Escape from the Rock! Cruise around Alcatraz
Overview
Embark on a 90-minute cruise along the San Francisco waterfront, under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Angel Island State Park before circling Alcatraz Island for an in-depth view of the prison. Take in the sights and sounds of the island as you listen to ex-guards and former inmates tell their stories of murder, mayhem, and mobsters on an audio tour with historical photos via your smartphone, tablet or other WiFi-enabled device. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.
What's Included
- Audio: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese & Taiwanese
- Multiple restrooms, WC, onboard
- Enjoy the sea life! Possibility of seeing dolphins, sea lions, whales, and pelicans, oh my!
- Access to full-service cash snack bar and Free WIFI while you enjoy interior or exterior seating
- "Straight to the gate" Skip the Line! Go straight to the boarding line and avoid the Ticket Booth
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcatraz access / ticket
Meeting Location
Pier 41
San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Pier 39
Admission Ticket Free
Golden Gate Bridge (pass by)
Angel Island State Park (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible, only on first deck
- Children from 0 to 4 years old sail for free
- Times are subject to change without notice
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on Escape from the Rock! Cruise around Alcatraz?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5863P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.45 out of 5 stars based on 146 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- Audio: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese & Taiwanese.
- Multiple restrooms, WC, onboard.
- Enjoy the sea life! Possibility of seeing dolphins, sea lions, whales, and pelicans, oh my!.
- Access to full-service cash snack bar and Free WIFI while you enjoy interior or exterior seating.
- "Straight to the gate" Skip the Line! Go straight to the boarding line and avoid the Ticket Booth.
- Food and drinks (available to purchase).
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
- Alcatraz access / ticket.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Escape from the Rock! Cruise around Alcatraz is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Escape from the Rock! Cruise around Alcatraz will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Audio: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese & Taiwanese
- Multiple restrooms, WC, onboard
- Enjoy the sea life! Possibility of seeing dolphins, sea lions, whales, and pelicans, oh my!
- Access to full-service cash snack bar and Free WIFI while you enjoy interior or exterior seating
- "Straight to the gate" Skip the Line! Go straight to the boarding line and avoid the Ticket Booth
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcatraz access / ticket
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible, only on first deck
- Children from 0 to 4 years old sail for free
- Times are subject to change without notice
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
