San Francisco

Island Tours

Experience the beautiful San Francisco Bay on a 1.5-hour catamaran cruise. Take in San Francisco's breathtaking skyline as you sail by Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Feel the Californian breeze in your hair and keep a look out for sea lions in the bay. The first part of your combination tour is a ferry ride and visit to the notorious Alcatraz prison, which served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman. Take the award-winning 45-minute Cellhouse audio tour and hear the tales of those who lived Alcatraz. This tour brings history to life through the recounting of tales from correctional officers and prisoners. Then, go on a catamaran cruise and view your surroundings from a protected viewing area, or you could really live on the edge and stand on the canvas trampoline nets with the waves beneath your feet. Pick up a helpful navigation guide providing information about San Francisco's landmarks as you sail past. Complete the trip by taking the helm from the captain for a chance to steer the boat yourself: it's the perfect activity for kids as well as kids at heart. The captain and crew are always there, happy to snap a photo or answer your questions about the sights of San Francisco. If all this excitement makes you hungry, there are snacks, soda, beer, or wine available at the cabin's snack bar. So come and see San Francisco's skyline like never before on this incredible sailing adventure. Please note that the catamaran cruise does not stop at Alcatraz Island. You will receive a separate ticket to board the ferry from San Francisco's Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.

Take a guided walking tour through Fisherman’s Wharf, taste some classic San Francisco treats, and visit Alcatraz at night, the best time to experience the former high-security prison. Begin your experience in the afternoon near Ghirardelli Square and weave your way through Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Explore the lesser-known paths and see San Francisco's legendary cable cars. Nibble on fresh local bread and Ghirardelli chocolate as you watch the playful sea lions. Sail to Alcatraz and enjoy the popular attraction with very few people, as tickets are extremely limited. Get a short introductory tour with a park range. Hear stories from former inmates, correctional officers, and the children that once called Alcatraz Island home.  Wander the island on your own time and spot the city's lights shimmering in the distance before returning to the ferry.

Explore the bustling streets of San Francisco's Chinatown on a guided walking tour and try some fortune cookies. Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island for an audio-guided tour of the notorious prison. Begin your day with a local guide near the Dragon Gate of San Francisco's beloved Chinatown. Weave through time and space down the main street for a walking tour through a neighborhood lined with dragon lanterns, imperial terracotta statues, and all the adornment of a "Little Shanghai." Hear the stories of the former streets and alleys — how it came to be and the more seedy aspects of its Gold Rush foundations. Discover how the neighborhood has transformed over the decades. See neighborhood landmarks including Waverly Place and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Stop into a traditional apothecary featuring fascinating Chinese medicine. Snack on some fresh fortune cookies, a San Francisco invention, and take some home for the road (on us!). After your Chinatown tour, head out for lunch on your own into 2 incredible foodie neighborhoods. Your guide will set you up to find all the "locals only" spots and provide you with an easy map so you can enjoy San Francisco's eclectic cuisine options. After lunch, make your way to Alcatraz where your guide will give you all the insider information on how best to make the most of your time on the island. On the ferry ride, take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Explore the infamous Alcatraz prison, accompanying your visit with an award-winning audio guide.

Cross San Francisco Bay on a journey to the notorious Alcatraz Prison by ferry. This world-famous prison served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman. Take the award-winning 45-minute Cellhouse audio tour and hear the tales of those who lived in Alcatraz. This tour brings history alive through the recounting of tales from correctional officers and prisoners. Your bike tour will take place the previous day at 11:00. On this 4-hour bike tour you’ll explore the back alleys of North Beach’s Little Italy and have up-close views of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid Building. See Barbary Coast and San Francisco’s historic supper clubs. Find out how the neighborhoods have transformed from scandalous to sparkling.  You’ll ride around the Giants’ Oracle ball park, and into the culturally rich Mission, Castro, and Haight Ashbury neighborhoods. See ever-changing street art and the locals that rule each area and make each community unique.  Cruise Nopa and take in the charming Painted Ladies of Alamo Square before visiting the Civic Center. Ride through Polk Gulch, which is San Francisco’s original gay neighborhood, and finish your ride at Aquatic Park. The tour ends at festive Fisherman’s Wharf. Important note: All bike tours take place one day prior to your selected Alcatraz departure. The date and time selected on your confirmation is for your Alcatraz tour on the second day.