Little Alcatraz

Little Alcatraz is a rock formation in San Francisco Bay located roughly 74 meters from the northwest coast of Alcatraz Island. The rocks become fully submerged when the tide rises and partially emerge when it falls.

The name came from the steamship Paul Pry, which struck the rocks in 1862 with roughly 150 passengers aboard. This wreck made the formation known throughout the area.

The formation serves as a natural habitat for Brandt's cormorants, which gather on its surface during low tides throughout the year.

Boats and ships must navigate carefully in this area, especially at high tide when the rocks are invisible. It helps to check tide charts before heading out on the water near the formation.

In 1962, a prisoner was found stranded on these rocks while attempting to escape from the prison. This incident linked the small formation to the famous prison's escape history.

Location: San Francisco

GPS coordinates: 37.82770,-122.42653

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02