What is the difference between day and night Alcatraz tours?

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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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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  • 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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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 Behind the Scenes Tour The hardest Alcatraz Island tour to obtain is, without a doubt, the Behind the Scenes Tour, and it's for good reason, too. These tickets may be the most expensive of any tour option, but you'll also get the most bang for your buck.

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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 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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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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How far in advance should I purchase tickets to Alcatraz? Tickets to Alcatraz Island can sell out weeks in advance. We suggest that you secure your reservation as far in advance as possible to ensure that your desired tour date does not sell out.

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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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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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Food, drinks (including candy and gum) are only allowed on the dock. (An exception is bottled water, which is available in the bookstore on the dock on Alcatraz.)

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Are the Alcatraz Prison Tours Worth It? Yes, this is a must see when you are in San Francisco. It's best for those interested in history and stories about the inmates. If those two things don't interest you, then you can skip this attraction.

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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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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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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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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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After visiting Alcatraz Island, be sure to plan a visit to other historic, cultural and culinary attractions in the Bay Area. Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is conveniently located to walk to many iconic San Francisco sights, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, the historic San Francisco Ferry Building and so much more.

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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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Identification. Photo I.D. is required when purchasing and picking up tickets. Photo I.D. is required to board the ferry. Photo I.D. is not required for all in your party, but only for those who purchased tickets.

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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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