Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a more intimate and eerie experience. 

It includes everything the Day Tour does – ferry, island access, and the cellhouse audio tour – but with some special extras after the sun goes down. 

Only a limited number of people can visit Alcatraz at night, so it feels uncrowded and atmospheric. 

Here’s what makes the Night Tour unique:

Evening Ferry with Guided Loop

During the peak months of March to October, the Night Tour ferries depart in the early evening – at 5:55 PM and 6:30 PM.

As you sail towards Alcatraz, the ferry often circles the island for a mini “cruise” before docking. 

On the ride, a guide or park ranger will point out hidden spots and escape lore (for example, you’ll learn about the rocky shorelines where inmates tried to escape, etc.) .

You also get to enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline as the day’s last light fades. This scenic loop is exclusive to the Night Tour.

Smaller Crowds & Guided Atmosphere

Unlike the open flow of the day visits, Night Tours are more structured. Only a few hundred visitors are allowed per night (versus a few thousand during the day).

After disembarking, groups are escorted to the prison by a ranger. On the walk uphill, the ranger shares history, setting the scene with stories of Alcatraz’s past. 

Once at the cellhouse, you’ll do the audio tour like daytime visitors, but there are often additional talks or demos available only at night. 

For example, you might get to see a demonstration of the cellblock doors being closed with a loud clang – an unsettling sound in the darkness. 

Rangers may also open up a few areas usually off-limits during the day (the prison hospital or infirmary is sometimes open on night tours, when staffing allows. 

These special programs vary, but make the night visit extra educational.

Atmosphere on the Night Tour

Exploring “The Rock” after dark is downright spooky (in a fun way!). The prison is dimly lit in places, and you can peer into shadowy cells with fewer people around. 

Stepping onto Alcatraz at night, you’ll feel the temperature drop and the wind pick up – dress in warm layers as it gets chilly and windy on the island in the evening. 

The views are spectacular: watch the city lights come on, and look back at San Francisco’s glittering skyline and Bay Bridge lights. 

It’s a photographer’s dream to capture the cellhouse with the twilight sky. 

Many people find the Night Tour more atmospheric and haunting, which can leave a deeper impression.

Differences from the Day Tour

One trade-off: at night you cannot access every area that might be open during the day (for safety in the dark). 

For example, the outdoor Rose Garden and Eagle Plaza areas or trails might be closed after dusk. 

You also must leave on the designated return ferry, rather than choosing any boat. 

The Night Tour lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours total on the island. 

After the programs and audio tour, you’ll have some free time, but all visitors are back on the ferry by around 8:45–9:30 PM. The last night ferry usually departs Alcatraz at 9:30 PM in summer, earlier in winter.

So, unlike the day visit, you can’t linger indefinitely – but you also won’t feel rushed through the set itinerary.

Schedule of Night Tours

Alcatraz Night Tours are available only from Tuesday to Saturday.

During the peak months of early March to early November, Alcatraz ferries for night tours depart Pier 33 at 5:55 PM and 6:30 PM. On busy summer days a third departure at 7:05 PM is added.

The return ferries for the Night Tour are at 7 PM, 8 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:30 PM. 

During the lean months of November to early March, there is only one night ferry – at 3:50 PM. Occasionally, based on demand, there may be a second one at 4:45 PM.

During this period the return ferry timings are 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.

Ticket Prices

The Night Tour costs a bit more than the day trip. Adult and youth (12-17 years) tickets for the night tour are around $59. Seniors 62+ pay a discounted rate of $52. Kids aged 5 to 11 years pay a highly discounted rate of $33. 

However, due to the spookiness of the night tour, the Park Service does not recommend it for kids under 12 years. If you have young children, a daytime visit is usually better. 

Why Choose the Night Tour?

If you’re intrigued by a more uncrowded, dramatic, and guided experience, the Night Tour is fantastic. Many travelers say it’s worth the extra few dollars for the atmosphere alone. You’ll get insights and mood that you might not get during a busy day. 

It’s especially great for history buffs who want to hear as much as possible from rangers, or photographers who want that perfect dusk shot. 

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer to explore independently for longer periods, note that the night schedule is a bit more fixed. 

Insider Tip: Night Tour tickets are in very high demand. Try to book these as soon as they become available (with 90 days to go). They often sell out weeks or months ahead in summer. If they’re sold out, you can attempt the Night Tour Standby Line – but that’s a gamble.