backpack near 16 × 20 - measure it?
Soft backpack, not a suitcase, but it is close to the published 16 × 20 inch limit when full. Do they mean that as a real max size, or just “no giant hiking packs”?
drive to Pier 33 or just use transit?
We have a rental car and a morning Alcatraz booking. Parking near the pier sounds expensive and break-ins are mentioned everywhere. Is there any on-site parking at all, or should I just leave the car behind for this one?
Alcatraz before an evening flight/dinner, how much buffer?
Trying to decide whether a 9:20 Day Tour is sensible before a fixed 5:30 commitment back in the city. The island visit is “2–3 hours”, but the return boat is flexible. What would you protect as buffer rather than planning to the minute?
hotel checkout + suitcase before Alcatraz
Check out at 10, ferry at noon, cabin suitcase with us. Is there luggage storage at Pier 33, or anywhere the cruise operator will hold it while we are on the island?
how early at Pier 33?
8:40 ferry. If boarding is straightforward, is 8:20 enough or do they really mean 30 minutes early?
food for kids on Alcatraz - where can they actually eat?
Long morning with kids. I know we can bring water, but I am confused by the food rule. Can we pack snacks/lunch and eat somewhere on the island, or is food banned once you leave the ferry?
do I choose a return ferry when I book?
Day Tour question. Booking gives me the outbound time, but I cannot see a fixed return slot. Is the return basically “take a scheduled boat when you are ready”, subject to boarding space?
S.E.A.T. tram: who can use it?
Mobility impairment, can manage very short level walks but not the hill to the Cellhouse. Is the S.E.A.T. tram specifically for visitors with mobility impairments, and does it run dock-to-Cellhouse and back?
Behind the Scenes + mobility needs
Considering Behind the Scenes, but we need the accessible tram. I saw a note that the tram only lines up with one departure time in summer/winter and needs advance notice. Can somebody confirm before I buy the wrong slot?