What to expect on an Alcatraz night tour

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Scenic ferry ride with on-board narration

Your night begins at Pier 33 with a narrated ferry ride around Alcatraz Island, led by a local expert. Additionally, you’ll also enjoy a 360° loop around the island before docking—complete with stories about the island’s history, famous escape attempts, and the San Francisco Bay’s landmarks.

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.

Ranger-led talks and demonstrations

Knowledgeable park rangers host rotating presentations and guided walks from the dock to the Cellhouse, offering insights into the island’s architecture, inmate stories, and ongoing conservation efforts. These short programs change nightly, so every visit feels unique.

Deeper connection to Alcatraz's history

Smaller groups, guided walks with park rangers, and the immersive audio tour create space for reflection and discovery. Without daytime crowds, you’ll hear more stories, ask questions freely, and experience the island’s history in a way that feels intimate and authentic.

Day vs night tour

Feature	Day tour	Night tour
Ferry route	Straight route from Pier 33 to the main dock.	Full 360° loop around island before docking.
Duration + schedule	Ferries every 30 minutes till late afternoon.	Three evening tours; 3-hour structured program.
Access	Standard access—prison grounds and Cellhouse only.	After-hours access to the hospital wing & A‑Block.
Guided experience	Self-guided audio tour; optional ranger talks.	Includes exclusive curated ranger-led programs.
Atmosphere + scenery	Natural light—perfect for sightseeing & photos.	Moody atmosphere with sunset & dusk views.

Things to know before you embark on the night tour

Alcatraz Flyer ferry on San Francisco Bay during Escape from the Rock Cruise.

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 S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport), is available for those with limited mobility.
Duration of visit: Expect 2.5–3 hours, including the ferry ride.

Fog City (Upscale – 5-minute walk):** Modern American cuisine with bay views. Great for pre-tour beverages and dinner.
Hillstone (Mid-range – 7-minute walk): A reliable spot for hearty American fare and a relaxed ambiance.
Coqueta (Mid-range – 8-minute walk): Spanish small plates and waterfront seating. Ideal for couples or small groups.
Boudin Bakery Café (Budget – 6-minute walk): Casual spot known for its sourdough and soups — great for a quick bite before boarding.

Arrive at least 45 minutes before your boarding time.
Dress in layers; the ferry ride and the island can get chilly, even in summers.
Of the 8—9 ranger-led programs, catch as many as you can. They are interesting and insightful.
Eagle Plaza is a great spot to watch sunsets from the island.
Only one or two ferries head back at night; keep a lookout.
For the best views of the Bay Area, stand on the outdoor deck.

Explore after-hours experiences in the Bay Area

San Francisco ghost tours

Delve into the city's spooky past with a guided walk through haunted neighborhoods like Pacific Heights or Nob Hill—ideal after 10pm and full of eerie tales.

Late-night Chinatown food crawl

Explore lantern-lit alleyways and open kitchens offering dim sum, dumplings, and traditional desserts—perfect for a flavor-packed post-tour stroll.

View of cocktail inside a bar at Pier 33

Hidden speakeasy bars in North Beach

Discover tucked-away cocktail lounges—like retro speakeasies with live jazz—just steps from Pier 33 for an atmospheric end to your night.

Ferry approaching Pier 39 with San Francisco skyline in the evening.

Pier 39 evening ambiance

The waterfront remains softly lit after full closure. It is ideal for a quiet stroll past sea lions and souvenir stalls—peaceful, reflective, and scenic.

Frequently asked questions about the Alcatraz night tour

How is the night tour different from the day tour?

In addition to a smaller group, the night tour includes an onboard narration during the ferry ride, a full loop around the island, and a ranger-led walk from the dock to the Cellhouse. You can also access exclusive areas like the hospital wing and enjoy special evening programs not offered during the day.

What time do the night tours of Alcatraz take place?

Night tours usually depart from Pier 33 between 5:55pm and 7:05pm, depending on the season. The return ferries leave the island between 7pm to 9:30pm, giving you roughly two to three hours on the island. For a detailed breakdown on the schedule, check out the timings page.

Are night tours available every day?

No. The Night Tour operates Tuesday through Saturday only. There are no departures on Sundays or Mondays.

Is the night tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome, but note that the experience can be eerie and content-heavy. Younger kids might find the dark corridors and stories unsettling. Consider your child’s temperament before booking.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

Night tours are offered only Tuesday through Saturday and sell out several weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak season (May–early October). Booking as early as possible is strongly recommended.

Why doesn’t the Alcatraz night tour take place on Sundays and Mondays?

Night tours are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday due to staffing, operational logistics, and ferry availability. Find the best time of the week and month to visit here.

Is the night tour available throughout the year?

No. Night tours run seasonally—typically from early March through early November. Find the schedule here.

What if I miss the last ferry from the island?

Missing the final ferry is rare but serious. There are no late or standby boats. You'll need to reschedule or purchase tickets for the next available tour—overnight stays on the island are not permitted.

Is the Alcatraz gift shop open during night tours?

Yes. The gift shop on the dock and the building near the Cellhouse remain open during evening tours, so you can pick up souvenirs before the last ferry departs.

Do I need to bring a flashlight?

No. The island is properly lit for nighttime visits, and flashlights are not allowed to preserve the mood and protect delicate historical surfaces. Tour paths and buildings are safe to navigate.

Will I have time for dinner after the night tour, or should I eat before?

The night tour ends around 9:25pm, so dinner options may be limited afterward. It’s best to eat beforehand or plan for late-night food trucks or 24-hour cafés near Fisherman’s Wharf.

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and listen to historic tales as you explore the infamous prison.

Everything you get: Take a round-trip ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island. Enjoy scenic views of the Bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge. On the island, explore the cell blocks, recreation yard, outdoor Eagle Plaza, the restored historic gardens, and the permanent exhibits, at your own pace with the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
Why choose this: Experience San Francisco’s legendary prison, once home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, with total flexibility—explore at your own pace and stay as long as you like
Upgrades: Choose between a day or night tour of the island. Day tours offer stunning views of the Bay and grant access to outdoor spaces; night tours grant exclusive access to areas otherwise closed off to the public, live narration on the ferry, and ranger-led tour from the dock to the prison uphill.

Inclusions

Day tours
- Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
- Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
- Downloadable award-winning audio tour, Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
- Traditional audio device with headset
- Access to permanent exhibits
- Access to outdoor historic spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
- Participation in Guided Interpretive Programs
Night tours
- Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
- Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
- Onboard narration by live guide
- Around the island route to Alcatraz
- Guided tour by Ranger/educator
- Access to exclusive areas such as the kitchen, hospital, and church (closed off to the public during the day)
- Downloadable award-winning audio tour, Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
- Traditional audio device with headset

Exclusions

Day tours
- Live guide
- Food and beverages

Night tours
- Food and beverages

What to bring

A government-issued ID card.
Jacket/warm clothing as the island can get cold and breezy.
Comfortable walking shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the ferry or the island.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Banned substances and intoxicants are strictly prohibited.
Smoking and vaping, except in designated areas near the dock.
Drones and other remote-controlled flying devices are not allowed.

Accessibility

The experience is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and tram service available for visitors with mobility needs.
Staff are available to assist guests with accessibility requirements.
No wheelchair rentals, either at Pier 33 or Alcatraz Island.

Additional information

Arrive at Pier 33 at least one hour before your scheduled ferry departure.
Allow about 15 minutes for the return ferry to Pier 33 after leaving Alcatraz Island.
You may remain on Alcatraz Island as long as you wish during operating hours (check the schedule for day and night tours).
Children aged 4 and younger do not require a ticket.
Tours operate in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
Food and beverages are not included; food and drink options are limited on the island.
Live guides are not included; tours are self-guided with an audio guide app.
Some areas and programs are only available during night tours; check your ticket for specific inclusions.

Alcatraz day tours ferry schedule

Available Daily
Departure ferries: 8:40am, 9:20am, 9:40am, 10:10am, 10:35am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:05pm, 1:35pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:20pm, 3:50pm
Return ferries: 9:00am – 6:30pm (departing approximately every 30–40 minutes)