FAQ : Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

Tour Information and Logistics

How much time does the tour spend in Muir Woods and in Sausalito?

We spend 1 hour and 15 minutes in Muir Woods and we spend 1 hour in Sausalito. You will have free time in both locations to explore at your leisure.

How long can I spend on Alcatraz Island?

You can spend as long as you wish as long as it fits your schedule and allows for time to meet any other tour you may have booked. While you will be booked on a specific departure time to Alcatraz Island, you may take any ferry back to Pier 33 after you’ve finished your visit until the last available ferry.

What is the maximum group size for your tours?

For Muir Woods tours, the maximum group size is 14 passengers. You will be traveling in a small-group luxury Mercedes sprinter van. For the Alcatraz cruise, you will be in a larger group, as the boat capacity is larger.

Is the Muir Woods entrance fee included in your tours?

The Muir Woods entrance fee is not included, however you may purchase your ticket directly at Muir Woods. The cost is $15 for adults and free for anyone 15 years or younger.

Are your tours guided/narrated?

Your Muir Woods and Sausalito tour will be guided by a San Francisco local as you are picked up and transported across the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll learn all about the history of the area from your knowledgeable tour guide.

Once you arrive in Muir Woods, you will have free time to explore on your own. We don’t guide in Muir Woods because it’s not allowed, so no company offers this. It also allows you to enjoy the peace and serenity and take in the meditative atmosphere of Muir Woods among the old growth Redwood trees. Your time in Sausalito will also be free to shop and wander at your own pace.

Your Alcatraz tour will be self-guided, but you will have an award-winning cellhouse audio guide to lead you through the various parts of the prison. The languages offered are: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Guiding is also not allowed on Alcatraz, but the audio guide is excellent, filled with history and stories of the inmates and we think it’s even better than a live guide!

Does your Alcatraz tour include an audio guide? If so, which languages are offered?

Yes! Included in your ticket is the award-winning cellhouse audio guide, offered in multiple languages. The languages offered are: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Meeting Point and Drop-Off Information

What is the meeting point and start time of this tour?

The meeting point depends on the departure time you booked.

  • If you booked the 8:30am departure, your meeting point will be at 488 Post St. near Union Square. This itinerary goes to Muir Woods first, followed by Alcatraz in the afternoon.
  • If you booked the 9:10am departure, your meeting point will be at Pier 33 at Alcatraz Landing. This itinerary goes to Alcatraz first, followed by Muir Woods in the afternoon.

What is the drop-off location for this tour?

The drop-off location depends on the departure time you booked. 

  • If you booked the 8:30am departure, your guide will drop you off at Pier 33 for your afternoon Alcatraz tour. Once you are finished with Alcatraz you will make your own way back to your lodging from Pier 33. 
  • If you booked the 9:10am departure, your guide can drop you off at Pier 33 or 488 Post St. near Union Square after your afternoon Muir Woods tour. You may also choose to stay in Sausalito and make your own way back to San Francisco by ferry.

What vehicle should I be looking for at the meeting point?

  • For Muir Woods tours, look for a black luxury Mercedes sprinter van.
  • For Alcatraz tours, there is no pick-up. You will board the boat directly at the meeting point at Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing).
  • If you choose the morning Alcatraz tour, you will be picked up in a black luxury Mercedes sprinter van at Pier 33 for your afternoon Muir Woods tour.

How far in advance should I arrive at the meeting point?

For Alcatraz tours, we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes in advance. For all other tours, please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance.

How do I get to the meeting point with public transportation?

We recommend using Google Maps to plan your route with public transportation as it depends on where you’re coming from. Pier 33 is accessible by the F Line Muni train. Union Square has multiple options for muni train and bus travel.

Is there parking at the meeting point?

Parking in San Francisco can be a challenge, so we recommend taking public transportation or a taxi/ride share service. However there are parking garages in downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • For Pier 33 the closest parking garages in Fisherman’s Wharf are: 55 Francisco Street and 80 Francisco Street.
  • For Union Square, the closest parking garages in the downtown area are: 520 Mason St or the Union Square Garage at 333 Post St.

Ticket Information

How far in advance should I book my tickets?

We always recommend booking as early as possible to guarantee a spot on our tours. Our Muir Woods tours are in small groups so they can sell out quickly, especially in the summer and on weekends. Alcatraz is also one of the most popular destinations and can even sell out months in advance, so we highly recommend booking as early as you can.

When will I receive my Alcatraz tickets and how can I redeem them?

You will receive your Alcatraz tickets with a QR code the day before your tour. Once you arrive at Pier 33, simply go to the boarding line with your ticket to board the boat, not the ticket booth. No need to wait in this line for a ticket since you already have it. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

Do I need a printed voucher for my tours?

You do not need to print your tickets as long as you can access them on a mobile device, such as your iPhone or Android.

Can I use my National Parks Pass for Muir Woods and/or Alcatraz?

You can use your National Parks Pass to enter Muir Woods, which will grant free access for up to 4 people. The Alcatraz tour is not included with your National Parks Pass, however.

What to Bring

What should I wear and bring on your tours?

While the weather is mild in San Francisco, we are known for our foggy mornings and evenings and it can be especially cold on the Bay. Muir Woods can also be quite chilly especially in the mornings. We recommend bringing layers and a jacket, as well as comfortable walking shoes. Always check the weather before your tour and you should be warm and comfortable!

Do I need to bring lunch or will there be opportunities to purchase food?

In Muir Woods you can purchase small snacks at the cafe by the entrance. There will also be opportunities to purchase food in Sausalito, which has a variety of dining options. There is no food allowed on Alcatraz Island, however, there will be snacks available for purchase on the Alcatraz ferry.

Are strollers, luggage, backpacks, coolers etc. allowed on your tours?

Alcatraz only allows small backpacks, but does not allow any large luggage items, coolers, or strollers. The maximum acceptable size for a backpack is 16” x 20”. For securtity large items are not allowed.

Do I need to bring a government ID?

No, you don’t need to bring an ID on our tours.

Are pets allowed on your tours?

Muir Woods and Alcatraz do not allow pets except for service animals. Please give us advance notice if you plan to bring a service animal on the tour.

Accessibility

How much walking is involved in Muir Woods?

Muir Woods has a flat paved surface, so the walk is not considered strenuous. You may also walk as little or as much as you’d like, as you will have free time once you arrive in Muir Woods. Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at Muir Woods.

Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

Our tours are wheelchair accessible and we can keep the wheelchair in the van, however guests must be able to get in and out of the van without the wheelchair.

Traveling with Children

I’m traveling with a child. Do I need to bring a car seat?

For our Muir Woods tour, children who are 8 years of age or younger must have a booster seat. Please contact us in advance if you’d like us to provide one or you may provide your own. For the Alcatraz tour, you do not need a car seat.

Does my child need a ticket for your tours?

Yes, all children require a ticket on our tours.

Can minors book your tours without being accompanied by an adult?

All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult on our tours.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

What happens if my plans change and I need to cancel or amend my booking? What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change and we do our best to accommodate our guests whenever possible. However, all Alcatraz tours and packages are non-refundable.

Will tours be canceled due to weather?

The weather in San Francisco is quite mild year-round so generally our tours will run rain or shine. Only in cases of an extreme weather event will our tours be canceled, however in this rare event, we will of course provide a refund.

General Information

What is the weather like in San Francisco?

The weather in San Francisco is typically mild and doesn’t change too much between seasons. However we do have colder summers than visitors might expect due to our famous fog, whose name is Karl. The main rule is to always check the weather and wear layers and a light jacket.

Am I expected to tip my guide? What is the standard tipping amount?

In general we recommend tipping your guide 15-20% of your ticket price if you feel they did a great job. It’s a nice way to say thank you and to show your appreciation for the work they do.

Are there vaccine/mask requirements?

As our Covid-19 cases have dropped significantly, we no longer have vaccine or mask requirements, however we recommend taking any precaution you feel comfortable with as we understand everyone has different circumstances.

What happens if I miss the first part of my tour? Can I take the Alcatraz tour at a later time?

Unfortunately if you miss or are late for any part of your tour, you will not be able to join the scheduled Alcatraz tour, since this portion has a strict departure time.

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