I took the Night Tour recently and loved it.

I am a local, and the fact that the Night Tour was selected "Best Tour of the Bay Area" by San Francisco Magazine spurred my interest. I would agree with that award.

During the day, there are SWARMS of people there. At night, by contrast, it's much less crowded (by design) so we had much more of a chance to interact with the tour guides, ask questions, etc. The view at night is amazing too. It was much creepier --and more beautiful -- than going during the day.

I didn't mind paying the extra couple of bucks because the Night Tour is apparently a fundraiser for preservation and restoration projects on Alcatraz.

I'd recommend it.