What is the Alcatraz behind the scenes tour?


What is the Alcatraz behind the scenes tour? The Alcatraz Island Behind The Scenes Tour covers a different route and contains different content than the Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour or the daily guided tours and programs. It explores a variety of “off the beaten path” areas of the Island.


Can you take pictures at Alcatraz?

Yes, can take pictures everywhere within Alcatraz. There are no restrictions on taking photographs as long as you are in an area open to the public. Make sure to look out the windows because you can get some great photos of places on the island that are not open to the public.


Can you sleep over at Alcatraz?

Every year, there are a total of 18 overnight stays available on Alcatraz, and a staggering number of 200 to 400 groups compete for the opportunity to secure one of these spots.


Is the Alcatraz tour cold?

Temperatures on Alcatraz Island seldom rise above 75°F (24°C) or fall below 38°F (3°C). It almost never snows on the Island, but winters can be wet and cold. Afternoon winds are common during every season.


Is Alcatraz scary at night?

Alcatraz is a National Park, not a haunted house. That said, the evening tour does lean toward the eerie. Is it a ghost tour? No.


Does anyone stay on Alcatraz at night?

Every year, there are a total of 18 overnight stays available on Alcatraz, and a staggering number of 200 to 400 groups compete for the opportunity to secure one of these spots. Of course something like this would be in high demand, which is why only non-profit groups with a 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply.


Is the Alcatraz behind the scenes tour worth it?

It gives you the most of Alcatraz and the most guidance on the island, and it's an experience well worth the price of admission. It is important to remember the Behind the Scenes Tour, because of its limited space, is often sold out months in advance.


What is the difference between day and night Alcatraz tours?

Most of the Alcatraz Island outdoor areas are closed to the public after dark and during the Night Tour, so apart from the tour itself, there is nothing else to do at night. The Day Tour takes about 3 hours but can be extended, as long as you catch the last ferry back to the mainland (San Francisco).


What should I wear to Alcatraz?

The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and liable to change unexpectedly, so be prepared by bringing along a light jacket or sweater no matter how nice the day starts out.


Can you walk around Alcatraz without a tour?

Is Alcatraz open to the public? Alcatraz is open to public tours. However, the Alcatraz docks are exclusively available to one ferry line, Alcatraz Cruises. So, the only way the public can visit this famous jail in San Francisco is to buy a tour and take one of the official Alcatraz ferries.


Is Alcatraz colder than San Francisco?

It's often chillier on Alcatraz than on the mainland -- we recommend layers! Fog is common in the summer, rain in the winter. Annual temperatures fluctuate between 70-45 degrees F.


How long should I stay in Alcatraz?

National Park Service staff and volunteers offer free interpretive programs throughout the day. Once on the island, you can stay as long as you wish. Ferries about every half hour and you can return to San Francisco on any ferry. We recommend at least two to three hours to fully visit the island.


Why is Alcatraz so expensive?

The major expense was caused by the physical isolation of the island - the exact reason islands have been used as prisons throughout history. This isolation meant that everything (food, supplies, water, fuel...) had to be brought to Alcatraz by boat.


Is Alcatraz tour a lot of walking?

The roads and walkways on Alcatraz are steep. The distance from the dock to the Cellhouse is approximately 1/4 mile (. 4km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters), the equivalent of walking up a 13-story building.


Can you drink on the Alcatraz tour?

Eating, drinking and smoking is only permitted on the dock. Beyond the dock only bottled water in non-glass bottles is allowed to be consumed.


Can you throw a party at Alcatraz?

Private events on Alcatraz must be conducted in areas that are historically appropriate; for example, entertainment activities are not allowed in the main cell block areas. Receptions with catering are not allowed on island.


What is the best time of day to tour Alcatraz?

The Early Bird tickets are best since you are the first group on the island. I also like getting there as early as possible because then you can participate in some talks on the island. These usually start around 11 a.m. with the final ones in the early afternoon.