- Location: Tours depart from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, located along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time for check-in.
- Timings: Night tours operate between Tuesday and Saturday, with ferries departing at 5:55, 6:30, and 7:05 pm.
- Accessibility: The ferry and most areas of the island are wheelchair accessible. An electric tram, the SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport), is available for those with limited mobility.
- Duration of visit: Expect 2.5–3 hours, including the ferry ride.
What to expect
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Views of the bay at sunset
Evening departures allow you to see the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Bay Bridge lit by golden hour light. As darkness falls, the contrast between city lights and the isolated prison is striking.
Access to special areas
Night tours unlock exclusive access to the Hospital Wing, D-Block’s solitary confinement cells, and even the X-Ray room at the end of a dark corridor. They also feature 8–9 ranger-led programs each evening on varied island topics—wildlife, prison escapes, and banned books.
Quieter experience
Night tours are limited to fewer visitors, creating a more peaceful environment. Without daytime crowds, you can explore the island at your own pace and experience Alcatraz in a more personal way.
Deeper understanding of history
The slower pace and small-group setting encourage a closer connection to the island’s layered past—from military fort to maximum-security prison to site of protest and preservation.
