This started as a question about tour times generally, but has now developed into a more specific question. So here goes with a new thread.....

Heeding advice from the previous thread we have decided to take a later-afternoon tour that has us coming back on the last ferry before sunset. But when I went on the Alcatraz website to book, they only book your outbound ferry. You're free to come back on whatever ferry you choose.

Now that's fine if going earlier in the day. Return ferries are regular and quite frequent. But if relying on the "sunset" return, you have only one return ferry to choose from: 6:30 pm. After that, it's a long wait till the next night return at 8:45pm.

So my question is: Is there a risk of too many people doing what I'm doing, and all trying to get on that last pre-sunset return, and some being left behind in the cold and dark to wait 2.25 hours till the next ferry? Or are these ferries big enough to handle that kind of scenario with no risk of anyone missing out?

I answered your question on your 1st thread.

The dusk boats leave at only 2 times; there are 2 returns for them.

The last afternoon boat goes to Alcatraz at 3:50pm. That will not give you sunset. If you take that boat, you MUST return before the last boat at 6:30 pm. Also not sunset in SF in August.

You cannot go over at 3:50 and then return on the evening boats; 2 entirely different tours and prices.

Also see what other info I wrote on your other thread.

https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/webs...ule-chart.aspx

Its simple -- you can't be left behind (and you can't hang around til sunset)

Thanks. That's what I needed to know. Sunset on the day we're thinking of going, is at 7:55pm. The nearest day tour I can get to that, is to go over at 3:50pm and return at 6:30pm. It'll have to do. Otherwise it's the night tour, which doesn't really appeal.

Thanks for the advice.

With that the case; I wouldn't necessarily go on the last day boat over and back; it will not be any different than any day boat - no sunset, dusk or anything similar. You can really go anytime that works with your schedule.

Enjoy SF; it's great.

In case you have never heard of these:
http://www.sfcityguides.org/

These are walking tours sponsored by the public library. They are wonderful and cover a wide range of interests. They are free and a donation is welcomed. $5 -10 a person as a guide; whatever you can give. It goes to support and run the program, not to the very knowledgeable volunteers who give the tours.