TourTruth score 6.9 out of 10
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San Francisco Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour 24 hr
TourTruth score 8.0 out of 10
Very goodTop 13% in San Francisco
1,572 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score
- San Francisco
- 1 day
- Updated November 4, 2026
Cross San Francisco Bay by ferry, explore Alcatraz at your own pace, and hear the island’s history on an award-winning Cellhouse audio tour.
About this tour
Cross San Francisco Bay by ferry and step onto Alcatraz, where prison corridors, island landscapes, and layered history await. This San Francisco Alcatraz ferry and audio tour pairs the official boat ride from Pier 33 with time to explore the island at your own pace.
Follow the award-winning “Doing Time” Cellhouse audio tour through the former prison. Hear firsthand accounts from former inmates and guards, and learn about escape attempts and life behind the walls. Beyond the Cellhouse, discover Alcatraz’s past as a military fort and explore historic outdoor spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden. The visit also includes the New Industries Building, the 50th anniversary Occupation exhibit, and “The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States.” Ranger-led interpretive programs offer another way to connect with the island’s history.
Plan for 2–3 hours on the island. The walk from the dock to the Cellhouse climbs 130 feet, so wear comfortable shoes; a S.E.A.T. Tram is available for guests with mobility concerns. Bring a jacket for changing weather. Book your San Francisco Alcatraz ferry and audio tour to experience the stories and scenery of the Bay’s most storied island.
Highlights
- Cross San Francisco Bay on the official Alcatraz ferry
- Explore the Cellhouse at your own pace with an award-winning audio tour
- Hear firsthand accounts from former inmates and guards
- Discover Alcatraz’s history as a military fort, prison, and site of occupation
- Wander historic outdoor spaces, including Eagle Plaza and the Recreation Yard
What's included
Included
- Round-trip ferry from Pier 33
- Alcatraz Island admission
- Cellhouse audio tour, “Doing Time”
- Discovery Guide island map
- Access to outdoor historic spaces, including Eagle Plaza, Recreation Yard, Sallyport, and Rose Garden
- Access to the New Industries Building and 50th anniversary Occupation exhibit
- Access to “The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States” permanent exhibit
- Ranger-led interpretive programs
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
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View on GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
4.67 / 5 · 1,572 reviews
What reviewers mention
Themes that come up most in this tour's reviews.
Common complaints
Important information
- The path from the dock to the Cellhouse is ¼ mile (0.4 km) and climbs 130 feet, equivalent to 13 stories
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- A S.E.A.T. Tram is available for guests with mobility concerns
- Alcatraz weather can change quickly; bring a jacket
Frequently asked questions
How long does the visit take?
The listed duration is 24 hours, while the island visit typically takes 2–3 hours.
Where does the ferry depart from?
The round-trip ferry departs from Pier 33 in San Francisco.
How much walking is required?
The route from the dock to the Cellhouse is ¼ mile (0.4 km) with 130 feet of elevation gain.
Is there assistance for guests with mobility concerns?
A S.E.A.T. Tram is available for guests with mobility concerns.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket, as Alcatraz weather can change quickly.
How this score is calculated
This score is based on one provider. GetYourGuide rates it 4.67 from 1,572 reviews. We place that rating among all GetYourGuide ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.
How the score works and rating distribution in San Francisco
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 8.0. Top 13% in San Francisco means it ranks in the top 13% of tours in San Francisco by this score.
Provider rating distribution in San Francisco
How many tours in San Francisco have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
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- GetYourGuide
- Viator
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