Shout out to all the staff here. Tours were conducted in a fantastic manner and with utter respect for the history of the place and the people who used to reside here. We had the night tour which, with the changeable weather in the bay, made for such a great atmosphere. The boat both to and from the island wasn't crammed or overbooked and also allowed for some pictures to be taken on the way out. Although, dress for wet weather as there is often a bit of spray even if it isn't raining. Facilities on board were good with toilets and a small bar area offering warm drinks and some snacks. There is a fair amount of walking as you can imagine so wear sensible footwear and pack something warm just in case. If you're only going to make one trip out to Alcatraz, check the closing times of the gift shop and other places to leave yourself rnought time to browse and get something you want. We were the last tour out of the building so struggled to find shirt sizes to fit before having to leave. This tour was one of the best parts of our entire trip and would definitely recommend to anyone of any age that is even remotely interested and definitely worth more than one tour.

Very impressive place, with an excellent audio tour; using the qr code and your own phone with headphones seems better than their wands in terms of volume though. The views, the history, and the wildlife was all fantastic. Everything one could see was very interesting, but there were too many places that were off limits, including a situation where you could approach a "no passing for your safety" barrier from both sides, making it unclear why you couldn't pass it. 2 of the paths on the provided map were also closed in addition to one that was closed for nesting birds.

Awesome place to visit & not too expensive. Buy the tickets online in advance & if you visiting during fall/ winter then try to go before 3pm because it gets cold during evening hours. Unfortunately they have closed some other areas that were open before pandemic. It will be nice if millionaires could invest little bit more and fix some other areas of the island so there's more things to see like the building where all the guards used to live with their families etc.. other than that very incredible historic place to visit.

Forced lecture upon arrival but self guided with audio and very very well done. Easy to navigate throughout the prison and grounds. Our audio clerk warned us about trying to fast forward (don't as the device is not reliable). We found the gardens on the west side of the island and were virtually alone with great view of SF and the Golden Gate bridge. Pay attention to the return times late in the day as the queue can get quite long.

We went to alcatraz island over halloween. The island itself was really neat and so were the old buildings. They also had a great display of the native history in America and the role that Alcatraz had to play in the human rights movements that came up. However, we went during COVID so the actual jail cells were closed and the audio tour wasn't available. Regardless, they history that they were able to showcase was interesting.

The ranger announcement when you get on the Dock is important. it tells you all the do's and don'ts where to go what's open on the island after that you're pretty much a self-guided, plus you get a audio tour at the top of the cell house. Sometimes there's even a guest author you might see and able to buy their book. it's not just a prison it's layers of History...enjoy!

This was my second visit to Alcatraz after 16 years. The "product" is much more professional and polished these days. Do take time to listen to stories told by the team, absolutely fascinating. The emphasis has also changed - on my first visit the focus was on Al Capone. This time he did not even get a mention. Much more generic, which on the whole I preferred.

Awesome experience! Learned quite a bit about the Rock. Don’t miss the audio tour, it makes Alcatraz come alive. You get to hear about this prison from not only past guards, but also from past prisoners. Hearing the cell doors mechanism open and close, will give you chills. Did you know Alcatraz was occupied by Native Americans, for a period of time?

Cold and scary. Interesting to be standing in the place where many criminals of history were incarcerated. You must take the audio guide in order to understand better all the different areas and aspects of the tour. If lucky?, you might have the chance to take a picture with an ex-prisoner. Many photograph sports and great view from San Francisco.

Every time I visit San Francisco, I go to Alcatraz. From the first time I was there, to the last I'm always impressed by what it was, and the history behind the island. The last time we were there, we took the night tour. I asked the guide if there was a chapel, and she took my wife and I to see it (it was also the movie theater).

Fantastic tour with interesting history and great audio guide. Book early- like months in advance- and get the earliest your time possible. You’ll avoid the crowds and the heat. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be hiking up some pretty fierce hills. This was one of the highlights of our vacation and a must do when you’re here.

Beautiful and scenic ride to and from Alcatraz. Went on a nice sunny day while our cruise ship was in San Francisco. Staff was super friendly and accommodating when we just missed our ferry appointment by literally a couple minutes, it was still docked when we were there. We made the next ferry over to the island.

Absolutely worth it. If you are a history or true crime enthusiast, this is a must. We did the self guided audio tour and it was so cool! My husband and I can’t stop talking about it, and it was one of our favorite parts of the trip. It is surprisingly beautiful as well as just an interesting piece of history.

Disembarking and loading at the island is perfect. They gather all the people upon arrival explaining what tours they have, where to go and what to do. Many people don't do the tours, which is crazy, it's a must do thing. Words cannot explain how much I loved this place, it's just a must do part of your visit.

I'm probably the only review that wasn't OK impressed by this tour. They make a big production out of the island but there really isn't much to see. I'll admit that it made me want to watch the movies again afterwards but the tour itself just didn't have that much too it.

I took the tour, we get a audio tour and can walk around. The best part was the view of the city from the waters. You can also step into the cellars, and walk through each section on the island. you can place yourself or spent the whole day if you wish too.

It's extremely cold and windy, you must wear a warm hat and jacket or you will freeze to death. Also do the audio tour or you will miss out on a lot of the exhibits. Food and drink here is actually cheaper than at the nearby Pier 39. It's a nice trip.

The ferry was quick and simple! The views are amazing. If you do the night tour of Alcatraz, you'll get to take a full spin around the island. We'll worth it! The staff were great, and there are some snacks and drinks on board.

Good experience and audio tour. If required, there's a transportation to take you up the hill (1 companion allowed). Once you finish the audio tour, make sure you go around the island where you'll get great views of the bay.

Despite substantial crowds, the ferry operation runs on time, with efficient boarding, and reasonable comfort. No excess standing around either which appreciated by those doing a lot of tourist walking.

Way busy. When we visited the Alcatraz terminal was under construction. Kinda uncomfortable standing next to noisy machinery in the hot sun waiting for a stinky fly-filled ferry. That's life I suppose!

Alcatraz Island tours are very interesting and fun. Parts of Alcatraz Island are not wheelchair accessible, but the rest is still fun. The Alcatraz Island Ferry Terminal is very wheelchair accessible.

This is the arrival point on Alcatraz Island. The ranger will give a briefing at the terminal arrival area as one arrives. Just take note of the departures time before exploring Alcatraz.

The feeling was weird, especially listening to the stories of the people while being there. The tours are overrated for what they offer. We took the night tour and it was interesting.

Alcatraz is full of stories, it is an interesting collection of buildings but the stories and historical transitions make it a wonderful trip most important it is about the people.

Great experience. You need to walk several high ramps to get to the jail tour or you can take a small shuttle. Bring big spray, the bugs are bad. 1st floor bathrooms are clean.

Very interesting attraction. The audio tour is a must. There is great views on San Francisco city, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.

Alcatraz is part of the State Parks. It was cool to see the insides of the most famous penitentiary. The headphone guided tour is a great addition.

Had the rock at top of my bucket list of places to visit Got todo this on the day of my 60th birthday. You really need to see here in person

The audio tour was absolutely worth the price of the ferry to get on the island. A lot of history tour is very well done. Don't miss it

An island with an interesting history. You can explore and see all the prison system. There are guided tours and voice guidance.

They are making awesome progress to sustainable future without destroying current businesses and creating jobs in the process.

Interesting, especially also the background information of the original owners of the place. Else, well, it is a prison.

Absolutely worth the money. Guided, audio, and self guided tours available. Plan on a steep hike up and lots of walking.

Buy your tickets in advance and avoid being disappointed at the Pier. Download your ticket and present before boarding.

It's not the best terminal I've docked. It moves a lot but it's okay. The views of the island are not great from here.

Amazing history and it would be nice if NPS would do more for preservation of this amazing piece of American history.

I visited the island back in 1999,very interesting. A must see if you are in the bay area. I can't wait to get back.

All stuff are really very helpful . and ferry inside small food court available , wheelchair also easy move in ferry

The guided audio tour is a real must do! You van really feel the energy from when the prison was still populated.

This was my third visit to the Island. I learn something new each time I go. A national monument for sure.

Fun half day experience. Audio tour is very entertaining. Lots of walking. Can be lots of other people.

Really friendly staff on hand to guide you. Be sure to get the early ferry out to the island

Awesome time! Great audio tour inside the prison and cool factoids throughout the grounds.

A simple there and back again, they are well equipped to deal with huge volumes of people.

Best place to watch fleet weeks blue angels show fairies leave every hour from pier. 33

Staff was friendly and offer great service. A quick ferry ride to the Alcatraz Island.

great 1130am walking history tour led by a volunteer, who was amazing, a professor

Interesting place. The buildings aren't too impressive, but the history is cool.

Lots to see. However, I feel there are a lot more activities could be added.

Great historic place to go and see. Audio tour of the cell house is a must.

all prisons should be shut down and turned into museums like this …

Great place to visit…plan on spending about half a day exploring.

Amazing historical experience. 10/10, would get arrested again.

Great little place to have a cheap early breakfast and coffee.

Great historic tour, but beware no refreshments available..

The exhibit on the Red Power Movement was a great addition.

Incredible sight to behold. There is so much history here!

Fabulous...want to go again..spend more time on island.

Bathrooms were rough. Rest of experience was great.

Be on time if you go to SF, should be a long line.

Enjoyed the audio tour and history presentations!

Very interesting from a historical perspective.

It's awesome how much history is on that island

Very cool! A must see if in San Francisco!!

Absolutely brilliant place to visit

It would suck to me an inmate here

Cool ride. No complaints

A must see attraction

Highly recommend