Alcatraz -night tour?

Looking to book some tickets to visit while we're in San Fran.Has anyone done the "night" tour (late afternoon actually)? Wondering whether we'll see as much of the city from the island if we go on the last sailing out or if we'd be best off going earlier in the day?.
Thanks
Julie

i went on a lateish trip when i went to san fran last year i went at 5:00. when we were coming back to the city on the boat itlooks spectacular with all of the lights. it feels a bit eerie when you look back on the rock and it is basically black.


were going again on friday the 20th cant wait.

Originally posted by virgin crazy
i went on a lateish trip when i went to san fran last year i went at 5:00. when we were coming back to the city on the boat itlooks spectacular with all of the lights. it feels a bit eerie when you look back on the rock and it is basically black.


were going again on friday the 20th cant wait.

Think you've just made my mind up.Thanks Nick.

I went on this last year. Ferry leaves at 6:20pm and I caught it back around 9:30pm and was pitch black well before this (September time).
Not quite as quiet as I was given the impression but still a more eerie experience.....

Some areas are fairly badly lit inside so if you're taking photos, either get a decent camera or use the flash (but this ruins the feel to be honest as it lights up so much) - then again, few places like solitary and some of the outside bits that won't show up on film without some lighting.

As for seeing the city from the island, you won't see much as most of the tourist areas are on the other side away from the city. Best shots are from the ferry going to and from to be honest, and as mentioned before, because it's dark, you'll need a decent camera - my Canon Ixus and disposables did really poor jobs with all my night shots - all blurred or so dark you could make put a few lights only.

The night tour is well worth it - firstly there won't be half as many people as in the day. Also you can do things like take a mini tour around the hospital bit, etc.

I would also recommend the night tour much less crowded than in the day,remember to sit on the top step in the exercise yard(where Clint sat;))

No mini tour around the hospital when I was there, and couldn't see how to get to the exercise yard. Most of the place is off limits to tourists as the doors are locked or signs blocking access.

Only got around the library, ground floors cells, dining hall, barbershop and the communications area at the entrance (well not inside it, just looking through the glass).

Half the island looks too unsafe to walk around anyway.

Last time I was there at xmas the exercise yard was open,time before about 2 years ago it was closed,only time I got to look at the hospital was way back in 1990.

We did the night tour last year and timed it so we had an early departure out so we had good views of the island (they go all the way around it on the night tour) and then a nice sunset at the entrance to the main block. Then on the way back after dark gives you fantastic views of the city.

Thanks everyone- we're going to head out as late as we can book while it's still light and return when it gets dark (any idea what time this is likely to be in early November anyone?).Mr DL is not entirely thrilled about being there in the dark as he reckons it'll be too scary -but tough,I'm in charge for the SFO leg of the trip....Needless to say guess who deals with spiders in this house??....

I'm going to be there from the 21st, where is best to book the tickets??

Originally posted by BelfastFlyer
I'm going to be there from the 21st, where is best to book the tickets??

Used Blue & Gold ferries when we went > http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com

Book the tickets on line, but remember to take the credit card you used with you and also passports (when you collect)

Do book the audio option, gives the whole experience that little bit extra


Have fun and enjoy

Jon B

Originally posted by Jon B

Originally posted by BelfastFlyer
I'm going to be there from the 21st, where is best to book the tickets??

Used Blue & Gold ferries when we went > http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com

Book the tickets on line, but remember to take the credit card you used with you and also passports (when you collect)

Do book the audio option, gives the whole experience that little bit extra


Have fun and enjoy

Jon B

I never had to show a passport. Just gave them the credit card I booked online with.

The audio tour is pretty good (and you can buy a copy of the cd later if need be). Can't remember though if you can select audio by area or it just keeps going even though you're in the wrong place.....
Uncomfortable headphones though!

Originally posted by BelfastFlyer
I'm going to be there from the 21st, where is best to book the tickets??

Kris
alcatrazcruises.com (not clever enough to do the link)are now the operators. Couldn't book my tickets on the website even though it says bookings taken up to 30 days in advance. Have emailed their customer service who says they are only taking bookings at the moment up to 29th October on-line and that the island is closed to the public completely on 30th and 31st October (messed up my plans completely).Also informed me that the night tours are only running Thurs -Sun at the moment but couldn't advise if this would continue once we got to November(the night tour looks nice and spooky).Other tour companies will offer Alcatraz as part of a "deal" (ie you buy another tour too) or offer tickets as a 3rd party agent (but obviously add their mark up which can be a bit).Hope this helps.
Julie

many thanks julie, book them easily enough! While I'm here I may as well ask, me and the other half are meeting to celebrate our 2nd anniversery, anyone got any recommendations of romantic things to do??

Already booked the meal and flowers etc

Originally posted by BelfastFlyer
many thanks julie, book them easily enough! While I'm here I may as well ask, me and the other half are meeting to celebrate our 2nd anniversery, anyone got any recommendations of romantic things to do??

Already booked the meal and flowers etc

Glad to have been of help Kris .Romantic suggestions.Hmm[:?].You've organised the meal and flowers,how about a bit of bling ?Must be some nice jewellers in San Fran?
Have a great time regardless.
Julie

Originally posted by DragonLady
Other tour companies will offer Alcatraz as part of a "deal" (ie you buy another tour too) or offer tickets as a 3rd party agent (but obviously add their mark up which can be a bit).

Slightly O/T but when we went a few years back the only way we could get tickets was through buying a package that included a coach tour where the tickets were handed to you *after* the coach trip. Alcatraz was such a great trip - and the kids found it fascinating with the audio tour - I didn't mind the total cost but was slightly p*ssed off having to spend half a day on a charabanc on a tour I didn't really want.

Paul

Glad to have been of help Kris .Romantic suggestions.Hmm[:?].You've organised the meal and flowers,how about a bit of bling ?Must be some nice jewellers in San Fran?
Have a great time regardless.
Julie

All taken care off! I've already been to Tiffany's while here in australia [}:)]

Originally posted by BelfastFlyer

All taken care off! I've already been to Tiffany's while here in australia [}:)]

Loads of brownie points for you then.[y]Can never have too many Tiffany "trinkets" IMHO:D