Best time of day to visit Alcatraz
 

Have nearly finished booking all our tours etc for our trip starting this Saturday YEAH. Only thing left to book is our visit to Alcatraz. I have been to the web site several times in the last couple of days but can't make up my mind as to the best time to go. Choices seem to range from the Early Bird at 9am to the night tour leaving either 4.30 or 5.15pm, plus other different times throughout the day.
Is the night tour a good idea? If you didn't go until the afternoon is it very crowded. I don't fancy getting up real early to go at 9am. The day I'm thinking of going is Tuesday 3rd April. Any advice appreciated. Thanks so much

In April, fog wont be as much of a consideration as it would be in the summertime, but you still may get some in the moring. For that reason, I wouldn't go early.

Crowds shouldn't be a problem on a spring weekday. Weekends and throughout the summer, that would be a consideration, but probably not at the time you are going.

I have not been on the night tour, so can't help with that. We did do the day tour though, and did the first boat of the day. It was really nice in that there were no crowds yet, and so we were able to tour fairly quickly. We were able to be back in town by lunchtime and had the rest of the day to do other things. We went in late March, and the tours were already sold out for several days. It was a good thing we reserved online in advance. Early April is also spring break time for some schools, so I would highly recommend reserving now.

We went on the evening tour last Oct. The timing of arrival at the island is nearing sundown and there were some spectacular views of the city with wonderful lighting. Great for pix. And enjoyed the extra touring part of the evening tour. Gave it a more sinister feel, I think. But our tour was sold out, so don't hesitate.

Have booked the night tour, only just got in, had to get Sun April 1st rather than the Tuesday but that's okay. Thanks for you help.

Definitely the evening tour! We took this tour and it was definitely a different feel - the prison at night is an erie experience!

We really enjoyed the night tour (never been on the day one). The tour guides (at Alcatraz) were excellent -- interesting with lots of information. They took you in groups as you got off the boat and stopped at spots on the way up to the prison, so you were never in a line waiting (also you are walking uphill so it was nice to stop at times). Once you get inside the prison itself they hand out audio tours and then you go at your own pace. You get to see San Francisco in the daylight and at night which is really great. Even though it was sold out and you do stand in line to get on the ferry, we never felt like we were packed in like sardines (like some other tours we've been on). I think you will be glad you chose that tour.