Alcatraz (Alcatraz Island)

Member Name: motokak

Product:	Alcatraz Island
Date:	30/11/08 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing opportunity to experience some history, fantastic audio tour

Disadvantages: Gets very busy, must book in advance

Alcatraz Island, otherwise known as just Alcatraz or The Rock is a small Island in San Francisco Bay. It is most famous for its prison which was open from 1934 - 1963. Some of its famous residents included Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz. It built up its shuddering reputation as a no nonsense and escape proof prison with small cells, narrow corridors and little light.

A visit to this island is a must see for any visitor to San Francisco. All ferries leave from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf. (Another great place to look around). However, due to the popularity of this tour I highly recommend you book as far in advance as possible! The cost of a ticket is about $24 for a day ticket but other options are available such as a night tour for about $33. Included in this cost is an audio tour. I am not often a big fan of audio tours, but this one was incredible. It guided you around the prison very well and gave you the history of what happened in certain rooms and cells. It explained that some convicts tried to escape, and the fate of one is still unknown - did he get to the Bay?? In the audio tour you also heard stories from inmates and the terrifying experience they had there. It was very interesting and quite harrowing knowing you are right in the spot where all these events happened! You hear of food riots and what it was like in solitary confinement. There are also a couple of cells open for you to go in and experience how confined everything is - these cells are tiny - about 7ft by 3ft! They also marked where the famous inmates stayed - Al Capone was on the first floor!
The audio tour is available in plenty of languages as well.

I can't recommend this tour highly enough, the ferry ride is about 10 minutes and on entry to the Island the mood changes due to the effect the history of this Island has on people. There is also a lot of wildlife around and it is a great chance to take some pictures of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge from the water.

Summary: Not to be missed!