Adults
R1 990,00per person
Robben Island Half Day Tour
HistoricalHalf Day
Discover the historic Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Includes return ferry, guided prison tour, Mandela's cell, island bus tour, and hotel pickup.
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RStarting price
R 1,990.00
This is the starting price per person for this experience. Your final price may vary depending on the selected options, group size, and extras.
Tour Pricing
Category
Price
Children (5–17 years)
R995,00per person
Children (0–4 years)
Free of charge
R0,00per person
About this experience
Robben Island is a small island off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, historically used as a prison for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, and now serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. Robben Island, whose name derives from the Dutch word for 'seals,' spans roughly 5 square miles and lies about 7 kilometres from Cape Town. The island has a long and complex history stretching over 400 years. Other prominent prisoners included Robert Sobukwe, Ahmed Kathrada, and Walter Sisulu. Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Robben Island Museum. Visitors can explore the former prison, historical buildings, and natural landscapes, often guided by former inmates who share firsthand experiences. The island's enduring legacy lies in its poignant symbolism of resistance, resilience, and reconciliation, making it a major site of learning and reflection on South African history.
Gallery
Tour photos
Trip Clarity
Included & Not Included
✓
Included
What's included
✓
Return ferry ticket
✓
Guided Robben Island tour
✓
Hotel pick‑up and drop‑off (Cape Town CBD, Green Point, Sea Point)
✓
Air‑conditioned vehicle
✓
Bottled water
✓
Professional driver-guide
✓
Island bus tour
−
Not Included
Additional costs
−
Lunch
−
Personal purchases
Experience
Highlights
✓
Return ferry ticket to Robben Island
✓
Guided prison tour with former inmates where available
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Visit Nelson Mandela's prison cell
✓
Island bus tour
✓
Hotel pick‑up and drop‑off (Cape Town CBD, Green Point, Sea Point)
✓
Professional driver‑guide
✓
UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Explore historical buildings and natural landscapes
Before You Book
Requirements
1
Please carry identification if required for ferry boarding
Planning Your Visit
Arrangements
Availability
Available all year (ferry dependent on weather)
Duration
4 - 5 hours
Operating Time
09:00, 11:00, 13:00 departures
Departure
Flexible (09:00, 11:00, 13:00)
Return
Flexible (approximately 3.5-4 hours after departure)
Location
Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
What to Wear
- ✓Comfortable clothing
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓Warm jacket (weather dependent)
- ✓Sunscreen
- ✓Hat
Things to Bring
- ✓Identification (if required for ferry boarding)
- ✓Camera
- ✓Cash for personal purchases
Weather Policy
Weather
Ferry operations are subject to weather and sea conditions. Cancelled departures may be rescheduled where possible.
- ✓Ferry operations are subject to weather and sea conditions
- ✓Weather may result in ferry delays or cancellations
- ✓Cancelled departures may be rescheduled where possible
✓
Safety comes first.
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
Ferry operations are subject to weather and sea conditions. Cancellation terms are confirmed upon booking.
- ✓Ferry operations are subject to weather and sea conditions
- ✓Weather may result in ferry delays or cancellations
- ✓Cancelled departures may be rescheduled where possible
- ✓Cancellation terms are confirmed upon booking
Safety Policy
Safety & Compliance
All tours are conducted in compliance with Robben Island Museum safety regulations and ferry operating procedures.
✓
All tours follow Robben Island Museum safety regulations
✓
Ferry operates according to maritime safety standards
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Guests must follow all guide instructions during the tour
✓
Safety comes first.
Route
Route Information
Robben Island Half Day Tour Route
Discover the historic Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years.
1
Hotel pickup in Cape Town CBD, Green Point, or Sea Point
2
Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront
3
30-minute ferry crossing to Robben Island
4
Island bus tour
5
Maximum Security Prison tour
6
Nelson Mandela's prison cell
7
Robert Sobukwe House
8
Lime Quarry
9
Return ferry crossing
10
Hotel drop-off
Need to know
✓
Morning and afternoon departures are available
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Ferry departures are weather dependent
✓
Ferry times: 09:00 (best for calm seas), 11:00 (mid-morning), 13:00 (most popular)
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The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes each way
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Advance booking is highly recommended
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Please carry identification if required for ferry boarding
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Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
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Total tour duration is 3.5-4 hours (excluding pickup/drop-off)
Frequently Asked Questions
Good to Know
Yes. Return ferry tickets are included in the tour price.
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for Cape Town CBD, Green Point, and Sea Point.
The complete experience lasts approximately 4–5 hours, including hotel transfer. The island visit itself is 3.5-4 hours including the ferry crossing.
Yes. Ferry departures depend on weather and sea conditions and may occasionally be delayed or cancelled. Cancelled departures may be rescheduled where possible.
Ferries depart at 09:00 (best for calm seas), 11:00 (mid-morning), and 13:00 (most popular).
The island tour is conducted by Robben Island Museum guides, often former political prisoners who share firsthand experiences.
You will visit the Maximum Security Prison, Nelson Mandela's cell, Robert Sobukwe House, Lime Quarry, WWII bunkers, Leper Church, and enjoy an island bus tour.
No. Lunch and personal purchases are excluded from the tour price.
4 - 5 hours
Selected Tour
Robben Island Half Day Tour
Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa
⌖
Pickup included
Choose your accommodation or confirm a custom pickup point.
✓
Pay now, confirm after
Final pickup and operational details are confirmed manually.
Tour overview
Robben Island is a small island off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, historically used as a prison for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, and now serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. Robben Island, whose name derives from the Dutch word for 'seals,' spans roughly 5 square miles and lies about 7 kilometres from Cape Town. The island has a long and complex history stretching over 400 years. Other prominent prisoners included Robert Sobukwe, Ahmed Kathrada, and Walter Sisulu. Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Robben Island Museum. Visitors can explore the former prison, historical buildings, and natural landscapes, often guided by former inmates who share firsthand experiences. The island's enduring legacy lies in its poignant symbolism of resistance, resilience, and reconciliation, making it a major site of learning and reflection on South African history.
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Selected tour
Robben Island Half Day Tour
Duration4 5 HoursStyleHistoricalLocationRobben Island, Cape Town, South AfricaPickupIncluded
From
ZAR 1990.00
per person
Checkout summary
Tour
Robben Island Half Day Tour
💰
Price breakdown
Adults
1 × ZAR 1990.00
ZAR 1990.00
Tour subtotal
ZAR 1990.00
Total Due
ZAR 1990.00
Tour subtotalZAR 1990.00
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