ALCATRAZ HISTORY - The Rock - AN OVERVIEW
Alcatraz Island sits isolated amidst
the cold winds of the bay. Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala
named this foreboding rock for the pelicans nesting there. This
infamous island, the subject of legend, lore and a few Hollywood
movies, once held scores of prisoners incarcerated above its cliffs.
ALCATRAZ HISTORY AND LINKS
PRISON
First used as a prison by the U.S. Army during the Civil War, "The
Rock" became a maximum security penitentiary in 1934, during
the post-Prohibition, post-Depression America. Federal officials
talked about creating a special prison for kidnappers, racketeers,
and individuals guilty of predatory crimes. In fact, the public
peace seemed constantly threatened by crime - and Alcatraz seemed
to be the ideal response to that threat.
At first, Alcatraz was somewhat of an experiment. Prisoners from
other institutions who were especially difficult to manage were
sent here. This type of segregation had never been practiced before,
but it worked well enough to serve as a model for the federal prison
located in Marion, Illinois.
Though Alcatraz is thought to have housed many notorious criminals,
only a handful of truly famous names did time on this harsh island.
Mobster Al Capone,
bank robber Leon "Whitey" Thompson,
George "Machine Gun" Kelly,
and the "Birdman of Alcatraz,"
Robert Stroud (who, by the way, was not permitted to continue his avian studies
during his 17 years on the island).
Numerous escapes
(36 to be exact) were attempted, though there is no evidence that
anyone ever made it through the icy, shark-infested waters to freedom.
The prison closed in 1964 due to prohibitive operating costs.
NATIVE AMERICAN OCCUPATION
Prior to the coming of the Spanish and Portuguese explorers, over
10,000 indigenous people, later to be called the Ohlone (a Miwok
Indian word meaning "western people"), lived in the coastal
area between Point Sur and the San Francisco Bay. Native American
oral histories suggest that tribal members were isolated or ostracized
on Alcatraz when they violated a tribal law or taboo. Other stories
cite the island's use as a camping spot, an area for gathering foods,
especially bird eggs and sea-life, and a hiding place for many Indians
attempting to escape from the California Mission system.
On November 9, 1969, Richard Oakes, a Mohawk Indian, and a group
of Indian supporters set out in a chartered boat, the Monte Cristo,
to symbolically claim the island for the Indian people. On November
20, 1969, this symbolic occupation turned into a full scale occupation
which lasted until June 11, 1971.
The Indians' demands were clear: they wanted the deed to the island,
and they wanted to establish an Indian university, a cultural center,
and a museum. The government refused to negotiate and insisted that
they leave the island. By early 1970, the Indian's organization
on the island began to disintegrate to such a point that Oakes left
the island. After many months of declining leadership on the island
and government attempts to oust the Native Americans and the growing
drug culture, President Nixon gave the go ahead to develop a removal
plan -- to take place when the smallest number of people were on
the island and to use as little force as possible.
On June 10, 1971, the occupation ended. Shortly thereafter, the
official government policy of termination of Indian tribes was ended
and a policy of Indian self-determination became the official US
government policy.
ALCATRAZ TODAY
The National Park Service administers Alcatraz Island as a unit
of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). A variety of
tours of the island are offered - for more information, visit
http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/
See the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse and
enjoy the island's many natural features - gardens, tide pools,
bird colonies, and breathtaking bay views. Be sure to wear sturdy
walking shoes and bring a jacket.
Copyright TourCorp Inc. 2003-09 - All Rights Reserved
ALCATRAZ TOUR PACKAGES - Reserve tickets online TODAY!
Save time and money with our
Popular Alcatraz Combination Tours
We offer One and
Two day combination tour packages for Alcatraz.
Beware Alcatraz Ticket Tricks and Huge Overcharges.
Don't be fooled or overcharged by other Alcatraz "Official" Ticket web sites.
These overpriced web sites may charge you as much as $10.00 per ticket "service
charge" or $ 3.95 per order "service fee" or both.
We do not mark up Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour prices.
We also do not advertise $7.00-8.00 child ticket prices for a 1 Hour Bay Cruise
that goes around Alcatraz (not to Alcatraz) to lure you into our web site.
Compare and Save:
See and Compare Other Website Alcatraz Prices Here
We offer the published prices for Ferry and Audio Tour Tickets to Alcatraz.
All of our Alcatraz tickets are combined with a 2nd tour also at published prices.
We make a commission on selling you the 2nd tour. We don't think you should
pay as much as $13.95 extra and not get anything but a Alcatraz Ferry ticket and a
"service charge."
Thanks for visiting San Francisco and purchasing tickets from us.
Notice: Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33.
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Our great Combo Tours do include the Ferry Ride to Alcatraz and the Audio
Tour of the prison cell house. Reserve online today before you arrive
in the city. Remember: The ferry tickets to Alcatraz sell out weeks
in advance. There are a limited amount of tickets per day. Make sure
you get to see "The Rock" on your trip to San
Francisco. We DO NOT sell individual Alcatraz ferry tickets.
Former federal prison Alcatraz has become a must see activity for
visitors to the Bay Area.
Use our one stop tour shopping to plan your vacation! You will not be
charged a markup on the Alcatraz Tickets PLUS eliminate Wharf parking fees with a
hotel pick up for most of our motor coach tours. Plan your entire day here.
BOOK EARLY! Alcatraz tours are often sold out over a week in advance!
Tour includes ferry cruise to the infamous and notorious former federal prison.
Also included is an Award-winning audio headset tour in the prison Cell House.
No one can tell the Alcatraz tale like the men who actually lived it.
The award-winning Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour brings history alive
through the actual voices of the correctional officers and inmates
who lived on the island during the infamous Federal Penitentiary era.
Hear both sides of life in the island prison including such famous events as escape attempts,
"The Battle of '46", food riots, and surviving solitary confinement.
The new Cellhouse Audio Tour is an expanded version of the original award-winning tour
and includes new stories, new narrators, and explores new areas of the Cellhouse.
The tour is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese Dutch and Mandarin.
Alcatraz is one of San Francisco's most popular visitor attractions and its
tours frequently sell out a week or more in advance. Tickets are rarely
available at the Box Office for same-day sailings. The Alcatraz Ferry
departs daily from Pier 33 Fisherman's Wharf in San
Francisco. "TourCorp" is Tour & Sightseeing Company and
we only offer Alcatraz Ferry Tickets as a planning convenience for our
clients. We do not mark up or add any service fees to the
cost of the Alcatraz Tickets. Due to high demand and limited tickets
for the Alcatraz ferry/audio tour- both your Sightseeing Tour and Ferry
reservations are pending until you receive a final confirmation e-mail from us.
Click here for more Frequently Asked Questions
Compare and Save: See
and Compare Other Website Alcatraz Prices Here
ALCATRAZ TICKET AVAILABILITY:
Remember: Reserve weekend Alcatraz tickets at least 10-14 days in advance. Maximum 8 tickets per order.
BOOK ALCATRAZ EARLY TO GET BEST DEPARTURE TIMES
Very limited tickets are available for holiday weekends. All holiday weekend cruises will sell out very early. Book Now to get best departure times!
Alcatraz Cruises depart from PIER 33.
Please indicate on the comments section of the order form if you want your Alcatraz tickets on a later or earlier day or a specific time.
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| 1-Day Combo Boat Cruise Packages |
Golden Gate Bay Cruise plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
The One Hour Wireless Headset Narrated San Francisco Bay Cruise takes you out to the Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman's Wharf. Pass under the Golden Gate Bridge. Great for memorable photo opportunities. Next you will cruise close to the Marin Headlands then past Angel Island and around Alcatraz. Cocktails, wine, draft beer, soft drinks, hot dogs, popcorn, and more are available for purchase at our full service snack bar.
Duration: One Hour Bay Cruise plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Golden Gate Bay Cruise Departures start at 10:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Bay Cruise departs from Pier 43 1/2 and Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$16.00 - $24.00 (USD)
 Best Seller |
Sunset Cruise plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Capture the essence of California's magnificent evening sky from aboard Red and White Fleet's California Sunset Cruise. Enjoy one complimentary drink of your choice, beer, wine or soda, and enjoy complimentary light buffet-style snacks. Watch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, as you sail west towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Passengers may bring their own food aboard for picnic-style meals.
Duration: Two Hour Sunset Cruise plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Sunset Cruise departs at 6:00pm or 7:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Sunset Cruise departs from Pier 43 1/2 and Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$36.00 - $54.00 (USD)
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| Full Day Sightseeing Tour Combo Packages |
San Francisco Grand City Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
This is the most popular tour in San Francisco. Discover the breathtaking metropolis of San Francisco with style and comfort aboard the newest luxury coaches. Allow our knowledgeable tour guides to escort you through a tale of charm and attractions with the history of San Francisco. Breath-taking hilltop panoramic views of the City; and of course The Golden Gate Bridge.
Duration: 3.5 Hour City Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: City Tour departs daily at 9:00am and 2:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$26.00 - $47.00 (USD)
Best Seller
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Redwoods and Sausalito Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Venture north over the Golden Gate Bridge to an isolated canyon filled with ancient coastal redwood trees, also known as Muir Woods National Monument. Enjoy solitude and peace as you stroll through 1000-year-old trees towering 260 feet tall. Next, we travel to Sausalito, a Mediterranean-like village harbored across the San Francisco Bay , famous for its sweeping views and timeless sophistication.
Duration: 3.5 Hours Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Muir Woods Tour departs daily at 9:00am and 2:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$28.00 - $49.00 (USD)
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Segway Day Tour San Francisco PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservation - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges
SEGWAY TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Tour is the most sensational way to see the city by the bay! You will love gliding through the waterfront on a eco-friendly Segway. This journey will take you to the best views and hidden locations. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, you'll explore the San Francisco waterfront for two hours! Reservations are required. Easy to learn and fun to ride. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Duration: Combo Tour : 2.5 hour Guided Segway Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: April - October: Segway at 9:00am followed by Afternoon Alcatraz Departure
November - March: Segway at 10:00am followed by Afternoon Alcatraz Departure
Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$70.00 - $70.00 (USD)
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San Francisco Night Segway Tour PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservations - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges
SEGWAY NIGHT TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Night Tour will take you to the best views and hidden locations of Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront. You will love sightseeing on an eco-friendly Segway. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, your fully narrated evening Segway tour will feature spectacular evening views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardeli Square, Municipal Pier and more. Reservations are required. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Duration: Combo Tour : 2 Hour Guided Segway Night Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: Segway Night Tour 5:00 PM Friday and Saturdays April - October
or 7:30 PM September through March - Thursday - Sunday
Alcatraz as an AM Departure
Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$70.00 - $70.00 (USD)
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| 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Combo Packages |
Double Decker - Downtown Loop plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
This 90 minute loop shows you all the highlights of the city. Enjoy an entirely live narrated tour of San Francisco's most famous sites. Your ticket includes unlimited Hop On and Off privileges at any of the designated stops during the tour to browse, shop and take pictures. Hop Off at Alcatraz' Pier 33 when your ready to take your ferry over to Alcatraz Island.
Duration: 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Pass + 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Double Decker Buses depart Daily every 30 minutes from 9:30am - 5:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf at 2800 Leavenworth Street or Union Square
Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$15.99 - $27.99 (USD)
Best Seller
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Double Decker 2 for 1 - Downtown and Golden Gate Loops plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Save by combining our Downtown Hop on Hop Off Loop with The Golden Gate 90 Minute Tour aboard an authentic Open Top Double Decker London Bus. Your ticket is good for 2 Full Consecutive Days. Enjoy an entirely live narrated tour of San Francisco's most famous sites. Visit one the world's most famous Landmarks, The Golden Gate Bridge, with live narration from one of our professional guides.
Duration: 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Pass plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Double Decker Buses depart daily starting at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf at 2800 Leavenworth Street or Union Square. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$27.99 - $46.99 (USD)
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| 2-Day Sightseeing Tour Combo Packages |
Muir Woods and Wine Country plus Alcatraz on a 2nd Day
WINE COUNTRY & MUIR GIANT REDWOODS IN ONE DAY: The ONLY tour combining the two most popular destinations outside of San Francisco ! Groups no larger than 15 make this a great way to travel. The 8 hour tour starts with an extended stop in Muir Woods National Park. The afternoon is spent in Sonoma Valley for Wine tasting and then back through Sausalito and returning to San Francisco. Age 21 and up for Wine Tasting.
Duration: 10 Hour Wine Country & Muir Woods Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: January to December: Daily at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Complimentary San Francisco Hotel Pick Up Provided. Pick Up is Not available from Airport Area Hotels
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$75.00 - $85.00 (USD)
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Wine Country Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation on a 2nd day
Discover the wonders and romance of Napa and Sonoma, which is now one of the largest and exciting premium wine producing areas in the world. You will have an opportunity to both taste the wines and learn the ins and outs of wine making at a selection of both boutique and high volume wineries. These wineries are a short drive from the Bay Area, located on the rolling hillsides, in the valley which is suited for wine growing.
Duration: 7-8 Hours Wine Country Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: Wine Country Tour departs daily at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$46.00 - $67.00 (USD)
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Wine Country Shuttle Tour to Napa Valley plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation on a 2nd day
WINE COUNTRY SHUTTLE TOUR: This tour does not use those larger motor coach buses, therefore your group will only have 35 people per tour compared to as many as 60 people on other bus tours - making this the Best Tour Value Wine Country Tour. Enjoy a mix of Red Wines, White Wines and Sparkling Wines from 4 strategically selected wineries.
Duration: 7-8 Hours Wine Country Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: January - December: Monday - Friday at 8:30am and Saturday and Sunday at 8:15am
Departs from: San Francisco Ferry Building on the Embarcadero
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$98.00 - $98.00 (USD)
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Monterey and Carmel Day Trip plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation on a 2nd Day
Travel with us down California’s rugged coast, otherwise known as Highway 1. This stunning drive affords one amazing view after another. On this tour, you will enjoy such highlights as 17 Mile Drive, Cannery Row, Carmel by the Sea and more. Time is available for more shopping and exploring with a wide variety of art galleries, unique boutiques, and eating just steps away.
Duration: 2 Day Combo: 8-10 Hour Monterey Carmel Tour plus 2-3 suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Monterey Carmel Tour: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time on a second day.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$48.00 - $71.00 (USD)
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Comprehensive Shuttle Tour Plus Alcatraz as a Second Reservation
COMPREHENSIVE SHUTTLE TOUR OF SAN FRANCISCO: This tour does not use those larger motor coach buses, therefore your group will only have 35 people per tour compared to as many as 60 people on other bus tours - making this the Best Tour Value in San Francisco. Thanks to the 5-Hour Itinerary you will have more tour stops in the city.
Duration: 5 Hours City Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island on a separate day
Departure Dates & Times: January - December: Monday - Friday 9:00am and 11:15am
January - December: Saturday and Sunday 9:00am and 11:45am
Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: San Francisco Ferry Building on the Embarcadero
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$50.00 - $65.00 (USD)
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A very limited amount of Night Alcatraz Tours are available from
Thursday through Monday nights only. Departures are 4:10 PM or 5:10 PM. Higher Night Tour rate will be charged.
Ferry and Night Tour Departure Times are 4:10 PM and 5:10 PM. Please indicate if you want a Night Tour on your order.
If Night tours are unavailable a day Alcatraz tour if available will be reserved for you.
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MORE ALCATRAZ INFORMATION
If Alcatraz is Sold Out or you will be visiting Fisherman's Wharf, buy a
Wharf Pass.
Save with this One Low Price Admission Pass to the best Wharf Attractions,
Tours and Cruises.
Updated 01-22-09 Copyright TourCorp Inc. 2003-09 All Rights Reserved
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TOUR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS 415-474-9855
TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS 877-474-3127
