Are there guided or audio tours on Alcatraz Island?
Posted on Feb 03, 2026 / Travel
Yes — when you buy a ferry ticket to Alcatraz, the self-guided audio tour of the Cellhouse is included in your admission, and it’s one of the highlights of the visit. The audio tour comes with handheld devices and headphones that lead you through the main prison areas with real stories from former inmates and guards in multiple languages. Besides the audio experience, National Park Rangers also offer free talks and guided walk-around programs throughout the day. There’s also a special evening program that includes narration, night views, and sometimes ranger-led activities if you want a different vibe. Some tours emphasize history, others focus on escape stories or the island’s earlier military use, so you can pick what interests you. Evening tours may require separate tickets and often sell out too, so planning ahead helps. Because the island has limited staff and facilities, tour offerings can change depending on the season and ranger schedules.
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