A visit to Alcatraz
| 27 October 2009
If you are visiting San Francisco make sure to find time to see one of the area’s most famous landmarks. Alcatraz also known as the Rock is most famous for the 29 years it operated as a U.S. prison, but the island is also rich in Native Americans History and Natural fauna. Alcatraz is a prime spot for mating birds, visitors can observe mating, nesting and parenting behaviours of sea birds up close from February through to late September. Alcatraz Island was originally named Alcatraces by Spanish explorers after the brown pelican that lived on the island. Today the Brandt’s Cormorant and the Western Gull are the most common birds found there. As well as visiting the cells, visitors will find visible signs of the American Indians rights movement that started in 1969 after the penitentiary closed and lasted for 3 years during which time the island was occupied by Native Americans.
Alcatraz is open everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. To plan your trip visit the Alcatraz Cruises website and find out about the Green Cruise with Hornblower Hybrid Ferry, the eco friendly vessel that is powered largely by solar panels, wind turbines, and grid electricity. Not only this ferry has a low carbon footprint, but its fixtures incorporate recycled and sustainable materials.
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