Alcatraz City Cruises — Local services in San Francisco

The best cruise way to Alcatraz. We pre booked, our tickets on line, definitely the best way to get your tickets, easy way. Our last trip to San Francisco we waited and all tickets were sold out, this time, when we booked our resort, we also booked our tickets. We bought the family pack. You get the tickets emailed link, we didn’t have to print them, it was saved on our phones. The day of our trip. We park right across the street on the street parking. We did notice a parking lot next to the cruise location, we drove in and saw lots of broken glass on the floor, big red flag, it was $5 cheaper but we didn’t want to risk the same happening to our car. We parked outside. Didn’t see any broken glass. We arrived 1 hour early, they didn’t check our time, did check our tickets before boarding. Our trip was in December a very cold December, dressed warm, I had 2 sweaters and a jacket, it was perfect. Our kids also dressed warmed. We waited online for only a few minutes, we started boarding on. The cruise ship is very clean and comfortable, it has 3 stories including a outside part. They also sell snacks and drinks, we packed our own, having a 8 year old. Juices and snacks is always a good thing to cary. A very short distance from San Francisco to the island, Only 15 minutes boat ride to the island. Arriving at the island we were greeted the ranger giving us information There a return time scheduled posted. Make sure you snap a picture of the schedule, it comes handy, you can see the times of the departure ship. The only hard walk was getting to the actual jail, it’s a long straight up hill walk, there is a trolley that takes, the ones that’s can’t handle the walk, make sure you ask, before waking up. We did have to stop a few times to catch our breath, before continuing, Once you get to the top, the tour begins. We are handled earphones, that do a great job in explanation of how the inmates lived. It’s a wonderful tour. Our family enjoyed the whole audio experience walk inside the jail. Having a 8 year old, I thought he wouldn’t like it, he enjoyed it. After touring the inside, you can walk around the outside, take pictures, you can see San Francisco beautiful views from the island. Definitely recommend it to the whole family who want to visit Alcatraz.

Visited : December 2022 Wait time : 5-10 minutes Reservation recommended :Yea definitely Make reservations on line before coming. Tickets sell out fast. Price : $30-40 Kid friendly: yes Our 8 year old and 18 year old...

We booked the Behind the Scenes tour and did that before the standard audio tour. The Behind the Scenes Tour was absolutely worth it. We not only had access to areas not open to the general public, but we also learned facts that weren't common knowledge from a quick Google search. Our guide had met people previously associated with Alcatraz (from both sides of the bars), and he really held our attention. The ferry ride over was pleasant. I get motion sick pretty easily, but I had no problem. The snack options on the ferry were just average. We ate beforehand, and I was glad to have done so. There were restrooms at the dock on both sides and on the ferry itself. You cannot eat near the dock waiting areas, so you must eat beforehand or wait until you board the boat. Our cruise out had very few people because it was just those on the Behind the Scenes tour. On the return trip, hundreds of people lined up. It seemed like too many to actually fit on the ferry, but that wasn't the case. The ferry had more room than I realized, and it didn't feel jam packed at all. The only thing I didn't enjoy was a lady with a young teen on the tour with us said her teen didn't process information like everyone else so she would be explaining things. That seemed reasonable. However, she then proceeded to talk loudly at the same time the guide was explaining things. She talked at the same time as the guide during the entire tour, and it was distracting and rude. One of my own children (also on the tour) has ADHD, auditory processing disorder, and a language processing disorder, but I would NEVER talk over a guide that other people paid good money for -- nor would my child expect or want me to do that. That lady made it difficult for everyone else to hear the guide. I had to stand on the opposite side from her and really concentrate to block her out. Only when we were walking between spots (and the guide wasn't explaining anything), then I would repeat information the guide said to my own child to help fill in what he missed due to the self-entitled lady making it hard for my child to listen and process. Anyway her behavior is not the fault of City Cruises or the guide at Alcatraz. They did a great job, and we still learned a lot and enjoyed the tour. I definitely recommend Alcatraz City Cruises and the Behind the...

My visit to Alcatraz with Alcatraz Cruises was an exceptional experience, starting with the convenience of purchasing my tickets in advance. This foresight allowed me to arrive and access the site directly, bypassing other lines forming for on-site ticket purchases. The organization was impeccable, as I boarded the cruise precisely at the scheduled time and similarly returned, strictly adhering to the established time block.

The cruise itself is spacious, featuring three floors with various amenities. There’s an area where you can enjoy snacks or coffee while sailing, and ample seating both indoors and on the outdoor deck, providing breathtaking views.

Upon arrival, a staff member greeted us, providing orientation and information about the tour. After passing this point, we ascended and walked a few minutes to the main entrance of the historic Alcatraz prison. Here, the staff guided us and handed out audio guides, allowing us to hear narrations simulating the voices of former inmates, as well as reenacted voices of the prison’s officers and directors.

The tour was fascinating, brimming with history. Despite signs of neglect, presumably to maintain its original appearance, this added authenticity to the experience. Inside, we learned about the cells of famous prisoners of the time, such as Al Capone, one of the era’s most notorious tax evaders.

Upon completing the tour of the cells, dining hall, and areas where privileged inmates could enjoy sunlight, I was impressed by the panoramic views from the top. The outlook over the city and the spectacular maritime landscape were truly captivating.

In summary, my visit to Alcatraz expanded my knowledge of this historic place, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting San Francisco. It’s a must-see experience, deserving a solid 10 out of 10 for its fascinating history.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that when purchasing tickets online, there are many websites available. It’s crucial to conduct a thorough check, as prices vary. I managed to secure one of the more affordable options, paying...