Is Alcatraz night tour better than the day?

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.



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The difference with the day tour is that you are able to see parts of the prison that are normally closed off. There will also be behind-the-scenes tours, cell door demos, and other bonus walking tours. All of these extras make the night tour more of an 'Alcatraz Behind the Scenes tour' than the day tour option.

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But are the Alcatraz day and night tours worth your valuable time and money? In short, the answer is yes. But you are not here for the short answer. San Francisco is not a cheap place to visit and with limited time to explore, you need to know exactly how to spend your time and money wisely.

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The Early Bird tickets are best since you are the first group on the island. I also like getting there as early as possible because then you can participate in some talks on the island. These usually start around 11 a.m. with the final ones in the early afternoon.

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It gives you the most of Alcatraz and the most guidance on the island, and it's an experience well worth the price of admission. It is important to remember the Behind the Scenes Tour, because of its limited space, is often sold out months in advance.

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Plan Ahead Visiting Alcatraz Island is one of the most rewarding experiences of any trip to San Francisco. However, visitors who wish to visit the prison and island grounds must secure reservations.

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Most of the Alcatraz Island outdoor areas are closed to the public after dark and during the Night Tour, so apart from the tour itself, there is nothing else to do at night. The Day Tour takes about 3 hours but can be extended, as long as you catch the last ferry back to the mainland (San Francisco).

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It was pretty dark by that time, but Alcatraz is well lit at night, so finding our way back down to the dock was easy. In mid-summer, you'll have to take the last boat back to see the city lights. It was so pretty out on the island with the lights of the city sparkling in the distance.

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Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is at the foot of Bay Street on the Embarcadero, between the intersections of Embarcadero & Bay Streets and Embarcadero & Sansome Streets. Please arrive one half hour prior to your departure time to check in.

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  • Duration a few hours.
  • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island.
  • On-board audio narration during ferry ride.
  • Award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
  • Optional programs and exhibits.
  • Docent guided tours and talks.


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Alcatraz is a National Park, not a haunted house. That said, the evening tour does lean toward the eerie. Is it a ghost tour? No.

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Every year, there are a total of 18 overnight stays available on Alcatraz, and a staggering number of 200 to 400 groups compete for the opportunity to secure one of these spots. Of course something like this would be in high demand, which is why only non-profit groups with a 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply.

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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.)

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Beyond the dock only bottled water in non-glass bottles is allowed to be consumed. Please refrain from feeding the birds on Alcatraz - as tempting as it may be (the birds will beg and even try to snatch food out of your hands) human food is NOT good for them.

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Temperatures on Alcatraz Island seldom rise above 75°F (24°C) or fall below 38°F (3°C). It almost never snows on the Island, but winters can be wet and cold. Afternoon winds are common during every season.

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Before they open the prison in the morning, they have him come out and deliver an opening act for the crowd. He's like a standup comedian. What does Alcatraz smell like? A cross between sea air and decay, old paint.

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Alcatraz night tour ticket price: Adult (18-61 years old) US$ 47.30. Junior (12-17 years old) US$ 46.25. Child (5-11 years old) US$ 28.

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Every year, there are a total of 18 overnight stays available on Alcatraz, and a staggering number of 200 to 400 groups compete for the opportunity to secure one of these spots.

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The walk from the Alcatraz Island dock to the cellhouse is equivalent to walking up a 13-story building. You can rest along the way, so you can take your time with walking. There is also a SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram on Alcatraz Island for guests with mobility issues.

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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.

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Cell phone coverage exists throughout most of Alcatraz. Please always use handrails that are provided. Steps can be slippery due to weather conditions and moisture. Please do not leave visible items in your vehicle, regardless of where you are parking.

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