Alcatraz Island to Temporarily Close for Dock Repairs This Fall

News Release Date: September 28, 2026
Contact:Public Affairs

SAN FRANCISCO -
Alcatraz Island, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is scheduled to temporarily close beginning on Oct. 26, 2026, while crews replace pilings that secure the ferry dock to the island. Repairs are expected to be completed by Nov. 18, 2026. The island was previously closed in April 2026 to inspect the pilings and make temporary repairs. Completing the repair work this fall will help ensure safe and reliable public access to Alcatraz Island for years to come.Alcatraz City Cruises, the National Park Service concessioner that provides ferry service to the island, is funding and conducting the repair work. Alcatraz City Cruises makes more than 3,200 ferry trips carrying 1.5 million visitors to Alcatraz Island annually.Inclement weather or other factors may impact the scheduled repair timeline and closure dates. Closure and other information will be kept up to date on the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm and the Alcatraz City Cruises website at https://alcatrazcitycruises.com/

nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .

Questions and Answers What did the previous closures accomplish?

• The January 14, 2026, closure lasted nine days following failure of one piling supporting the ferry dock. Alcatraz City Cruises (ACC) assessed all the pilings at this time. The inspection team determined two of the five pilings required repair while three were structurally sound and provided safe operation for ongoing ferry service. The concessioner operated passenger ferry service at reduced per-boat capacity but was still able to accommodate regular ticket sales with an extended fleet of vessels. The April 2026 closure lasted six days while ACC worked to strengthen the three serviceable pilings to further stabilize and fortify the overall system and developed a plan to replace the two remaining pilings. Following piling strengthening, ACC was able to operate ferry vessels at greater capacity, fully accommodating the peak season visitation demand.

What work will be done during the closure this fall?

• The final phase of the effort to strengthen the overall floating barge piling system is a complex operation requiring pile driving and full replacement of the two remaining pilings. Pile driving in the San Francisco Bay is regulated by the SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission, which restricts in water work after November 30. The project schedule is driven by this limitation.

How will this impact guests with existing reservations during the closure?

• Visitors with existing reservations for any affected departures will be notified as soon as possible to receive a refund, along with the option to reschedule their Alcatraz Island tour or book a San Francisco Bay Discovery Cruise for selected dates during the closure period. Affected customers should contact Alcatraz City Cruises at https://alcatrazcitycruises.com/contact-us

How long are these fixes expected to last?

• Upon completion of the pile replacements, combined with strengthening work completed in April, the entire floating barge piling system and ferry dock is expected to have a useful life of 20-30 years.

Are tax dollars being used to fund these inspections and repairs?

• No tax dollars or federal funding have been or will be used for these repairs. As a condition of their concession agreement, Alcatraz City Cruises is responsible for covering the costs of dock inspection and repair.

RSS Feed | What is RSS?