Alcatraz Island closed for weeks as crews repair ferry dock

24/7 LiveSan FranciscoEast BaySouth BayPeninsulaNorth Bay SOCIETYAlcatraz Island closed for weeks as crews repair ferry dockByCameron Bopp Tuesday, October 27, 2026 6:48AMAlcatraz Island closed Monday for weeks-long ferry dock repairs, disrupting visits to one of San Francisco's top tourist attractions.SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Alcatraz Island began a weeks-long closure Monday for repairs to its ferry dock, disrupting travel plans for tourists hoping to visit one of San Francisco's most popular attractions.The island is expected to reopen Nov. 19, although weather or other unforeseen issues could delay the work. It's the third phase of dock repairs for Alcatraz this year.Crews are replacing deteriorating pilings that help hold the floating dock in place. Alcatraz City Cruises, which operates the ferry service, is funding the repairs."The original failure occurred in January," said Antonette Sespene, the company's general manager. She said earlier phases of work stabilized the dock ahead of the final repairs. "Our vessels need to be able to pull up and dock and ensure that it's secure," Sespene said.Ian and Leanne Gilbert traveled from England with tickets to visit Alcatraz on Monday. They said they learned about the closure Sunday night from other travelers, despite the closure being publicly announced last month."It was another couple that mentioned that their tickets had been canceled," Leanne Gilbert said. "So, that's when we checked."The pair said they contacted their tour company and were told a refund was on the way.Sespene said Alcatraz City Cruises notified visitors who had already booked and offered options to reschedule or receive a refund. The company is also offering a 90-minute Bay cruise around Alcatraz this week, though passengers cannot get off on the island."It's not ideal," Sespene said. "We certainly would prefer not to have the island shut down for this long. But safety is the greatest concern."Top StoriesAnthropic's IPO expected to reshape SF's housing market: 'Most of us can't afford houses'2 hours agoFormer Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's corruption trial exhibits reveal alleged violence, money conflict1 hour ago3-year-old soccer prodigy has police called on him by other parents for being 'too good'34 minutes ago"We apologize that it's such a long stretch of time that we'll be shut down, and I know it's impacted folks, but we just hope that they are able to come back out and visit when we're we're open again," Sespene said.For more information about the closure, refunds and other cruise options, visit alcatrazcitycruises.com.Report a correction or typoCopyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.Related Topics SOCIETY ALCATRAZ ISLAND TOURISM TOURIST BOATS CRUISE SHIPLive StreamsON NOWTop StoriesAnthropic's IPO expected to reshape SF's housing market2 hours agoSheng Thao's corruption trial reveal alleged violence, money conflict1 hour ago3-year-old soccer prodigy removed from team for being 'too good'34 minutes agoOakland family seeks justice after dog attack that killed beloved petGolden State Valkyries beat Atlanta Dream, 64-55Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium1 hour agoActivists demand end to ICE activity at Oakland's Eastmont MallMicrosoft offers a quarter of its global workforce voluntary buyouts