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Is the Alcatraz night tour better?

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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Allow at least 2 1/2 – 3 hours for sailing to the Island, exploring the island and returning to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. The trip over to Alcatraz Island is 12-15 minutes each way and is factored into the suggested time of 2 ½ – 3 hours. If you choose the Night Tour, your total experience is only 2 -3 hours.

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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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  • 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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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 roads and walkways on Alcatraz are steep. The distance from the dock to the Cellhouse is approximately 1/4 mile (. 4km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters), the equivalent of walking up a 13-story building.

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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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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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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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For the slightly scary price of $666, on the 30th or 31st of October you'll get the chance to sleep exactly like a prisoner would. The experience is up to four people and includes a spooky bedroom story from a resident of the Dungeon.

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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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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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Eating, drinking and smoking is only permitted on the dock. Beyond the dock only bottled water in non-glass bottles is allowed to be consumed.

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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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Are backpacks or luggage allowed on Alcatraz Island? Bags larger than a standard backpack, 16 x 20, are not allowed on Alcatraz Island. Small packs and bags are permitted. Each visitor is required to go through extensive security prior to boarding the ferry to Alcatraz.

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Are there bathrooms on Alcatraz? There are bathrooms on most of the ferries on the way over and back. There are also restrooms in two locations on the island. One is right near the ferry terminal.

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While our tours operate rain or shine, Alcatraz City Cruises will notify guests as soon as possible if their tour is cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions.

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Swimming from Alcatraz is one of the most famous, desirable, and enjoyable open water swims (wild swim) in the entire world. Despite lore that swimming from Alcatraz is dangerous, for experienced swimmers with proper support, swimming from Alcatraz can be safe and fun.

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