Alcatraz Heliport serves San Francisco, US.
Please note that Alcatraz Heliport (CA27) is currently closed indefinitely according to FAA information effective November 27, 2025. Therefore, recent traveler reviews and experiences *at* this specific heliport are not available. The following summary pertains to general Alcatraz helicopter tours that operate from other heliports, typically located in Sausalito or Mill Valley, offering aerial views of Alcatraz and other San Francisco landmarks.
Travelers consistently express high satisfaction with Alcatraz helicopter tours, often describing them as a breathtaking and unforgettable highlight of their San Francisco visit. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the unique perspective of the city and its iconic sights from above.
What Travelers Love
- Spectacular Aerial Views: Travelers rave about the incredible bird's-eye perspective of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's skyline, Angel Island, Sausalito, and other landmarks like Crissy Field and Oracle Park.
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Pilots: Pilots often serve as guides, providing engaging narration and sharing historical insights and stories about the sights, significantly enhancing the experience. Staff at the departure heliports are frequently praised for being kind, friendly, professional, and accommodating.
- Smooth and Comfortable Rides: Many reviews highlight the smoothness of the helicopter ride, with pilots experienced in minimizing bumps, even during take-off and landing.
- Thoughtful Amenities: The provision of noise-canceling headsets is appreciated, allowing clear communication with the pilot and enhancing the overall comfort of the flight.
- Convenient Transportation Options: Some tour operators offer roundtrip shuttle services from key San Francisco locations like Fisherman's Wharf, which is a convenient option for travelers.
Common Complaints
- Cost: Helicopter tours are generally considered a little pricey, although many travelers feel the experience is ultimately worth the cost.
- Short Duration: Some travelers mention that the 15-20 minute flight duration feels very quick, wishing the tour could be longer.
- Weight Restrictions and Additional Costs: Passengers exceeding certain weight limits (e.g., 220-240 lbs or 99.7-109 kg) may be required to purchase an additional seat, which can be an unexpected extra expense.
- Weather Dependency: Flights are subject to cancellation due to severe weather, which can disrupt travel plans.
- Transportation to Heliport (if shuttle not included): While some tours offer shuttles, others require travelers to arrange their own transportation to the heliport in Sausalito/Mill Valley, which can involve navigating traffic and budgeting for travel over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Overall, Alcatraz helicopter tours offer an exhilarating and highly recommended way to see San Francisco's landmarks from a unique perspective. While the tours are an investment, the breathtaking views and positive interactions with pilots and staff generally lead to a memorable and satisfying experience for most travelers.
Traveler reviews & tips
From people who've recently flown through San Francisco.
No tips for CA27 yet — be the first to help fellow travelers.
Share your tip or review
Help fellow travelers at Alcatraz Heliport. Tips are reviewed before publishing.
Common questions about CA27
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
Where is Alcatraz Heliport located?
Alcatraz Heliport is located in San Francisco, US, at an elevation of 135 ft. Its IATA code is — and ICAO code is CA27.