This program is truly a unique experience starting with an afternoon by ferry ride to Alcatraz to perform a 1–2 hour work project, such as litter removal or cellhouse maintenance. After the work project, groups receive a special guided tour by a Park Ranger. At night dinner can be cooked over a barbecue provided on the island. At the end of the evening, the group retires to their individual cells in the D-Block.
The cost of the Alcatraz Overnight Program is $2,000 inclusive of transportation and the maximum group size is 35. Groups may only participate once in five years. The applicant will be the permittee and may not transfer or sell the privilege to any other person or group. Everyone in the group must be at least 9 years of age. There may be no more than 30 children with 5 adults or no more than 7 children to 1 adult.
Due to high demand and the educational goals of this program only formally organized 501 (c)(3) non-profit groups are allowed to take part in the lottery that is used to randomly select the year’s participants. Applications are accepted only between November 1–30 for dates scheduled for the following year only one application will be accepted per group; duplicate applications and those submitted outside of the month of November will be discarded.
All overnight groups are required to have a $1,000,000 liability policy with the USA named as additionally insured. To enter the lottery, complete the following information then fax, mail, or email it the address above. Duplicate submissions and those received outside the month of November will be discarded without notification. All information must be complete; incomplete applications will not be eligible for the lottery. Applicants will receive notice of selection or non-selection at the end of January. Please provide information that will be valid throughout the selection process.
For information about obtaining a permit for holding a special event, commercial photography, or commercial filming on Alcatraz please contact the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's permit office at 415-561-4301.
Alcatraz Overnight Application (version 11/2010)
