Ever since Alcatraz was opened to the public in 1972, it has become one of the most visited historic sites in San Francisco. About a million people visit the island each year. Therefore, tickets to Alcatraz sell out as early as one to two weeks in advance. This is especially true during the summers and weekends.

To get to Alcatraz Island, you'll need to board the Blue and Gold Fleet, which is the exclusive provider of transportation to and from the Island. Departures are available throughout the day beginning at 9:30 a.m., and runs about every 30 to 40 minutes.

Many people resort to the Advance ticket sales where you can book tickets by calling the Blue; Gold Fleet at (415) 705-5555, or through their official website at www.blueandgoldfleet.com. You can also buy tickets from their booth at Pier 41, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Group Reservations can also be made by calling (415) 705-8214 for groups of 15 or more.

There are several tours available for Alcatraz. One of them is the Day tour, which includes an award-winning audio tour in the prison Cell House featuring actual interviews of former guards and inmates, along with a ferry ride to and from Alcatraz. The ferries return every 1/2 hour. Ticket prices - Adults $26.00, Children $20.75 and $24.50 for Seniors.

The evening tour has been selected as Best Tour of the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine and features park guide-led tours to the cell-house, the audio tour, Alcatraz Map, Guide, etc. But remember, a few sections of the island that are open at daytime are not open to the public at night. Ticket prices - Adults $33.50, Children $24.25 and Seniors $30.75.

Other tours such as outdoor interpretive walks are also made available by NPS rangers and volunteers featuring a number of topics ranging from history of early military fortifications, famous residents, escape attempts etc to natural history and the Indian occupation.

There is also a combination tour called Alcatraz and Angel Island Tour, which takes approximately 5 1/2 hours. The tour features ferry to and from Angel Island and Alcatraz, one hour narrated Tram Tour of Angel Island and an Audio Tour of Alcatraz Cell House.