I had never been to Alcatraz and have visited the city a few times previously. The boat ride was great. My boyfriend, son and I went a little later in the day. A few of the areas were closing as we got to the island. I was a little bummed to miss those areas. Had I known, I would have for sure booked a little earlier in the day. The audio tour of the Cell house was cool, definitely recommend. It made me feel better about missing the areas that closed. The walk for me was not bad at all. I had hip surgery 10 1/2 months ago. I didn’t even feel sore at the end of the day. Overall, I did enjoy my visit and am so glad I went. If you get a chance, take the tour…but earlier in the day. I do plan on visiting again.

My first (and likely last) visit to Alcatraz Island, after missing the boat (literally) on a few previous visits to San Francisco. This time my wife & our friend & I took the roundtrip cruise and the self-guided walking tour of what's left of the Alcatraz facilities. Our tour vessel to the Island was the Alcatraz City Tours' Islander (their fastest boat) and we returned on the larger but slightly slower Alcatraz Clipper. Both had very professional but cordial crews and the cruises across San Francisco Bay were smooth on a partly sunny June day. On-board facilities are basic on both ships but the afloat time is short. On arrival to the Island, visitors as a group are encouraged to listen to an approx. 5 minute introduction to the layout & history of Alcatraz (I'd definitely recommend it for first-timers - our Nat'l Park Service member was very enthusiastic & informative); then you are dismissed to explore on your own (Island maps available). The Island complex of buildings (some still intact, others just structural ruins) covered a smaller footprint than I expected, but it takes some time & energy to climb the hillsides via paved roads (especially getting to the top of the Island where the Lighthouse and the Cellhouse & its Recreation Yard are perched). There are also some beautiful garden areas spread around the Island, which were first established by U.S. military personnel stationed there in the 1860s. We spent most of our tour inside the Cellhouse, where I took advantage of the free audio tour for more historical insight (don't pause the recording or the narration will never catch up to your current point in the tour). The other fascinating area we explored was the historical displays describing & interpreting the Alcatraz Island occupation protests in the 1960s & early 1970s by Native Americans. This was an important piece of U.S. history that I had never heard of before this visit. Once we finished our tour, we went back to the dock level & stood in the queue for the next return vessel. Our impressions of the visit were overall positive, though the stories & current conditions of the Cellhouse were reminders that Alcatraz Island is a neglected & underappreciated part of U.S. history.

Self-guide tour/visit was amazing!! It takes you back in time. It was very impressive to see everything with your own eyes instead of a t.v. documentary. It was about $47.95 plus tax, but its was a unique experience. I really enjoyed it!

This was a fantastic tour. It was great to learn about some of the history of the Island and the jail. If you’re looking for a fun thing to do while in San Francisco then hit these dudes up

We did an Alcatraz tour with the tour guide Sienna. She was great! She has so much history to provide us with and just over all entertaining. It is very windy so make sure to bring something for your arms and face. The tour itself was good. Lots of walking make sure to wear comfy shoes. The ferry over has drink and light snacks. Such much history on this island.