.00 per person. Children under 5 years of age are free.
How early should I arrive for Alcatraz tour?
To allow ample time for screening, it is strongly recommend that you arrive at Alcatraz Landing at least 45 minutes prior to your departure time. Due to social distancing requirements in the Cellhouse, there may be a lengthy wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour.
What happens if you miss the last boat from Alcatraz?
If you are late for your departure from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing to Alcatraz Island, please check in at the Will Call area of the Ticketbooth and you will be accommodated on the next available departure. It’s important to have your ticketing information with you as well as a government issued photo ID.
What time of day is best to visit Alcatraz?
Early morning is best if you prefer to go when the island is less crowded. Midday is best if you prefer a warmer day and sunny skies. I took the photo below on the Agave Trail about 1pm in early December. It was a gorgeous sunny day with temperatures in the 60s.
Is it better to visit Alcatraz in the day or night?
It’s just a question of preference – some travelers prefer Alcatraz prison day trip over Alcatraz night tour as they get to see more places that are closed during the night excursion. However, other visitors like the night adventure to Alcatraz jail and find it more fun and spookier to tour the island at night.
Is there a lot of walking on the Alcatraz tour?
As a state park, this was fantastic. Quite a bit of climbing, though for people who have any mobility concerns, there is a tram. 13 stories up a trail with 4 switchbacks to get to the cell blocks.
How long should I plan for an Alcatraz?
On average, it’s recommended that you set aside a minimum of 2.5 hours for your visit to Alcatraz Island. That time includes taking the round-trip ferry, which is about 15 minutes each way, touring the prison, and walking around the island to explore the gardens and displays.
Do Alcatraz tours go inside?
Though the number of people on the tour is limited, you can go inside the cell block now and do the self-guided audio tour, plus see the exhibit in the New Industries Building. Starting Nov 8, 2021, the day tours run Fri-Sun 8:50-2; Mon-Thur 9:10-2. See Alcatraz tours for details and bookings.