Alcatraz - how to book ahead of time?
 

My husband and I will be in SF next week (Wed AM - Sat AM). I have been convinced through reading this web site that we should do the Alcatraz tour. Should we do the tour during the day or night? How far in advance should we buy tickets? Is there a WEB site anyone can recommend for buying tickets, or is it better to buy on the spot? How long does the tour take? Thanks for any info you can provide!

You can book ahead at www.blueandgoldfleet.com.

There isn't enough time to mail them, but they have a pick up window on Pier 39. Try to book the first tour of the day and you will have the place to yourself. Also reserve the audio tour when you book your tickets. If you wait until you're on the island the line is very long.

I agree with all Jayne's info. We did the day tour (definitely get the audio) and found it very interesting. My duaghter and some friends did the evening tour and really liked that.

Thanks so much for the info - I've looked at the web site you recommended and will buy tickets ahead of time. Only one snag... we won't get into the city until noonish on Wed - and then I'll be in a conference Thurs & Fri during the day. So getting the first tour of any of the days we'll be there isn't an option. If we do a day tour, it would have to be Wed... I'd love to do the night tour on Wed, but it's only offered Thurs - Sun nights. SO... would you recommend Wed during the mid-day or go for the night tour on Thurs/Fri night? thanks again!

I went this past Saturday. Certainly going on a weekday afternoon shouldnt be too bad. I didnt think there was alot of people there to begin with, it is 12 acres. As one boat arrives, another usually loads up and leaves. Get your tickets now as they sell fast and make sure your at that ticket pickup window at least 30-45 min advance. There is no last min boarding as they give up avail space to "stand-by" people.

I was there on Sat. and took the 10:45 tour and went on the ranger tour first and then the audio. It wasn't overly crowed.The night tour was in the fog which came in fast. So the choice is yours.You have to take a chance

The first time we went we did a tour in October after lunch and it wasn't too crowded. The summer tourists will be gone when you're there.

I've always thought that a night tour would be neat, but the down side is missing the views to and from the island.