Alcatraz Island Activities

There are no formal guided tours of Alcatraz - vsiting the island is primarily self guided - you can do at your own pace. Once on the island you can stay as long or as short as you wish - there is a ferry departing about every half hour and you can return on any ferry. We generally recommend about 2 to 3 hours to fully visit the island.

There are numerous videos and exhibits on the island, as well as an award winning cellhouse audio tour. On arriving at the Alcatraz dock you will be greeted by a National Park Service employee who will give you a brief orientation about any special activities available that day. Daily programs on a variety of topics are available at no additional charge.

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS

Outdoor interpretive walks are offered throughout the day by NPS rangers and volunteers. Program titles and locations are posted on the dock and in the cellhouse.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Enjoy the history of Alcatraz at your own pace with this map and written guide. Pick up the Self Guide brochure in English, Spanish, Italian, Spanish, German or Japanese at the dock for $1.00 per copy.

ORIENTATION VIDEO

Attend a 14-minute video presentation of the Island's 200 year history - an excellent introduction to Alcatraz.

EXHIBITS

Several exhibits are located behind the theater, they present the various periods of Alcatraz's history, including the U.S. penitentiary (1934-1963). A new award winning video (captioned) exhibit, "We Hold the Rock", presents the story of the occupation by Indians of All Tribes (1969-1971).

CELLHOUSE RECORDED TOUR

Join former Alcatraz inmates and correctional officers as they remember life on Alcatraz in this award winning 35-minute recorded tour. Pick up (rent) the tour inside the cellhouse. Available in English, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, and French.