ALCATRAZ - It’d be criminal NOT to go
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ALCATRAZ was a name that brought fear to America's most notorious criminals from the 1930's to the 1960's.
These days, ferry-loads of tourists from all over the world come to see the dismal cell blocks of this famous fortress for themselves.
The modern boats of ‘Alcatraz Cruises' pick you up at Pier 33, and whisk you across San Francisco Bay to the island. On the day I went, although it was a warm, sunny November day, there was no sign of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, as the mist was rolling in, clinging to nearby cliffs, creating a dramatic backdrop. As you approach America's most famous prison, you can't help but wonder what the prisoners must have been thinking as they drew closer to ‘The Rock' that was to be their ‘home' for many years.
Although the ferries arrive every 30 minutes or so, the tours are well organised, and spaced out enough not to feel over-crowded.
I really recommend getting the ‘Audio Tour' for a few dollars extra. Armed with a set of headphones, you can hear stories, narrated and brought to life by ex-prisoners and warders, who describe in their own words what life was really like in the prison, as they guide you along the rows of cells, pointing out famous events, at your own pace.
The headphones block out other noises too, adding to the eeriness of the place.
You can learn how the most famous escape attempts came about and read about the infamous inmates, such as Al Capone and ‘The Birdman of Alcatraz' - Robert Stroud, and a violent siege, where a warder hid the keys to keep the rampaging prisoners from escaping - so they shot him dead.
You'll see ‘The Hole', where the most troublesome men were sent for up to 19 days punishment in solitary confinement, usually in completely darkness, with only bread and water each day, plus a regular meal once every three days, and wonder how they didn't go crazy in there. Actually quite a few of them did.
As you emerge from the exit near ‘The Hole' you can smell the sea and hear the hum of San Francisco just across the bay. Apparently, hearing the sound of people leading normal lives was one of the hardest things for the prisoners.
From here you may get your very first view of the Golden Gate Bridge, as I did, with white mist clinging to its base, then the cool mist rolled right past my face, leaving behind a perfect view of the bridge in all its glory, an armada of yachts sailing around and under it. It's a spectacular site seen from Alcatraz Island, when you thank your lucky stars that you are ‘just visiting'.
You can't help but cling on to your ‘Get out of Jail Free' card - your return ferry ticket, because fortunately you can return to San Francisco whenever you want.
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Tips
I recommend you book in advance. The ‘Alcatraz Cruises' website allows you to book up to 90 days in advance, and print off your own eTicket at home.
‘Alcatraz Cruises' have daily tours starting with the ‘Early Bird Tour' at 9.00am - it's the same price as the Day Tour, but you're the first on the island so you're guaranteed no crowds.
‘Day Tours' leave every 30 minutes from 9.30am onwards.
‘Night Tours', which start around late afternoon, include a personally narrated boat tour around Alcatraz Island, before dropping you off for the tour of the Main Prison Building, making sure you'll be there to see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and the famous ‘streets of San Francisco' at sunset.
PRICES
Day Tours approx - $26 adult and $16 child.
Night Tours approx - $33 adult and $19.50 child.
See their website for more details.
Allow 2-3 hours or more.
The ‘Alcatraz Landing Café' at Pier 33, serves drinks and snacks. This is your best bet for breakfast if you are on an early cruise as most other cafes don't open till later.
Alcatraz Island , San Francisco, USA
Useful links
San Francisco Tourist Board website
Tour information for Alcatraz Trips
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