San Francisco, California · Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
Alcatraz Night Tour
Visit Alcatraz After Dark
Explore dimly lit cellblocks, hear firsthand stories of infamous inmates, and join ranger-led programs you won’t find on the day tour. With smaller crowds and sunset views of the San Francisco skyline, the Alcatraz Night Tour reveals a side of the island most visitors never see.
Sunset Ferry with Live NarrationRoundtrip ferry from Pier 33 with live onboard narration covering the island’s history as a Civil War fort, military prison, and federal penitentiary — crossing the bay as the sun drops behind the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Doing Time” Cellhouse Audio TourThe award-winning self-guided audio tour narrated by former guards and inmates — walking you through cellblocks lit only by period fixtures, solitary confinement, the dining hall, and stories of real escape attempts.
Exclusive Evening Ranger ProgramsRanger and docent-led programs available only in the evening — including cell door demonstrations and programming not offered on the day tour. Smaller crowds mean more time with rangers and clearer sightlines throughout the island.
Full Island Access & Historic SitesClose-up views of the Cellhouse, Building 64, Warden’s House, Water Tower, Officer’s Club, and Model Industries Building — plus outdoor interpretive signs, a Discovery Guide island map, and the political messages left by Indians of All Tribes during the 1969 Occupation.
Night Tour vs. Day Tour
From $59.65 · Tues–Sat only
Night Tour
Fixed 2.5-hour experience with much smaller groups, exclusive evening ranger programs, live-narrated sunset ferry crossing, and moody low-light photography with the lit San Francisco skyline on the return. Sells out faster than the day tour. Best for atmosphere seekers, history fans, return visitors, and photographers.
Smallest Crowds
Sunset Crossing
Exclusive Programs
From $47.95 · Daily
Day Tour
Flexible — stay as long as you like within operating hours. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM. Busier, especially summer mornings. Bright daylight photography of the island and bridge. Best for first-time visitors, families, and photographers who prefer natural light.
Flexible Duration
Daily Departures
Best for First-Timers
View Day Tour →
Seasonal departure times
Ferry times change with the seasons
Spring & summer: 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:05 PM (seasonal). After the fall time change, departures shift earlier; exact times for your date are shown at checkout. Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
See the full Alcatraz ferry schedule and our before-you-visit guide for what to bring, wear, and expect.
Availability this week: Day △ · Night △ (checked Aug 20)
Warm jacket & layersEven in July, the island is 10–15°F cooler than the mainland after sunset and the ferry deck is windy. This is non-negotiable — do not skip the jacket.
Closed-toe walking shoesThe path from the dock to the Cellhouse is a steep uphill climb. An electric shuttle (SEAT tram) is available for visitors who need assistance.
Mobile e-ticket & photo IDHave your ticket ready at Pier 33. A camera or phone with good low-light performance is ideal for skyline shots on the return ferry.
Leave at the hotelLarge backpacks, tripods, and outside alcohol are not permitted on the island. Packaged snacks and bottled water are fine — no glass containers.
How much does the Alcatraz Night Tour cost?
Night tour tickets start at $59.65 per adult ($55.25 seniors 62+, $34.85 children 5–11). Final pricing depends on date, age category, and service fees, and is shown at checkout.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to three months in advance during peak season (May–October) and around Halloween. In winter and early spring, one to two weeks is usually enough. Night tours have far fewer seats than day tours and often sell out weeks ahead.
What time does the Night Tour depart?
Departure times change with the seasons. In spring and summer, sailings run at 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:05 PM (seasonal). After the fall time change, departures shift earlier; exact times for your date are shown at checkout.
Is the Alcatraz Night Tour worth it?
For most visitors, yes — the smaller crowds, exclusive evening ranger programs, cell door demonstrations, and sunset ferry make it the higher-rated of the two experiences. If you’ve already done the day tour, the night tour is a genuinely different visit.
Is Alcatraz haunted?
The National Park Service doesn’t run an official ghost tour, but the Night Tour comes closer than anything else available. Visitors frequently report unexplained sounds, cold spots, and unsettled feelings — particularly around Cell Block D, the isolation wing, where inmates sometimes spent weeks in total darkness. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true-crime fan, walking those corridors after dark is a genuinely different experience from the daytime visit.
Are kids allowed on the Night Tour?
Yes. Children under 5 are typically free but still need a ticket for the ferry manifest. The tour involves a steep uphill walk from the dock and uneven surfaces. The subject matter — crime, isolation, escape attempts — can also be intense for younger kids.
What’s the difference between the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour?
The Behind the Scenes Tour is a longer, smaller-group guided experience that includes the Night Tour plus access to off-limits areas. If the Night Tour is sold out, checking Behind the Scenes availability is worth a try.
Where does the Night Tour depart from?
All Alcatraz tours depart from Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, on The Embarcadero — about a 10-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Cancellation and change policies are shown at checkout and on your confirmation email. Please review them before booking.
