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Prison Island

Nature tour.

Explore Zanzibar through its beautiful nature & wildlife.

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Join one of our most popular tours!

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

See giant tortoises that are over 150 years old!

Enjoy a Half-Day Excursion Packed with Adventures

Join us for a half-day excursion to Prison Island, which once served as a prison and has now been transformed into a luxurious hotel. Our journey will begin with a boat ride from the shores of Stone Town, and we will anchor 5 kilometers away on the stunning beach of Prison Island. You will have the opportunity to explore a sanctuary for giant tortoises and go snorkeling in the coral reef surrounding the island during the tour.

Don’t just read about it, see it!

Check out our Prison Island tour video

ABOUT THE TOUR

A former prison,, giant tortoises,, and snorkeling.

This island is named after the prison that was built in 1893. The prison was originally intended to house violent prisoners from the mainland and people sick with yellow fever. However, the prison is now owned by a hotel. In addition to the prison, the island is also home to a tortoise sanctuary.

The sanctuary contains a large colony of giant tortoises that were imported from Seychelles in the late 19th century. During your visit to the sanctuary, you will learn about efforts to protect the tortoises. These creatures have an average weight of 200 kg and many of them are over 150 years old.

You’ll have the opportunity to touch them and take photos. Moreover, the island is home to a stunning colony of peacocks. For the remainder of the trip, you can choose to either snorkel around the coral that fringes Prison Island and enjoy the marine life or simply relax under the warm sun until we return to Stone Town.

Book Your Prison Island Tour

50 USD per person

Private boat trip

• Pick up from the Stone Town area
• Boat from Stone Town
• Snorkeling gear
• Professional local guide
• Drinking water and snacks

If you’re coming from outside Stone Town and need a transfer, it’ll cost you 70 USD per car. Each car can fit up to four passengers and includes a round trip.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Remember to bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, and underwater camera.

It’s very easy to combine the Prison Island tour with the Stone Town tour. It’s a wise decision especially if you come from further away on the island. You can stay for sunset drinks too.

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Prison Island Tours

Jeu d'aventure en équipe inspiré de la célèbre émission tv fort boyard.

Une aventure inédite en France inspirée du célèbre jeu télévisé Fort Boyard, à faire en famille ou entre amis ! Cette fois Passe-Partout ne sera pas là et vous devrez frayer votre chemin au milieu des dédales et des labyrinthes pour triompher à chaque défis et sortir sain et sauf !

Rassemblez vos amis et préparez-vous pour une aventure passionnante à Prison Island Tours. Tous sont les bienvenus, jeunes et moins jeunes.

Formez une équipe et résolvez des défis dans les cellules de la prison avec vos coéquipiers pendant que l’horloge tourne…

Coopérez, accumulez des points et amusez-vous. Tout est possible ! Et n’oubliez pas : L’équipe a toujours besoin de vous et vous avez toujours besoin de l’équipe !

Vivez une aventure en équipe comme à la télévision, pour s'amuser, se rencontrer et se rapprocher !

Une immersion totale : vous êtes plongés dans un milieu carcéral où chaque cellule a son propre défi que vous devrez résoudre dans le temps imparti. Des décors réalistes avec des énigmes adaptées à tous les niveaux qui feront appel à vos cinq sens et parfois même à votre 6ème sens !

De 5 à 77 ans

A chacun ses capacités et ses domaines de prédilection. Petit et agile pour se faufiler plus rapidement, sage et plein d’expérience pour résoudre les énigmes les plus corsées.

Tout le monde se prend au jeu à Prison Island !

En famille, entre amis

Accessible à tous, petits et grands, Prison Island est l’activité idéale pour se retrouver en famille, entre amis ou collègues en s’amusant sans limite et partager des moments de convivialité.

Un travail d'équipe !

Résolvez les défis et les énigmes en équipe à partir de 2 personnes. Coordination, agilité et communication seront la clef pour que votre Team soit la meilleure et vos souvenirs inoubliables !

23 cellules = 23 défis

Sortez vainqueur des épreuves de chacune des cellules pour gagner des points. Alliez tantôt réflexion, équilibre, astuces, physique et adresse pour sortir vainqueur !

Renouvelez l’expérience pour battre les scores des autres équipes et vous hisser en haut du tableau !

Groupes, célébrations & Team building

Un événement fun et ludique à organiser à Tours ? Quelque chose à célébrer ? Créer des liens et de la cohésion ? Prison Island Tours est la destination idéale pour l’organisation de vos rencontres en groupe !

Vous cherchez une activité hors du commun pour la dernière journée la plus FUN de la vie de célibataire de votre ami(e) ?

Venez à Prison Island Tours !

Anniversaires

Organisez une fête d’anniversaire inoubliable pour les petits et les grands !

Réunissez vous entre amis ou en famille pour souffler les bougies et partager des moments conviviaux à Tours !

Team building

Faites vivre une expérience unique à vos collaborateurs !

Prison Island Tours est l’activité parfaite pour renforcer les liens et l’esprit d’équipe tout en s’amusant !

Afterwork à Tours

Vous cherchez un endroit fun et challengeant pour passer un moment convivial après votre journée de travail ? Prison Island Tours est LA solution !

Découvrez les talents de chacun dans la résolution des différents défis de la Prison.

Une activité parfaite pour un pot de départ ou simplement pour créer des liens et s’amuser entre collègues.

Variez les plaisirs avec notre Quiz Boxing

Fan de quiz et de blind test ? Quiz Boxing est fait pour vous !

Entrez dans l’arène pour affrontez vos amis dans ambiance immersive comme à la télé !

Offrez un cadeau original !

Pensez à la carte cadeau et faites plaisir à vos proches et amis. En quelques clics, le bon cadeau est envoyé à votre destinataire ou bien sur votre propre boite mail. Vous pourrez alors l’imprimer et l’offrir sous le sapin !

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Prison Island

Prison Island gets its name from the prison built to condemn Zanzibar citizens to the isolation of the island, looking out at the coast. The prison was never used, and the Island is now home to a tortoise sanctuary, prison ruins, and hotel. It is 20 minutes by boat ride from Stone Town and has spectacular coral reefs to enjoy snorkeling. Giant Aldabra tortoises shuffle through the trees, with the patience that old age brings you. Some of these tortoises are said to be over 100 years old. Lunch is available on the island at your own cost. If you’re feeling active, you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters in search of colorful tropical fish darting through the reef or soak up some sun on the white sandy beach. The Prison Island Excursion is a great companion to a morning Stone Town Tour. After an eventful morning of walking through the busy streets of Zanzibar, you can enjoy this slow and relaxing island excursion.

Calendar & Prices

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Prison Island Tour Zanzibar

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The Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island which is located in the western part of Zanzibar Island, just off Stone Town. It takes around 25 minutes by local boat riding from the Stone Town beach.

The island’s main attraction is the popular Giant Tortoises, who can live up to 200 years. In this tour, you will get a chance to explore and learn the history of these beautiful creatures and also about Prison Island itself. 

You will be with our expert local tour guide who will be explaining each area of interest. 

Apart from being a place where you can go to see the Giant Tortoises, it also is a perfect destination to do swimming, & Relaxing on the beach. Therefore after all information about the Island, then you will have time for swimming & relaxing on the beach.

Tour Gallery

• Photos from Prison Island Tour Zanzibar!

Tour Highlights!

• Catch your Local made wooden boat to Prison Island
• Shopping at Darajani Market in Stone Town
• Feeding the giant Tortoises at Prison Island
• Learn more about culture and some History about Zanzibar islands
• Swimming and on the Beach relaxing
• Taking amazing photos of stone town

Tour Prices

NOTE:  These prices  excluded transport costs because it depends on the location of your Hotel. Please reach us and we will provide you full price based on your Hotel location!

Price per person

Price per person; for group of above 25 person please contact us.

Price Includes

• Tour Guide; English, French, German, Italian.
• Drinking water
• All government fees
• Hotel Pick up/ Drop-off; for extra charge.

Prison Island Tour with Zanzibar Local Tour Guides

Book your half day tour to Prison Island today and have your local professional Zanzibari tour guide from us. All our guides are from Zanzibar with good knowledge of History with different languages. From English, French, German, Italian. 

We only have local tour guides because we believe that they have better knowledge of Zanzibar and can provide you insider access that enables you to experience Zanzibar like a local.

Explore the Giant Tortoises in Prison Island tour

These Giant Aldabra Tortoises is one of the famous tourist attractions found in Prison island Zanzibar. They can be roughly 122 cm length and with an average weight of 250 kg (550 pounds).

They’re known to be one among the longest-lived animals in the world; at Prison island, the oldest tortoise is estimated to be 196 years old.

These tortoises were originally brought from Seychelles islands during the 18th Century, and they were as a gift, at that time they were 4 tortoises, but now the number has been compounded.

Learn History of Prison Island

Prison island situated just off the coast of Stone Town, one among the oldest part of Zanzibar Islands. The prison island was never used as Prison. 

In this tour you will learn the History of Prison island with our local guide, and you will learn how the Island was known as Prison island. 

Prison Island Tour FAQs

Exactly, we do provide transport from and back to any Hotel in Zanzibar.

Very simple! Please contact us vi Whatsapp or tour booking form.

Just wear the normal clothes, water shoes and swimming clothes if you will need to swim. Please do not wear short clothes because you will meet with locals. 

Prices for Prison Island tour vary based on the number of people. Actually, the higher the number of people the less the price per person.

Yes, we accept card & cash payment. 

Prison Island tour takes approximately 3 hours to complete the trip.

Yes, its possible to combine Prison Island with other tours. Like Stone Town, Spice Farm, Jozani Forest. 

The Giant Aldabra Tortoises, The old Prison Island building, Beach & swimming. 

Absolutely, Prison Island is the only place in Zanzibar where you can find the large number of Giant Tortoises. 

Nearly all days you can visit Prison Island. Please check weather of the specific day.

Prison Island Location

Related activities, half-day - historical stone town walking tour, half-day village spice farm tour, reserve now.

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• 7 Prison Museums You Can...

Prison Museums You Can Visit Across The US

With over 100,000 prisons and jails around the globe, historic jail cells and prison museums have become a huge draw for tourists, and the US is no different – the states has over a dozen historic prisons to discover. From Alcatraz Island’s remote location off the shores of San Francisco to Eastern State Penitentiary’s famous haunted cells, learn about the histories and tales that characterize the past of these seven U.S. prisons.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Alcatraz, California

Alcatraz is reputed to have housed some of the most dangerous prisoners of the 20th century, including mobster Al Capone and gangster Alvin Karpowicz ; referred to as ‘the prison system’s prison,’ Alcatraz received the most difficult inmates. Built on an island off the coast of San Francisco, ‘The Rock,’ as it was nicknamed, made for a challenging escape, although over a dozen attempts were made – none of which were successful. Alcatraz was originally built in the 1850s as a U.S. military fortress and housed military prisoners until 1933, when it was renovated as a maximum-security prison. Alcatraz could hold 260–275 prisoners during its time of operation, less than one percent of the entire federal inmate population, but officially closed its doors in 1963 due to its high operating costs.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) was part of a controversial movement in the early 1800s that advocated the use of solitary confinement and hard labor to alter the behavior of inmates. Designed in a ‘radial-style’ floor plan, ESP was one of the most costly buildings of its time, with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and 253 cells, each with its own toilet, running water, and heat. The layout and practices at ESP were so popular that they were replicated in over 300 other prisons worldwide; by the early 1930s, however, the prison abandoned the solitary confinement system, replacing it with other severe forms of punishment. Operating from 1829–1971, the prison held some of the nation’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone (before his time at Alcatraz) and Willie Sutton ; today, it’s considered one of the most haunted buildings in the world.

Sing Sing Prison, New York

Home to the first electric chair (‘Old Sparky’), the famous Babe Ruth baseball game , and some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, like Albert Fish and David Berkowitz , Sing Sing is one of America’s most famous prisons. Built by 100 prisoners from another local prison, Sing Sing was one of the most impressive prisons of its kind upon its completion in 1828. Originally modeled after Captain Elam Lynds’ ‘silent system’ – the use of ‘hard work, community activity and silent reflection’ to alter inmate behavior – the prison eventually moved to a more modern approach that used sports to teach discipline, introduced by Warden Lewis Lawes . While the prison still holds more than 1,500 inmates today, plans for turning the prison’s 1939 power plant into a 22,000-square-foot museum are in the making. Visit the museum in the meantime, located in The Ossining Historical Society Museum .

Ohio State Reformatory, Ohio

The Ohio State Reformatory , also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, was constructed between 1886 and 1910 to act as an ‘intermediate penitentiary’, or the half-way point between the Boys Industrial School and the Ohio Penitentiary. In the mid-1800s, the land was originally used as Civil War training grounds; in 1884, plans for the new prison were approved by the state. Designed by Levi T. Scofield, the reformatory featured Victorian and Romanesque architectural styles, believed to encourage inmates to get in touch with their spiritual side. In 1990, the Boyd Consent Decree deemed the prison overcrowded and unsanitary – over 200 inmates had died during its operation – forcing it to close its doors. Today, the prison operates as a museum, and has been included in many famous films like The Shawshank Redemption ( 1994).

West Virginia State Penitentiary, West Virginia

After separating from Virginia at the height of the Civil War, West Virginia lacked many public institutions, including a prison. After repeated denials, the West Virginia Legislature finally purchased the land for the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1886. Completed using prison labor in 1887, the prison’s design featured stone walls and Gothic architectural elements like turrets and battlements, modeled after a prison in Illinois , and included a hospital and chapel, adding a school and library later on. There were other services, like a carpentry shop and bakery, that provided jobs for inmates, making the prison self-sufficient. Despite its good conditions at the turn of the century, the prison went into a state of decline: there were over 36 homicides, a prison break in 1979, and a riot in 1986. The prison was ordered to shut down by the Supreme Court in 1986; it officially closed its doors in 1995. It was listed as one of the US Department of Justice’s Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities and played host to 94 executions from 1899–1959: 85 by hanging and nine by electric chair. It is also considered one of America’s most haunted prisons.

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Old Idaho Penitentiary, Idaho

Old Idaho Penitentiary , once known as the Territorial Prison, was constructed in 1872 as a single-cell house; over the years, the prison expanded to include several buildings, as well as a 17-foot-high wall surrounding the complex. Over 101 years, until it closed in 1973, the Old Idaho Penitentiary received over 13,000 inmates, 215 of them women, and housed infamous convicts like Harry Orchard and Lyda ‘Lady Bluebeard’ Southard . The prison, however, was known for having unsuitable living conditions, and many inmates responded to these conditions with riots in 1971 and 1973. After its closing in 1973, the prison was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona

Yuma Territorial Prison , now a historic state park , opened its doors in 1876, and its first inmates were seven men who were responsible for constructing the prison. During its 33 years of operation, the prison housed 3,069 prisoners, 29 of them women, and despite its infamous reputation, it is said to have had humane conditions – prisoners made hand-crafted items that were sold at Sunday public markets and they received regular medical attention; the prison also had one of the first public libraries in the territory, where prisoners learned how to read and write. No executions took place here, but over 26 inmates escaped and over 100 died (most from tuberculosis). By the turn of the century, the prison was overcrowded, so a new facility was built in Florence, Arizona , and the prison officially ceased operations in 1909.

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Visiting Spike Island: The Isolated Irish Prison Known As ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

A visit to Spike Island prison is arguably one of the most unique things to do in Cork .

And it’s easily one of the most popular things to do in Cobh (it’s up there with the  very  popular Titanic Experience).

If you’re not familiar with the story of Spike Island prison and if you’re visiting Cobh in 2024, you’re in for a treat-and-a-half.

In the guide below, you’ll find the history of Spike Island, info on the tour and where to visit nearby. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Spike Island in Cork

Photo by dleeming69 (shutterstock)

So, a visit to Spike Island prison is fairly straightforward – you need to grab a ticket and hop onto a little ferry that leaves from Cobh .

However, there are a handful of things worth knowing before you plan your visit (booking in advance is needed!).

1. Location

A short ferry ride from the gorgeous little fishing village of Cobh in County Cork lies a 103-acre island that has been used as a place of worship, defense, confinement and punishment.

2. Getting there

To get to Spike Island in Cork you’ll need to get a ferry from Kennedy Pier in Cobh. The ferry takes around 15 minutes each way and leaves several times each day.

There are several different ticket types for the Spike Island tours (more on the various tours below). Price wise, you’re looking at (note: prices may change):

• Adult: €26.95
• Child (12 or under): €13.95
• Family (2 Adults and 1 or 2 kids): €65.95
• Senior Citizen (65+): €21.95
• Student: €21.95

4. How long the Spike Island tours take

When you buy a ticket for one of the Spike Island tours, your journey over on the ferry is included. Your return ticket is for 3.5 hours later, so you should allow at least 4.5 hours for a visit.

About Spike Island prison

A short ferry ride from the gorgeous little fishing village of Cobh in County Cork lies a 103-acre island that has been used as a place of worship, defence, confinement and punishment.

Spike Island prison was originally the site of a monastic settlement, but for over 200 years it has been dominated by the star fort named ‘Fort Mitchel’.

In the last 1300 years, Spike Island has been host to a 6th-century Monastery, a 24-acre fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times and centuries of island dwellings.

The island’s vast and varied history has included monks and monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains and convicts and sinners and saints.

At one point, the island was used to house convicts prior to penal transportation, and this is where the nickname of ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’ came from.

Spike Island history: The story behind Ireland’s Alcatraz

Via Spike Island on Facebook

One of the reason the Spike Island tours are so popular is thanks to Spike Island’s history… it’s  very  dark history.

According to reports, when Spike Island prison was the world’s largest prison in the 1850s, the treatment of convicts was nothing short of horrific.

The ‘Punishment Block’

A ‘Punishment Block’ was the only purpose-built cell block in the Fort, and it was built in response to the murder of Warder William Reddy in 1856.

It was made up of 28 solitary confinement cells and housed the most dangerous prisoners on the island.

Each prisoner was heavily chained and clothed in black from head to toe, with a veil hiding all but their eyes. In the blocks early years, the cells were furnished with only a stool, and prisoners slept on the floor.

Mass graves

There were several suicide attempts and the Punishment Block was the main reason that Spike Island was described as “Hell on earth” by many.

Mass graves, which litter the island, are the result of foul conditions and overcrowding during the worst of Ireland’s famine years.

Spike Island tours

There are 2 different Spike Island tours that you can head off on: the Regular Tour and the After Dark Tour.

The Regular Tour should suit those of you that are on a day-trip to Cobh while the After Dark Tour is a different kettle of fish altogether.

The Regular Tour

The first of the 2 Spike Island tours is the Regular Tour . Included in your ticket is a guided tour from where the ferry lets you off to the Fortress.

The guided tour lasts around 45 minutes and during this time a skilled storyteller will take you on a journey through Spike Islands history.

When the tour ends, you can explore the forts and the prison on your own.

The After Dark Tour

Those that embark upon the after-dark tour on Spike Island will be told the stories of several murders that took place on the island.

One of these murders was of nationalist Patrick White, who was killed during a spiteful act of revenge.

Another story tells of the brutal murder of a prison warder in the 1800s. This horrific killing was carried out by some of the many dangerous inhabitants that were imprisoned on Spike.

The tour also takes visitors along the mysterious underground tunnels and cells that are inaccessible during the day time tours.

Things to do near Spike Island

One of the beauties of Spike Island prison is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of other attractions, both man-made and natural.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Spike Island in Cork (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Food in Cobh

Photo left: The Commodore Hotel. Photo right: Harbour Browns Steakhouse (Facebook)

When you arrive back from Spike, the chances are you’ll have worked up an appetite. Thankfully, there are some excellent restaurants in Cobh a short ramble aways from where you’re dropped off (there are also plenty of Cobh hotels if you want to spend the night).

2. Attractions within walking distance of the pier

Photo by Peter OToole (shutterstock)

There’s plenty of other things to do in Cobh when you finish up at Spike. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Titanic Experience Cobh , but there’s also St. Coleman’s Catheral , the Deck of Cards and much more.

3. Fota Wildlife Park

Photos via Fota Wildlife Park on Facebook

The brilliant Fota Wildlife Park is a stone’s throw from Cobh town centre (you’ll need to drive) and it’s a great spot if you’re after more unique Cork attractions .

FAQs about visiting Spike Island in Cork

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from the Spike Island tours to what to expect from a visit.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How do you get to Spike Island?

You get to Spike Island via a ferry from Kennedy pier in the centre of Cobh. The ferry takes around 15 minutes each way and leaves several times each day.

Is Spike Island really worth visiting?

Yes! Spike Island in Cork is a fantastic little spot to escape to when visiting Cork. The history is dark and interesting and the reviews for the Spike Island tours are excellent.

Is there much to do nearby?

Yep! You’ve plenty to see in Cobh itself or you’re a short spin away from the likes of Fota and Cork City.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Myles Fitzmaurice

Friday 17th of June 2022

Looking forward to visiting Spike Island in early July, what is the best time to visit.

Sunday 8th of March 2020

Interesting, this dark part in the history of Ireland. No one has ever mentioned this before. Sort of scared the day lights out of me. But would certainly like to visit it the next time around when I get to Ireland.

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Prison Island is a destination with adventure for all in ages 9-99 years old. Use team-work to solve tricky challenges in cells and collect points. All while the time is ticking…

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Alcatraz Island and the Alcatraz Tour

Alcatraz Tour Fascinates Visitors to Alcatraz Island

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

It's a former federal prison on a rocky island in the middle of the bay, steeped in legend and a popular tourist stop.

Spanish Explorer Manuel de Ayala named this barren rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay Isla de los Alcatraces (Island of the Pelicans). The island called Alcatraz has been used as a Civil War fort, a Federal prison and a symbol of Native American plight. Today, the National Park Service runs Alcatraz Island as a tourist attraction.

Things to Do on Alcatraz

You can get a look at what you'll see on the Alcatraz tour by visiting the Alcatraz slideshow.

The National Park Service schedules activities to help you learn about Alcatraz Island, including lectures and special tours. The schedule board at the ferry landing gives the times. The only guided tour is the audio tour, but you can also pick up a self-guided tour book near the boat dock.

Barracks from Alcatraz Island's stint as a military base, the cell house, lighthouse, and a few others remain. Many of the Alcatraz Island prison buildings are gone. Some burned during the American Indian Alcatraz occupation in the 1960s. The guard's residences, deteriorated beyond repair, were torn down in the 1970s. 

If the hospital area is open during your visit, don't miss it. It's a fascinating look at medical care during the prison's heyday.

To see two San Francisco Bay islands in one day, take the Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour which will also take you to Angel Island .

Alcatraz Island Tickets

The only way to tour Alcatraz is with the company called Alcatraz Cruises, leaving from San Francisco. Other bay cruise companies can take you by, but can't stop.  Find all the details and buy tickets at the Alcatraz Cruises website . Anyone else selling an Alcatraz Island tour is re-selling tickets and may charge a processing fee.

Alcatraz tour tickets sell out fast. The official brochures say tickets sell out as early as a week in advance in the summer and on holiday weekends. When checked on a July Friday, they were sold out until the following Tuesday. 

Tickets not used by hotels are released to the Alcatraz ticket booth just before it opens. Be first in line you may get a same-day tour ticket. Your hotel's concierge or front desk may have tickets. Or consider taking the Alcatraz and Angel Island tour, which doesn't fill up as fast.

The boat ride to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes each way from San Francisco. Your tour can last as long as you like (or until the last boat leaves).

The Day Tour is the most popular. It includes round-trip transportation to the island and the audio tour.

The Night Tour includes extra activities — and is slightly more expensive. Taking it allows more time to visit other sights that close earlier, maximizing your sightseeing time. The only downside is that a few areas that are open during the day close after dark.

Get Ready to Visit Alcatraz

Most visitors spend at least a few hours on Alcatraz. Snacks and water are essential to keep everyone from getting "hangry" or thirsty.

If you don't know much about Alcatraz, stop to see the 17-minute introductory video before you go up the hill. You can also read up on these interesting facts about Alcatraz before you go and  explore the fascinating history of the Alcatraz lighthouse .

Watch the Clint Eastwood movie "Escape from Alcatraz" for a glimpse of how the prison operated during its busiest period.

Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Pick up an audio tour and use it. You'll get a lot more out of what you're seeing. Pay attention to the audio directions. Otherwise, you could end up gabbing away with your friends and not able to figure out where you should be going. If that happens, ask a ranger or tour guide for help.

If you miss your boat, don't despair. The ticket office can direct you to the standby line for the next one.

To see Alcatraz, you'll walk — a lot. It's easy enough if you're in reasonably good shape. They offer a tram to get you up the hill, but you still have to walk after you get there. 

The boats are quiet, clean and smooth riding. The trip is short. But if you need a Dramamine just to sit on the dock and watch a boat bobbing up and down, take your favorite remedy. 

Those white spots all over the island aren't paint. Rangers say several people a day acquire a "white badge of honor" as a gift from a seagull. DON'T look up if you hear birds. Also, watch where you put your hands to avoid touching those same white splotches of yucky stuff.

The gift shop has some very stylish and clever souvenir items. They also sell the book "Hollywood Alcatraz" which details all the films made at Alcatraz and where their scenes were filmed.

Alcatraz Tour Review

In a poll, more than 2,000 Tripsavvy readers rated Alcatraz, 48% rated it awesome and 10% great. However, 26% gave it the lowest rating.

Alcatraz is likely to bore children under the age of five and is more fun for kids who are old enough to understand what it is.

On the plus side, the views of San Francisco and the bay are eye-popping. History buffs enjoy Alcatraz. So does anyone who's seen the movies about it and feel like it's a must-see. The audio tour is one of the best anywhere, using voices of actual guards and prisoners to tell the prison's story.

On the downside, it takes almost half a day to go there and back. If your trip to San Francisco is short, that may be more time than you want to spend on one activity. And it smells like bird poop during spring seagull nesting season.

Getting to Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island San Francisco, CA National Park Website

Alcatraz Cruises leave from Pier 33. If you've been to San Francisco before, be aware that the ticket booth and departure dock moved several years ago.

To drive, follow signs for Pier 39. Pier 33 is a few blocks east. You can find more than a dozen commercial parking lots within a five-block radius. Street parking isn't practical because the meters have a two-hour limit and you'll be gone longer than that.

If you're staying in San Francisco, take a taxi, use a ride-sharing service or public transit. Muni's F Line runs past Pier 33 and the Powell-Mason cable car stops nearby. Find more ways to get around San Francisco .

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Alcatraz Day Tour

Alcatraz night tour, bay discovery cruise.

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Accessibility Advisory: The distance from the dock to the Cellhouse is approximately 1/4 mile, and the elevation change is a steep 130 feet. There are several places to rest and take in the views. Athletic or comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If you have mobility concerns, please see Accessibility for Sustainable Easy Access Transport (S.E.A.T.) Tram information.

Bay Discovery Cruise: If the Alcatraz Island tour is sold out on your preferred date, try the Bay Discovery Cruise , a 90-minute sightseeing cruise around several of San Francisco's iconic locations. This tour is available during peak times throughout the summer.

Ferry to Alcatraz Island. Tour the Inside of the Cellhouse. Explore Alcatraz Island.

• Approximately 2 ½ Hours
• Daily departures: 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM
• Mobile E-Ticket Check-in
• Alcatraz Island roundtrip ferry
• Access Inside Alcatraz Prison
• Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Orientation video
• Ranger and docent tours
• Adult Price: $53.25
• Seniors: $50.65
• Children: $35.55  

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The Complete Alcatraz Tour

• Tuesday thru Saturday. Until March 9th: 3:50 PM check-in. Beginning March 12th: 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:05 PM check-in.
• 45-minute Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Onboard narration
• Guided tour
• Other special activities
• Adult Price: $64.30
• Seniors: $60.25
• Children: $41.00  

90 Minute San Francisco Bay Cruise

• 90 Minute Cruise
• Summer schedule varies: 10:40 A.M., 1:10 P.M. and 3:45 P.M. security check-in times.
• Mobile Check-in
• Round-Trip 90 Minute Sight Seeing Cruise
• App-Based Audio Tour
• Adult Price: $52.00
• Seniors: $43.00
• Children: $37.00  

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

The Ultimate Alcatraz Experience

• 4 to 5 Hours
• Tuesday thru Saturday, Check-In Time: 2:15 PM and 2:45 PM until March 9th. Spring/Summer: 4:20 PM and 4:50 PM Check-in.
• Ferry ride to and from Alcatraz Island
• Two-hour Park Ranger guided tour with small group of 20 people or fewer tour guests
• Award-winning Cellhouse audio tour
• Additional programs and exhibits
• Docent guided tours and talks
• Adult Price: $109.30
• Seniors: $102.25
• Age 12-17: $105.10  

Thank you for visiting www.alcatrazislandtickets.com . Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. We're a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care . This website isn't affiliated with any government entity and isn't the official box office. Total at checkout may exceed face value.  

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Alerts in effect, island of incarceration, island of freedom.

Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.

More than 2.3 million people are behind bars in the United States. Learn more about the new exhibition open now, on Alcatraz Island.

There are plenty of ways that you can visit Alcatraz from wherever you are in the world. Here are just a few!

Find out about accessible features on Alcatraz Island.

In 1969 Indigenous activists occupied Alcatraz for 19 months. Learn more about the 50th anniversary and commemorative exhibit.

Safety, accessibility, and planning a successful visit to Alcatraz in ASL.

Access Alcatraz from the palm of your hand. Download and experience all 420+ National Parks.

Last updated: January 12, 2024

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Alcatraz Island Golden Gate National Recreation Area 201 Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123

415-561-4900 United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

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Peak Season:   01 September to 30 April

South Africans

Per child(u/18), non south africans.

Off-peak season:   01 May to 30 August

You will meet your Tour Guide when you have boarded the busses. The prison tour will be conducted by a Robben Island Tour Guide. This is part of our integrated tour model. They are fully conversant and knowledgeable about the Island’s multi-layered 500-year-old history. The tour route includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.

Robben Island Museum uses two of its own ferries which transport visitors and staff to the island, along with several private vessels if, and when, they are required. These ferries operate between Table bay harbour and Robben Island Museum on a daily basis to transport passengers and staff.

The Krotoa was built in Singapore by PENGUIN SHIPYARD ASIA and procured by RIM in 2019. This Ferry is certified by the South African Maritime Safety Authority to carry 280 passengers and its design is constructed within the following dimensions:

• Length – 32.40m
• Breadth – 8.5m
• Hull Material – Aluminium
• Type – FERRY

The Sikhululekile was built and completed in 2008 by a ship building company called FAROCEANS MARINE PTY. The ferry is certified to carry 260 passengers and its design is constructed within the following dimensions:

• Length – 31.3m
• Breadth – 9.0m
• Type: FERRY

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Tour Details

Cape Town 16° Light Rain 05:40 19:19 SAST Feels like: 15 °C Wind: 18 km/h NW Humidity: 90 % Pressure: 1017.27 mbar UV index: 0 Wed Thu Fri 20/14 °C 22/14 °C 27/15 °C Weather forecast Cape Town, South Africa ▸

South Africans R400 per adult R210 per child (U/18)

Non South Africans R600 per adult R310 per child (U/18)

Tour Times 09:00  |   11:00  |   13:00  |  15:00

Five of the Most Fascinating Prison Museums in America

From Alcatraz to Cell Block 7, these jails now hold tours instead of prisoners

Jennifer Billock

Travel Correspondent

Since the 1980s, mass incarceration has become a booming business in the United States, with 670 people out of every 100,000 becoming a prisoner. And it’s not because we have more criminals, either—research shows that this change is thanks to alterations of sentencing law and policy. The boom has led to prison overcrowding , which in the 1990s meant we needed to build bigger and better prisons. Many states simply didn’t have the capital to remodel or demolish the prisons. So instead, they turned to dark tourism.

Dark tourism is the travel industry surrounding places that are linked to suffering or death—think Chernobyl and the Sedlec Ossuary , a "church of bones" in the Czech Republic. Abandoned prisons easily fell in line with that ethos, and so in order to save the costs of drastically altering or removing a building, prison museums began to open inside the former facilities. With some dating back 180 years, these prison museums offer a fascinating look into the lives of some of our country's most notorious prisoners.

Squirrel Cage Jail; Council Bluffs, Iowa

Built in 1885, this Iowa jail was one of the most unique styles in prison history. It’s a rotary jail—meaning the facility has a cylinder of pie-shaped cells attached to a central pole. When the warden turned a hand crank, the entire jail shifted, locking prisoners away without access to a door. It was meant to be a simple way to control an entire jail at once. Many of these types of jails popped up in the Midwest in the late 1800s. Squirrel Cage was the only one with three stories. This unique style of jail fell out of fashion thanks to accidental amputations when the cells turned, poor lighting and ventilation, mechanical issues and fire hazards. Only three of the original 18 or so built remain, and they all operate as museums: Squirrel Cage, Gallatin and Montgomery County (which is the only one that can still rotate).

Alcatraz; San Francisco, California

Alcatraz may only have operated federally from 1934 to 1963, but it quickly took its place as one of the most infamous prisons in the world. Al Capone faced time here, as did killer Robert Stroud. Prior to "The Rock" as we know it today, though, Alcatraz Island served as a military prison in the 1800s. Inmates consistently worked to build new cellblocks, and when the work finished in 1912, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in the world. The prison finally shut down in 1963, when it became too expensive to operate as the salty sea wind was causing buildings to deteriorate. Now, several tour options of the facility are available, and it sees about a million tourists come through each year.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison; Rawlins, Wyoming

When construction on Wyoming’s first state prison began in 1888, it was meant to handle the criminals of the wild west—but thanks to weather and funding problems, it didn’t actually open until 1901, when the wild ways were on the decline. Still, the prison stayed open for about 80 years and housed around 13,500 prisoners. In the beginning, it had no electricity, minimal heating and no running water. The Wyoming Frontier Prison (named so in 1988) was more than just cellblocks, though. It also had a dungeon, a punishment pole that men were handcuffed to and then whipped, solitary confinement cells, and a building with six cells for death row inmates called the death house. The penitentiary closed for good in 1981. Today’s tours include the prison itself, a museum about peace officers, a gift shop and the old prison cemetery.

Cell Block 7; Jackson, Michigan

To get to Cell Block 7 , you’ll have to actually go into the real State Prison of Southern Michigan. Its first iteration was built in 1839, a small log building that could only hold 35 prisoners. By 1934, though, the prison had evolved into a massive fortress housing more than 5,000 inmates. With Cell Block 7 included, it became the world’s largest walled prison, though it no longer holds that distinction. Cell Block 7 closed in 2007, and it now exists as a museum within the walls of the still working state prison. The museum today runs tours and holds a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, like one about the prison farm and another on prison-made furniture.

Museum of Colorado Prisons; Cañon City, Colorado

The Museum of Colorado Prisons isn’t exactly inside a working prison like Cell Block 7, but it is adjacent to one—the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. This museum is in what used to be the women’s prison, and it shares a wall—and a tower with armed guards—with the current prison. The facility was built in 1871. Now, the former women’s prison houses 30 cells, all outfitted with unique exhibits related to incarceration in Colorado over the past 148 years. Visitors will also learn about famous past inmates, like convicted cannibal Alfred Packer , and see prison artifacts like a hangman’s noose and a gas chamber.

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Jennifer Billock | | READ MORE

Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. She is currently dreaming of an around-the-world trip with her Boston terrier. Check out her website at jenniferbillock.com .