Best Self-Guided Ferry Trips Worldwide — Our Top 4

1.Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,343 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $43Our pick

Take a 30-minute narrated ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point to Fort Sumter. A National Park Service ranger introduces the fort, then you have about an hour to see the ruins, museum, bookstore, and harbor views. The ferry has restrooms and snacks, but the fort itself has no public restrooms.

“Dress warm for this waterway to history! Informative Ranger shared a quick tour of the forts origin and self proclaimed Best looking Ranger Andy celebrated our 25th anniversary with a toast to Sunday TODAY. Cheers!”

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2.Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,460 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Meet at Pier 33 for a ferry to Alcatraz Island, then explore the cell blocks, prison corridors, outside grounds, and San Francisco views with a self-guided app. The official ticket and ferry are included, but there is no live guide. You can stay on the island as long as you wish and return on a later ferry.

“We were a party of 6 celebrating a milestone birthday… Alcatraz was at the top of the birthday girls bucket list, so it had to be done!! What a fabulous experience from start to finish, everyone of the staff members we encountered were friendly, energetic and amazing!! They even sung “happy birthday “ it was everything we hoped for and more! We had a fabulous time and would definitely recommend a visit.”

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3.Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour w/ Night Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 617 reviews · 3 hours · from $78

Take the official ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, then explore the cellhouse and island at your own pace. Your ticket includes the official Cellhouse audio tour plus a separate companion guide covering Indigenous history, gardens, protests, families, and island life. Choose the night option for evening ferry service and ranger introductions.

“This was s brilliant tour and experience. Very well organized, I loved the self tour guide- such a good stories told by prople who were actually the prisoners there. I highly recommend it is definitely worth the money!!!”

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4.Alcatraz Inside Access Ferry and Audio Tour with Night Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 138 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $90

Take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island, then explore the former prison, gardens, ruins, and Bay views at your own pace. Your visit includes official admission, the Cellhouse audio tour, and a companion audio guide from the ferry ride through your return. Choose a daytime or night departure, but allow three hours and dress warmly.

“I was a amazing experience that I don't think I'll ever get the chance to do again. I 100% recommend this on anyone's bucket list! Definitely make sure you have good shoes. There's a lot to explore.”

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