Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

Guide There is a gift shop called "Cell Block 41" near Pier 41. Upon arriving on the island, a staff member will explain the rules on the shore. Remember that flush toilets and water fountains are located right at the pier, because once you enter the cellhouse area, there is no drinking water available, and you’ll have to use the foul-smelling portable toilets, experiencing true prisoner treatment. Highlights The classic action movie "The Rock" was filmed on Alcatraz Island. Introduction Alcatraz Island is a small, rocky island covering about 22 acres (approximately 89,000 square meters). It was once used by the U.S. government to incarcerate the most dangerous criminals. Notorious inmates included Chicago "mob boss" Al Capone, the "Birdman" Robert Stroud who was a talented ornithologist despite having committed multiple murders, and the cold-blooded "Machine Gun" killer George Kelly. The island is surrounded by freezing, turbulent waters and is infested with man-eating sharks, making escape virtually impossible. Prisoners could only gaze at the vibrant city of San Francisco through the iron bars of their cells, serving as a form of harsh psychological punishment. Today, the island’s shops sell memoirs written by former inmates who have completed their sentences, all of whom describe the experience as “an unforgettable ordeal.”

Although the island has a grim history, it is also a wildlife sanctuary, attracting brown pelicans, night herons, western gulls, and many other bird species. Transportation Visitors can take a ferry operated by Blue and Gold Fleet from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Ferry Schedule: From Pier 41, there are 10 daily ferries to Alcatraz Island between 9:30 AM and 2:15 PM. Returning ferries from Alcatraz Island to Pier 41 run from 9:50 AM to 4:30 PM, with 13 departures.

Ticket Information: In addition to the ferry ticket, no additional entrance fee is required upon arrival on the island. Tickets come in two types: one includes the cost of an audio headset, which provides a guided tour of the island’s attractions. Upon arrival, visitors can pick up the headset at the cellhouse entrance with their ticket. Ticket prices are divided into two categories: with headset / without headset. Adults: USD 12.25 / 8.75; Seniors over 62: USD 10.5 / 7; Children aged 5–11: USD 7 / 5.5.

Booking Hotline: 705-5555

San Francisco, USA