Alcatraz
 

What tour company would you recommend for the Alcatraz tour? There seem to be so many websites that I am not sure which one to go for so I can book in advance.
Any input would be great.

When I visited, I used http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/ as its the "official" site for tickets. No issues whatsoever.

Enjoy it. Don't get locked in!

There is only one way to get to Alcatraz, and that's through the "official" site tchoiniere linked to above. If anyone's trying to sell you anything above and beyond, it's just a waste of money.

Agree with other posters. Go with the authorized park concessionaire as listed above.
I personally like the Night Time tour the best. You are there with fewer visitors and it is a little more personal feel to it. The lights across the bay are pretty cool on the boat ride as well. This tour isn't as rushed either.

<<<This tour isn't as rushed either.>>>

FWIW, once you reach the island, during the day or otherwise, you can take as long as you want before returning to the "mainland".

Actually, at night [depending on the time of year] you make have to leave after spending less time than you would have if you had gone during the day. We went in March and there was only one night tour and everyone had to leave at the same time to go back to SF.

That said, the night tour is spooky,eerie and it takes you to places that you don't see during the day tours. I would definitely do the night tour.

Voted “Best Tour of the Bay Area,” the Alcatraz Night Tour provides a more intimate, engaging Alcatraz experience. This tour includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island; guided tours from the dock to the main prison building; “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour” and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. Enjoy a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge and breath-taking views of San Francisco as night falls. A truly exceptional experience.

I didn't feel rushed, if I wanted to look in at a cell or something of interest, as there wasn't 15 people behind me waiting in line. Perhaps the websites word intimate is a better way to describe it.

Taken directly from the concessionaire website. Our last visit was in March over Spring Break and we had plenty of time. Yes, the last departure is the night tour and yes everyone has to leave. They also have talks, tours, demonstrations, whatever you want to call them-only at night. The reason the tour cost a few more bucks, is because you get a bit more. IMOP

I wasn't suggesting that the day tour is in any way better - I've never been on the night tour, so I can't say (it sounds great, though). All I was pointing out is that if you do go during the day, you can stay as long as you like.

Thanks for the input. I will book our reservations through the official site.
As for doing the night tour I have four small children so I think we will have to skip that this time around.

How young are your children? It's a walk uphill from the boat dock to the prison itself. You're also walking around listening to an audio tour -- I'm not sure how interesting it would be for small children.

They are 8,6,4, and 2. I am sure the older ones will find it interesting.

The 8 year old might, I think the rest of them won't get it or enjoy it at all. I have 8 year old twin boys who live next door and they are in the gifted and talented program at school and very smart. However, I think they wouldn't enjoy it at all. My daughter, now 16, might have enjoyed at that age, but she might not have.