Alcatraz Day Tour vs. Alcatraz Bay Cruise: Which one should you choose?

Visiting Alcatraz is one of the top experiences in San Francisco, but there are two very different ways to explore it.

You can either take the Alcatraz Day Tour, which allows you to step onto the island and explore the historic prison, or the Bay Discovery Cruise of Alcatraz, which sails around the island and other landmarks but does not dock.

If you’re unsure which one to choose, this guide will help you compare the two experiences so you can decide which best suits your travel plans.

Alcatraz Day Tour: Walk through history

The Alcatraz Day Tour is the ultimate way to experience the island’s eerie past. You will board a ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, which takes you across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. Once there, you can explore at your own pace, seeing the infamous Alcatraz Cellhouse, outdoor historic spaces, and exhibits.

What this tour includes

• Ferry ride to Alcatraz Island – Round-trip ferry from Pier 33.
• Full access to Alcatraz – Walk through the prison, explore historic buildings, and see remnants of the island’s past.
• Award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour – Hear real stories from former prisoners and guards as you walk through the prison.
• Exhibits & outdoor spaces – Visit the Recreation Yard, Sallyport, Rose Garden, and Native American political messages from the 1969 Occupation.
• The Big Lockup Exhibit – Learn about Alcatraz’s role in the U.S. prison system.

What this tour does not include

• A guided tour – You explore the island on your own.
• Food & drink – You cannot buy food on Alcatraz, so eat before or after.
• A quick experience – Plan to spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the island.

Who should choose the Alcatraz Day Tour?

If you want to step inside Alcatraz, see the prison cells, and experience history firsthand, this tour is for you.

It’s perfect for history buffs, true crime fans, and first-time visitors who want an in-depth look at one of the world’s most famous prisons.

Bay Discovery Cruise of Alcatraz: A scenic alternative

The Bay Discovery Cruise of Alcatraz is a 90-minute sightseeing boat tour that circles Alcatraz but does not land on the island.

Instead, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco’s waterfront and other landmarks while learning about Alcatraz’s history through an audio tour available in 20 languages.

What this cruise includes

• Sails around Alcatraz Island – Get up-close views of the prison from the water.
• Golden Gate Bridge & more – See Angel Island, the Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco skyline.
• Multilingual audio tour – Learn about Alcatraz, Native American occupation, escape attempts, and more.
• Relaxing & hassle-free – No need for months of advance booking.

What this cruise does NOT include

• No island visit – You will not enter Alcatraz or see the prison interiors.
• No Cellhouse Tour – You won’t hear prisoner stories inside the actual jail cells.
• No guided tour – The experience is fully narrated via an app-based audio guide.

Who should choose the Bay Discovery Cruise?

This tour is perfect for casual sightseers, families with young kids, or last-minute visitors who could not get Alcatraz tour tickets. It is a great alternative if you are short on time but still want to see Alcatraz and other top landmarks from the water.

Final verdict: which one is right for you?

If you want to walk through the prison, see the cells, and experience the island’s eerie atmosphere, then the Alcatraz Day Tour is a must.

However, if you are short on time, looking for a more scenic tour, or missed out on Alcatraz tickets, the Bay Discovery Cruise is a fantastic alternative that still lets you admire the prison from the water.