Alcatraz Tour (Morning):
Alcatraz and history go hand in hand. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the Rock. The presence of infamous inmates like Al "Scarface" Capone, and the "Birdman" Robert Stroud helped to establish the island's notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world's most legendary prisons.
Many people, though, are unaware of the wealth of other stories to be learned on the island. Alcatraz is now home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and thousands of roosting and nesting sea birds. Civil War-era buildings dotting the island give insight into the 19th century when the island served as both a harbor defense fort and a military prison. You can also see visible reminders of the American Indian Occupation that started in 1969 after the prison closed, highlighting an important milestone in the American Indian rights movement.
Come experience the beauty, history and infamy of Alcatraz on the San Francisco Bay. You'll be astounded by what you learn and see.
The Alcatraz island tour includes:
Ferry ride from Pier 41 to The Rock
An award-winning Alcatraz island audio tour
A guided tour of the cell blocks and grounds of Alcatraz prison
Visits to the Alcatraz prison museum and gift shop
Length: Approx. 2.5 hours
Departs: 10.30am
Hornblower Dinner Cruise
What does the dinner cruise include?
Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and major landmarks.
An excellent 4-course menu will be served with attentive service and live entertainment
What kind of entertainment is on board?
Hornblower offers inviting dance floors and a variety of music - from the dance hits of the 40's through today as well as a variety of jazz, standards and popular favourites with a live band onboard.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed on the outside decks only
Sample Menu Please note menus are subject to change seasonally
Appetizer
Grilled Black Tiger Prawn, Sesame ginger dressing
SALAD
Baby Field Greens, buttermilk blue cheese, dried apricots, almonds, champagne vinaigrette
Main Course
(choice of one)
Grilled Pork Porterhouse Chop with warm apple compote & mashed potatoes
OR
Chicken Breast stuffed with Proscuitto, Provolone and Sage with mixed Mushroom Saute & orzo pasta
OR
Sake Glazed Salmon Fillet green papaya chutney & toasted coconut jasmine rice
OR
Roasted Sweet Anaheim Pepper Stuffed with Spinach, corn and cheese potaot cake, tomato lemon sauce & baby vegetables
Dessert
New York Cheesecake
or
Baked Apple Cranberry Tart
Dessert Upgrade
(additional $7 per serving)
Gateau Chocolate Mousse with white chocolate creme anglaise, assorted truffles
Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals are available and can be arranged at the time of booking. If you have a group with many vegetarians or if you have vegans please notify a sales representative at the time of booking
What happens if it rains or snows?
Hornblower sails rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, we will remain dockside.
Tour Info:
Times:
Alcatraz tour runs everyday at 10.30am
Hornblower Dinner Cruise runs:
- Jan to Mar: Thurs to Sun
- Apr and May: Weds to Sun
- June to Sept: Tues to Sun
- Oct: Wed to Sun
- Nov: Thur to Sun
- Dec: Wed to Sun
- Fri & Sat @ 7.30pm
- Sun, Tues, Weds & Thur @ 7.00pm
Please exchange voucher at the prepaid Alcatraz ticket booth at Pier 33, 30 mins prior to departure time. We do not compensate for late arrivals or no shows.
For the Hornblower Dinner Cruise you must phone to confirm tour date and time at least 48 hours prior on 415-788-8866 extension 7.
Please note the Dinner Cruise does not run every day. Beverages are additional and payable upon completion of service.
Dress code is 'Smart Casual' no jeans allowed. Charge and tax included.NOTE: it is not necessary to take the cruise the same day as you Alcatraz Tour. All cruised depart Pier 33, Hornblower Landing at Washington St.
HORNBLOWER DINNER CRUISE DOES NOT RUN EVERYDAY, PLEASE ENSURE TO CHECK DAYS AND TIMES ABOVE BEFORE MAKING THE BOOKING.
Travel Info
Transportation to the Hornblower Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 is available from a variety of public and private transportation services.
Parking is limited in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, especially during peak visitation months, so we recommend you enhance your Alcatraz experience by taking one of the many public transit services that reach the Pier 33 area. As a bonus, public transit is also the least expensive way to reach the Hornblower Alcatraz Landing.
Follow the links below to learn more about the various ways you can travel to the Hornblower Alcatraz Landing:
Buses
Cable Cars
Streetcars
Trains
Ferry Service
Driving
Other
HINT: A handy way to organize your trip to Hornblower Alcatraz Landing is to visit the
511 TakeTransit Trip Planner. This site contains a wealth of links to local transit agencies, their services, fares, schedules, maps and related information. Type in your starting point, destination, and date you want to travel, and the Trip Planner will provide step-by-step directions on how to reach Hornblower Alcatraz Landing via public transportation.
(
Note: All websites, addresses, phone numbers, schedules and other transit information contained in the links above are subject to change without notice.)
Special Needs
Q. How accessible is Alcatraz?
A. Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so be prepared for walking long distances uphill. The distance from the dock to the prison at the top of the island is about 1/4 mile (.4 km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is equivalent to climbing a thirteen story building.
Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz's roads may take advantage of SEAT –Sustainable Easy Access Transport -- an electric shuttle that runs once an hour from the dock to the prison building, and once an hour from the front of the prison back to the dock. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Please call 415-561-4900 to obtain a SEAT schedule.
The following areas are completely wheelchair accessible:
• Alcatraz dock area
• Prison building main floor
• All bookstores
• Museum displays
• Island theater