Alternatives to Alcatraz

Support Our Struggle - Boycott Alcatraz Cruises / Hornblower Yachts until they agree to our demands!

We know many of you have probably waited months, perhaps years, to visit "The Rock". We know that it is difficult to change vacation plans. We are asking you to support our struggle, support working people, and stand in solidarity with us and find an alternative to Alcatraz while we continue our fight.

Since we, the workers who used to ferry visitors to and from the Rock everyday, do not wish to rob residents and visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area of opportunities for recreation and education, we suggest the following alternatives:

Ferry Cruises:

Unfortunately, there is only one way to Alcatraz, and currently, non-union Alcatraz Cruises / Hornblower Yachts has an exclusive contract (awarded by the National Park Service) to carry passengers to and from the island. However, two union companies can get you close to "The Rock":

• Blue & Gold Fleet - This company had the Alcatraz Contract until the National Park Service awarded it to Hornblower Yachts. They offer a 1-Hour Bay Adventure Tour that includes passage by the island, with narration broadcast over the PA system on the boat.
• Red & White Fleet - This company also offers 1-Hour Bay Cruises, as well as other cruises and charters. They charge the same rate as Blue & Gold, but their tour includes a recorded narration as opposed to a live tour over the boats' PA systems. Red & White Fleet's tour is featured in five languages in addition to English.

Both companies also offer charters. We are asking everyone to boycott Hornblower Yachts entirely, and that includes Dinner Cruises. Use union charters instead.

Additional Alternatives:

Since we are not a travel agency or a recreational guide, it would be irresponsible and impossible for us to duplicate the efforts of those who provide recreational and/or educational ideas for a living.

Therefore we provide a concise list of suggestions:

• Angel Island State Park
• Golden Gate National Recreational Area (it includes Alcatraz, but it also includes other alternatives that do not require the use of Hornblower Yachts).
• Muir Woods - located in Marin County.
• Golden Gate Park - located in central, western San Francisco.
• East Bay Regional Park District - Located in the East Bay Area in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
• San Francisco Cable Car Museum

Disclaimer - This site is not affiliated with any of the sites and/or businesses listed above. We do not guarantee a satisfactory experience, nor do we verify the accuracy of the information contained in any of the links featured above. We receive no financial compensation for their inclusion on this site. These links are provided for informational purposes only.