English
English
Contents
Day vs night tour
📋 Feature
☀️ Day tour
🌙 Night tour
Ferry route
Straight route from Pier 33 to the main dock.
Includes a full 360° circle around the island before docking—exclusive to night tours.
Duration + schedule
Flexible—ferries run about every 30 minutes until late afternoon.
Three departures per evening, with a structured 2.5–3 hour program.
Group-size
Daytime tours can accommodate several thousand visitors daily; the experience is lively and social.
Night tours are capped at around 600 guests per evening, offering a calmer, more intimate visit.
Access
Standard access—prison grounds and Cellhouse only.
Offers after-hours access to areas like the hospital wing and A‑Block.
Guided experience
Self-guided audio tour; optional ranger talks.
Includes curated ranger-led programs not available during the day.
Atmosphere + scenery
Bright natural light—great for general sightseeing and photos.
Includes curated ranger-led programs not available during the day.
Book your Alcatraz night tour
Things to know before you embark on the night tour
Basics 101
Nearby dining options
Visitor tips
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: Expect 2.5–3 hours, including the ferry ride.
Group size: Capped at 600, creating a more intimate and quieter experience.
- 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 early to check in and board your chosen ferry group. Choosing the last boarding group gives you a more relaxed experience inside the Cellhouse after the initial crowd moves through.
- Dress warmly, even in summer. The ferry ride and the island can get windy and cold at night, especially if you're spending time on the upper deck or exploring outdoor areas.
- Make time for the ranger-led talks and demonstrations. These evening-only programs offer fascinating insights into Alcatraz's history and often happen in areas not covered by the regular audio tour.
- After completing the Cellhouse audio tour, return to quieter areas like the solitary confinement wing or A-Block. Fewer people around means a more immersive, contemplative experience.
- Watch the cliffs near the island's edges at dusk. You might catch seabirds returning to their nests, a natural spectacle unique to the evening hours.
- On the island, pause at Eagle Plaza during or after sunset. The views over the bay and the city lights offer a stunning and peaceful moment before your return trip.
- Pay attention to the return ferry schedule. Only one or two boats head back each evening.
- Stay on the top deck of the ferry for the scenic loop around the island before docking. It’s a rare chance to see all sides of Alcatraz in the dramatic evening light, with the San Francisco skyline glowing in the background.
Explore more 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.
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.
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
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.
Is the night tour available throughout the year?
No. Night tours run seasonally—typically from early March through early November.
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.