ALCATRAZ HISTORY - The Rock - AN OVERVIEW - Alcatraz Tours and Tickets

Alcatraz Island sits isolated amidst the cold winds of the bay. Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala named this foreboding rock for the pelicans nesting there. This infamous island, the subject of legend, lore and a few Hollywood movies, once held scores of prisoners incarcerated above its cliffs.

PRISON
First used as a prison by the U.S. Army during the Civil War, "The Rock" became a maximum security penitentiary in 1934, during the post-Prohibition, post-Depression America. Federal officials talked about creating a special prison for kidnappers, racketeers, and individuals guilty of predatory crimes. In fact, the public peace seemed constantly threatened by crime - and Alcatraz seemed to be the ideal response to that threat.

At first, Alcatraz was somewhat of an experiment. Prisoners from other institutions who were especially difficult to manage were sent here. This type of segregation had never been practiced before, but it worked well enough to serve as a model for the federal prison located in Marion, Illinois.

Though Alcatraz is thought to have housed many notorious criminals, only a handful of truly famous names did time on this harsh island. Mobster Al Capone, bank robber Leon "Whitey" Thompson, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and the "Birdman of Alcatraz," Robert Stroud (who, by the way, was not permitted to continue his avian studies during his 17 years on the island). Numerous escapes (36 to be exact) were attempted, though there is no evidence that anyone ever made it through the icy, shark-infested waters to freedom.

NATIVE AMERICAN OCCUPATION
Prior to the coming of the Spanish and Portuguese explorers, over 10,000 indigenous people, later to be called the Ohlone (a Miwok Indian word meaning "western people"), lived in the coastal area between Point Sur and the San Francisco Bay. Native American oral histories suggest that tribal members were isolated or ostracized on Alcatraz when they violated a tribal law or taboo. Other stories cite the island's use as a camping spot, an area for gathering foods, especially bird eggs and sea-life, and a hiding place for many Indians attempting to escape from the California Mission system.

On November 9, 1969, Richard Oakes, a Mohawk Indian, and a group of Indian supporters set out in a chartered boat, the Monte Cristo, to symbolically claim the island for the Indian people. On November 20, 1969, this symbolic occupation turned into a full scale occupation which lasted until June 11, 1971.

The Indians' demands were clear: they wanted the deed to the island, and they wanted to establish an Indian university, a cultural center, and a museum. The government refused to negotiate and insisted that they leave the island. By early 1970, the Indian's organization on the island began to disintegrate to such a point that Oakes left the island. After many months of declining leadership on the island and government attempts to oust the Native Americans and the growing drug culture, President Nixon gave the go ahead to develop a removal plan -- to take place when the smallest number of people were on the island and to use as little force as possible.

On June 10, 1971, the occupation ended. Shortly thereafter, the official government policy of termination of Indian tribes was ended and a policy of Indian self-determination became the official US government policy.

ALCATRAZ TODAY
The National Park Service administers Alcatraz Island as a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). A variety of tours of the island are offered - for more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/ See the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse and enjoy the island's many natural features - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and breathtaking bay views. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a jacket.

ALCATRAZ TOUR PACKAGES - Reserve tickets online TODAY!

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Popular Alcatraz Combination Tours

We offer One and Two day combination tour packages for Alcatraz.

Beware Alcatraz Ticket Tricks and Huge Overcharges. Don't be fooled or overcharged by other Alcatraz "Official" Ticket web sites. These overpriced web sites may charge you as much as $10.00 per ticket "service charge" or $ 3.95 per order "service fee" or both. We do not mark up Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour prices. We also do not advertise $7.00-8.00 child ticket prices for a 1 Hour Bay Cruise that goes around Alcatraz (not to Alcatraz) to lure you into our web site.

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One and Two day combination tour packages for Alcatraz. We offer the published prices for Ferry and Audio Tour Tickets to Alcatraz. All of our Alcatraz tickets are combined with a 2nd tour also at published prices. We make a commission on selling you the 2nd tour. We don't think you should pay as much as $13.95 extra and not get anything but a Alcatraz Ferry ticket and a "service charge." Thanks for visiting San Francisco and purchasing tickets from us.

Notice: Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33.

1-DAY COMBO BOAT CRUISE PACKAGES		48 HOUR HOP ON HOP OFF COMBO PACKAGES
Alcatraz combined with Bay and Sunset Cruises:		Alcatraz combined with open ticket Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus Tours:
1 Hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise	From $48.00	Double Decker - 2 for 1 Downtown + Golden Gate Loops	From $75.00
2 Hour Sunset Bay Cruise (Open April - October)	From $74.00	Double Decker - 3 for 1 All Loops: Downtown & Golden Gate Loops plus Night Tour	From $96.00
		Double Decker - Downtown Loop	From $56.00
		Double Decker - Golden Gate Loop	From $48.00
FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR COMBO PACKAGES		2 DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR COMBO PACKAGES
Alcatraz combined with Half Day Sightseeing Tours:		Alcatraz combined with a Full Day Sightseeing Tour on 2nd day:
San Francisco Deluxe City Tour	From $72.00	Wine Country Tour	From $92.00
Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Tour	From $74.00	Wine Country and Muir Giant Redwoods Woods Tour	From $105.00
San Francisco Foreign Language City Tour 6 Languages	From $72.00	Carmel and Monterey Tour	From $92.00
Segway Guided Waterfront Tour New Segway Guided Night Tour New	From $96.00 From $96.00
	From $96.00 From $96.00

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Alcatraz Tours, History, Pictures and Ferry Ticket Information Our great Combo Tours do include the Ferry Ride to Alcatraz and the Audio Tour of the prison cell house. Reserve online today before you arrive in the city. Remember: The ferry tickets to Alcatraz sell out weeks in advance. There are a limited amount of tickets per day. Make sure you get to see "The Rock" on your trip to San Francisco. We DO NOT sell individual Alcatraz ferry tickets.

Former federal prison Alcatraz has become a must see activity for visitors to the Bay Area. Use our one stop tour shopping to plan your vacation! You will not be charged a markup on the Alcatraz Tickets PLUS eliminate Wharf parking fees with a hotel pick up for most of our motor coach tours. Plan your entire day here. BOOK EARLY! Alcatraz tours are often sold out over a week in advance!

Visit Alcatraz and enjoy a second tour Tour includes ferry cruise to the infamous and notorious former federal prison. Also included is an Award-winning audio headset tour in the prison Cell House. No one can tell the Alcatraz tale like the men who actually lived it. The award-winning Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour brings history alive through the actual voices of the correctional officers and inmates who lived on the island during the infamous Federal Penitentiary era.

Hear both sides of life in the island prison including such famous events as escape attempts, "The Battle of '46", food riots, and surviving solitary confinement.

The new Cellhouse Audio Tour is an expanded version of the original award-winning tour and includes new stories, new narrators, and explores new areas of the Cellhouse. The tour is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese Dutch and Mandarin.

Alcatraz Island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Alcatraz is one of San Francisco's most popular visitor attractions and its tours frequently sell out a week or more in advance. Tickets are rarely available at the Box Office for same-day sailings. The Alcatraz Ferry departs daily from Pier 33 Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. "TourCorp" is Tour & Sightseeing Company and we only offer Alcatraz Ferry Tickets as a planning convenience for our clients. We do not mark up or add any service fees to the cost of the Alcatraz Tickets. Due to high demand and limited tickets for the Alcatraz ferry/audio tour- both your Sightseeing Tour and Ferry reservations are pending until you receive a final confirmation e-mail from us.
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ALCATRAZ TICKET AVAILABILITY:

Remember: Reserve weekend Alcatraz tickets at least 10-14 days in advance. Maximum 8 tickets per order.

BOOK ALCATRAZ EARLY TO GET BEST DEPARTURE TIMES
Very limited tickets are available for holiday weekends. All holiday weekend cruises will sell out very early. Book Now to get best departure times!

Alcatraz Cruises depart from PIER 33.

Please indicate on the comments section of the order form if you want your Alcatraz tickets on a later or earlier day or a specific time.

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1-Day Combo Boat Cruise Packages
Golden Gate Bay Cruise plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation Duration: One Hour Bay Cruise plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island Departure Dates & Times: Golden Gate Bay Cruise Departures start at 10:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time. Departs from: Bay Cruise departs from Pier 43 1/2 and Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $16.00 - $22.00 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 77 reviews) Best Seller	California Sunset Cruise plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation Duration: Two Hour Sunset Cruise plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island Departure Dates & Times: Sunset Cruise departs at 6:00pm or 7:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time. Departs from: Sunset Cruise departs from Pier 43 1/2 and Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $34.00 - $48.00 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 7 reviews)
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Full Day Sightseeing Tour Combo Packages
San Francisco Ultimate City Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation Duration: 3.5 Hour City Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island Departure Dates & Times: City Tour departs daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time. Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $25.00 - $46.00 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 58 reviews) Best Seller	Redwoods and Sausalito Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation Duration: 3.5 Hours Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island Departure Dates & Times: Muir Woods Tour departs daily at 9:00am and 2:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time. Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $24.00 - $50.00 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 22 reviews)
Segway Day Tour San Francisco PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservation - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges SEGWAY TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Tour is the most sensational way to see the city by the bay! You will love gliding through the waterfront on a eco-friendly Segway. This journey will take you to the best views and hidden locations. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, you'll explore the San Francisco waterfront for two hours! Reservations are required. Easy to learn and fun to ride. Ages 12 and up are welcome. Duration: Combo Tour : 2.5 hour Guided Segway Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours. Departure Dates & Times: Segway Daily 9:00 AM April - October or 10:30 AM September through March - Alcatraz as an Afternoon Departure Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $70.00 - $70.00 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 30 reviews)	San Francisco Night Segway Tour PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservations - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges SEGWAY NIGHT TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Night Tour will take you to the best views and hidden locations of Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront. You will love sightseeing on an eco-friendly Segway. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, your fully narrated evening Segway tour will feature spectacular evening views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardeli Square, Municipal Pier and more. Reservations are required. Ages 12 and up are welcome. Duration: Combo Tour : 2 Hour Guided Segway Night Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours. Departure Dates & Times: Segway Night Tour 4:30 PM Friday and Saturdays April - October or 7:00 PM September through March - Thursday - Sunday Alcatraz as an AM Departure Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $70.00 - $70.00 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 1 reviews)
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48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Combo Packages
Double Decker - Downtown Loop plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation Duration: 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Pass + 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island Departure Dates & Times: Double Decker Buses depart Daily every 30 minutes from 9:30am - 5:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time. Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf at 2800 Leavenworth Street or Union Square Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $15.99 - $27.99 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 16 reviews)	Double Decker 2 for 1 - Downtown and Golden Gate Loops plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation Duration: 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Pass plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island Departure Dates & Times: Double Decker Buses depart daily starting at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time. Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf at 2800 Leavenworth Street or Union Square. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $27.99 - $46.99 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 26 reviews)
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2-Day Sightseeing Tour Combo Packages
Muir Woods and Wine Country plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation WINE COUNTRY & MUIR GIANT REDWOODS IN ONE DAY: The ONLY tour combining the two most popular destinations outside of San Francisco ! Groups no larger than 15 make this a great way to travel. The 8 hour tour starts with an extended stop in Muir Woods National Park. The afternoon is spent in Sonoma Valley for Wine tasting and then back through Sausalito and returning to San Francisco. Age 21 and up for Wine Tasting. Duration: Combo Tour: 9 - 10 Hour Wine Country and Muir Woods Tour Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on a second day. Departure Dates & Times: Wine Country and Muir Woods Tour Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability Departs from: San Francisco Hotel Pick Up Provided (Not available from Airport Hotels) For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $75.00 - $85.00 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 11 reviews)	Wine Country Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation Duration: 7-8 Hours Wine Country Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island on a second day. Departure Dates & Times: Wine Country Tour departs daily at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time. Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33 For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $55.99 - $69.99 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 5 reviews)
Monterey Carmel Tour - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation MONTEREY & CARMEL TOUR : Tour goes south on Highway 1 through Santa Cruz. Every turn features one spectacular view after another. Scheduled stops include: Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey, the gallery and restaurant district of Carmel-by-the-Sea and spectacular vistas along the 17 Mile Drive tm including Pebble Beach Golf Course and the Lone Cypress, Your tour returns through Silicon Valley, the high tech capital of the world. Approx. 2.25 Hours in Monterey and Cannery Row and 1.25 Hours in Carmel by the Sea. Duration: Combo Tour 8-10 hour Monterey Carmel Tour Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on a second day. Departure Dates & Times: Monterey Carmel Tour: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat at 9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability Departs from: 2800 Leavenworth St. 1st Floor between Jefferson St and Beach St. or Hotel Pick Up For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour: $26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11) Tour/Cruise Price from: $49.99 - $74.99 (USD) MORE INFO BOOK TOUR Average rating: (based on 3 reviews)

A very limited amount of Night Alcatraz Tours are available from Thursday through Monday nights only. Departures are 4:10 PM or 5:10 PM. Higher Night Tour rate will be charged. Ferry and Night Tour Departure Times are 4:10 PM and 5:10 PM. Please indicate if you want a Night Tour on your order. If Night tours are unavailable a day Alcatraz tour if available will be reserved for you.

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MORE ALCATRAZ INFORMATION

If Alcatraz is Sold Out or you will be visiting Fisherman's Wharf, buy a Wharf Pass. Save with this One Low Price Admission Pass to the best Wharf Attractions, Tours and Cruises.

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