Thoroughly enjoyed this trip to this iconic place. The ferry trip over is excellent and the island itself very interesting. It is a chilling place and you really wouldn't have wanted to have been incarcerated there. Views from the island back to San Francisco are great.

We loved the boat trip from Fishermen's Wharf and the lovely view of San Francisco. The island itself is an iconic landmark that is dedicated to give you an insight in the old times and famous prisoners such as Al Capone and many more. The coolest part was to see the real cells and the walking areas that the prisoners used long time ago. Everything is very well prepared and informative.

Very good tour. Be sure you purchase tickets in advance because they sell out quickly. Wear comfortable shoes and take a jacket as it gets cold although we did the night tour. The ride over and back on the boat takes about 15 minutes. The people who work there are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Booked online before we travelled to San Francisco and spent half a day with Alcatraz Island Tours exploring the island. A short boat trip to the island. What a great opportunity. Definitely a worthwhile experience.

We enjoyed the self-guided audio tour but really loved the stories John told us. The national park service is amazing! Impressed with how they teach about the failings of our country's prison system too.

I booked for the 11 am boat and came back on 2pm boat. Very short boat trip to the island on a beautiful sunny day. When you arrive there is an orientation talk and after that our guide did a walking tour for about 45 mins. I don't think they are always available but I would have missed so much if I hadn't done it. The audio tour of the jail house takes about 45 mins. The hospital was open and was very interesting. I think if I'd only had the audio tour it would have been a bit underwhelming. It is pricey and busy as they can have 5000 people per day.

The ferry trip to the island was great with wonderful views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Liked the narrated tour. The gardens were my favorite part. Disappointed that the hospital was not open during the day. Park ranger said due to staffing, it is usually only open for night tours.

Easily the standout tourist attraction in SF. You arrange a time for a ferry boat, then after a short 15 minute ride (drinks and snacks available to Biu on board) you arrive at the island and are free to explore. The main highlight on the island is the prison cell tour - this self guided audio tour is fantastically well done, interesting, informative, with a clear path through the building. So interesting to learn about conditions in the prison, it’s more notorious inhabitants, and in particular the prison break attempt. There is also a really interesting exhibit at the moment on mass incarceration in the USA - very eye opening. We stayed for about two hours on the island before getting a ferry back.

I would consider Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge the two must visit places on any trip to SF. They give you headphones for the self guided audio tour. After you can stay as long as you want to roam the island. There are lots of flowers and plant life to see which I didn't expect. Overall I spent around 2 hours here.

We had a good day when went over to tour Alcatraz, which meant a good day and boat ride. Riding over, sit on the left side of the boat which gives you the best views over. There was a lot of people but did not feel crowded. Do the audio tour, although a little long winded at times, it was worth it to hear the stories and stuff explained. There was one of the last inmates there at the visitor center signing his book for purchase and it was fun talking to him. The book is excellent also. You have to watch the times as the boats are on a schedule and you can take any boat back. This is a must do if in San Fran.