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Alcatraz Reopens Cellblock Tours After Nearly a Year

Reopening on March 15 at 25% capacity; advanced reservations are required.
By - posted 3/9/2021 No Comment

Just announced, Alcatraz is fully reopening on March 15, 2021.

Thanks to Marin Independent Journal for sharing that Alcatraz is reopening for the first time for indoor cellblock tours since March 14, 2020. Alcatraz reopened for outdoor tours only in August, but closed again on December 6 when cases surged. The Island has been closed since, but now it’s fully reopening with 25% capacity.

Advanced reservations are required as capacity is limited to 900 a day Friday through Monday and 600 a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities, Golden Gate National Recreation Area plans to reopen access to Alcatraz Island on March 15.

To protect the health of those who work and visit national parks, face masks are required on NPS-administered lands where physical distancing cannot be maintained and in all NPS facilities. With the support of public health professionals, park operations will be regularly evaluated and adjusted based on local conditions.

Beginning Monday, March 15, Alcatraz Island will restore:

  • Ferries will operate with a reduced capacity to support visitor and staff safety and proper social distancing. Reservations must be made in advance with Alcatraz Cruises.
  • Access to the outdoor areas of the island, including Eagle Plaza, Sally Port, Recreation Yard and historic gardens will be open to all visitors.
  • Access to the interior of the Cell House will be limited to visitors who sign up for the Cell House Audio Tour.
  • The historic New Industries Building will feature the exhibit, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later. This exhibit recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Alcatraz Occupation by Indians of All Tribes, a key event in the Native American civil rights movement.
  • In addition, the areas of China Alley and lower Building 64 will also be opened for public use.

The Alcatraz Island site provides space for safe distancing and allows visitors to explore the island at their own pace. Safety modifications have been made throughout the island including capacity limitation, social distancing markers, hand sanitizing stations, and increased cleaning and signage. A modified version of the Cell House Audio Tour, provided by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, includes limited and timed entry, social distancing markers, and some re-routing to accommodate public health orders and ongoing seismic upgrade activities. Personnel will be available at the Cell House entrance to assist with refund procedures.

Visitors must adhere to CDC, state, and local public health guidance by social distancing and wearing a face mask when in NPS buildings and facilities. The public is asked to recreate responsibly and plan their visit in advance to protect the safety of themselves and park staff.

Food service will not be offered on the ferry and consumption of food is prohibited on the island. In-person interpretive tours and ranger talks will resume at later date. Park rangers will be on duty to welcome visitors, introduce them to new safety features, and help them navigate around the island. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on online and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on NPS.gov/coronavirus.