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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise
Enjoy fantastic photo opportunities
Escape From the Rock Bay Cruise
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise

star-465 Reviews
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Badge of Excellence
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San Francisco, United States
Safety measures
icon1 hour 30 minutes  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 8 more
Safety measures
icon1 hour 30 minutes  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 8 more

Don’t worry—here are some similar options

Safety measures
icon1 hour 30 minutes  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 8 more

Overview

Learn stories behind the Bay Area's most notorious former federal penitentiary on a fascinating 'Escape from the Rock' cruise. Board a boat for a journey through the bay while listening to audio recordings (available in several languages) from ex-prisoners and guards about daily life on 'The Rock.' Learn about the Birdman of Alcatraz and the infamous 1962 'Alcatraz Escape,' and come to know why Alcatraz instilled fear into the hearts of even the worst-of-the-worst criminals. Tours are accessible on any of your own wifi-enabled iPads, smartphones or other devices. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.
  • Skip the box office line and go straight to the gate with your ticket!
  • 'Escape from the Rock' cruise around San Francisco Bay
  • Hear the audio-recorded stories of former Alcatraz guards and prisons as you sail around 'The Rock' and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Learn why even the worst prisoners were afraid of Alcatraz and what daily life on the island entailed
  • Access the free audio tour on any personal wifi-enabled device
  • Enjoy a relaxing cruise around San Francisco Bay
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Headsets to hear the guide clearly
"Straight to the gate" access
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Pier 39 , Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
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PIER 39, The Embarcadero at Beach St. San Francisco, CA 94133

This activity will end right where it started.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible, only on first deck
  • Children from 0 to 4 years old sail for free
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Times are subject to change without notice
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Blue and Gold Fleet
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
Does this cruise dock on Alcatraz Island?
A:While it does not dock on the island, you get a 360-degree view of the island from the vessel. All the while hearing tales of the guards that worked there and the inmates that served there.
Dec 2021
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Bring a jacket because it’s gets really chilly and breezy on the bay." See review

Reviews

4.0
star-4
65 Reviews
5 stars
34
4 stars
19
3 stars
9
2 stars
0
1 star
3

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 65 reviews
star-3
I wanted to book a trip...
Anantha_R
, Nov 2021
I wanted to book a trip to take prison tour. This option is advertised with misleading description to make me believe tour includes prison tour.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
We apologize if you feel you were misled. We try to make it a point to not mislead guests, and we will reexamine the ad so that others will not be misinformed again.
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star-5
Spectacular Views
Deborah_W
, Nov 2021
We had a great day on the cruise! I would do it again and I highly recommend it. Great view of both bridges, Alcatraz anD the city! A definite must when coming to San Francisco!
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Woohoo! So happy you enjoyed the cruise. And thanks for sharing your recommendation. :)
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star-5
Golden Gate and Alcatraz
Catherin_G
, Nov 2021
It was all amazing! We didn’t realize that we would go under the Golden Gate, that was so exciting. Would definitely do this again and will recommend to others.
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star-5
Happy Riding
MB_I
, Nov 2021
This cruise was so awesome! I enjoyed the storytelling of historical accounts and people, especially the engineering challenges of the magnificent Golden Gate, immigration story of Angel Island and the inmates and guards' stories of Alcatraz prison. The most amazing experience for me and my family was the maneuvering of the cruise boat under the Golden Gate bridge. Amidst the rough waves and blasting winds the captain did a fantastic job of keeping the boat afloat and turning it safely back into the calmer harbor. We had a blast standing at the bow! Thank you for this exhilarating experience!
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Hi, thanks for the great review! And I will share your comment with our captain. It can be a little tricky navigating through that stretch of the water, but our captains have a lot of accrued hours making that turn. Thanks again!!
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star-4
It was good.
Cheremay_S
, Sep 2021
There was no Champagne on the boat. We don't like Prosecco. Other than that the cruise was good and the crew was very friendly.
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star-3
Bummed out
Mara_H
, Aug 2021
The name of this tour implies it actually goes to Alcatraz. It was a neat experience, but I would change the name to bay tour.
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2021
We apologize if you felt misled, but we try to be very clear in our description that we do not land on Alcatraz. And the title of the cruise comes from the story that we tell on the boat about the 3 convicts who escaped.
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star-5
Fun for all
lorri_k
, Aug 2021
The information was great the scenery was beautiful ! The staff was amazing . I would recommend to anyone it’s a great trip
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2021
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the trip!
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star-4
Good experience just the right amount of time
Scott_J
, Aug 2021
Enjoyed the experience. Could not hear the narrator over the speakers very well but enjoyed the views and felt the length of the trip was perfect.
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star-4
Enjoyable boat tour
Jennifer_G
, Aug 2021
Narration was good with some quiet time to just to enjoy the scenery. Got to finally see the Golden Gate without fog. Friendly staff and snacks and beverages available for purchase which was good.
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2021
We're glad you had a nice time!
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star-4
An afternoon in the Bay
Camilla_L
, Jul 2021
Fun interactive tour. Great photo opportunities and plenty of good seating. Definitely recommend this for a relaxing sign seeing adventure.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Thanks for joining us!
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