Tour Overview

A Robben Island tour experience is a powerful way to discover an important part of South Africa’s history, and this tour provides a convenient and well-organised experience from start to finish. With optional hotel pickup and drop-off from Cape Town, included entry to Robben Island, and a guided tour, you’ll explore the island’s role as a former prison and learn more about Nelson Mandela’s 18 years of imprisonment.

Watch the Experience

Get a closer look at the Robben Island experience before you book.

Highlights

• Explore the highlights of Robben Island with a guide
• Save time waiting in ticket lines with included Robben Island entry
• See Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell
• Optional hotel pickup and drop-off from Cape Town hotels for added convenience

Ferry and Meeting Point

The meeting point for this experience is the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island at the V&A Waterfront, where guests will board the ferry after presenting their tickets.

If the pickup option is selected, guests will be collected from their hotel, guesthouse, or provided address at the scheduled time, transferred to the Gateway, and assisted to ensure a smooth departure. After the tour, the same driver will meet them on their return and transfer them back to their original pickup point.

What to Expect (Itinerary)

Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront

Guests will meet at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, where they will present their tickets and prepare to board the ferry.

Ferry to Robben Island

Board the ferry for the crossing to Robben Island. The journey offers views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the surrounding coastline as you make your way to the island.

Arrival on Robben Island

On arrival, guests will disembark and begin the Robben Island experience. The tour includes a guided visit to the island’s key historical sites, offering insight into its long and important role in South Africa’s history.

Guided Island Tour

Guests will join the official Robben Island tour, which includes a guided bus tour around the island and a visit to important landmarks such as the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, and other historical sites.

Maximum Security Prison

The experience continues with a guided visit to the Maximum Security Prison, where guests will learn more about the island’s history as a prison and see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

Return Ferry to the Waterfront

After the tour, guests will board the ferry back to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where the experience concludes.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be sent after booking
• Please arrive on time for ferry departure
• A photo of your passport or ID will be required for ferry check-in
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Bring a jacket, as weather conditions can change quickly
• Guests prone to seasickness should take the necessary precautions
• Ferry departures are subject to weather and operational conditions
• Pickup and drop-off are available only if the transfer option is selected

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the scheduled tour time are eligible for a full refund.

For cancellations or changes made less than 72 hours before the tour, a cancellation or rescheduling fee may apply to cover tickets, reservations, and operational arrangements already confirmed.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour, as well as no-shows, are non-refundable. However, in exceptional circumstances, where valid supporting documentation is provided, we may review the booking on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, offer a reschedule or partial refund at our discretion.

Please note that any refund or amendment remains subject to costs already incurred with third-party suppliers and ticketing arrangements.

FAQ

Where does the Robben Island tour depart from?

The ferry departs from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

How long does the Robben Island tour take?

The standard Robben Island tour takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, including the ferry trip to and from the island. Ferry travel time can vary depending on the boat used.

What happens on the island during the tour?

After arriving at Murray’s Bay Harbour, guests walk to the buses for a guided island tour. The experience includes historical sites such as the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, military bunkers, and the Maximum Security Prison.

Will I see Nelson Mandela’s prison cell?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Maximum Security Prison and ends with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.

Are tickets checked before boarding?

Yes. Visitors must present a valid ticket, and positive identification is checked against the ticket details before access to the ferry and island is allowed.

What should I bring with me?

It is best to bring your ticket details, a form of identification, comfortable clothing, and a light jacket. If you are prone to seasickness, Robben Island Museum advises taking seasickness tablets about an hour before boarding.

Are cameras allowed on the tour?

Yes, cameras are allowed for personal use. However, no drones or tripods are permitted, and photos may not be taken for commercial use.

Can I reschedule my Robben Island tour?

Yes. Robben Island Museum says rescheduling is possible 48 hours in advance and is subject to an administration fee.

Can the ferry be cancelled or delayed?

Yes. Robben Island Museum reserves the right to cancel voyages or change departure times without notice due to operational or weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is available only if you select the transfer option at the time of booking. Guests who choose this option will be collected from their hotel, guesthouse, or provided address and returned after the tour.

What if I do not choose the pickup option?

If no transfer option is selected, guests must make their own way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in time for ferry boarding.

What time do the ferries usually depart?

Robben Island Museum currently lists general tour departures at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00.