Robben Island Boat Trip & Prison Tour

FromZAR 1,250

4 hours

Cape Point, South Africa

About this activity

Discover Robben Island's history with a guided tour of its prison facilities and museum, including Nelson Mandela's cell and scenic views of Cape Town.

Highlights

Explore Robben Island's rich history
See Nelson Mandela's former prison cell
Learn about apartheid-era struggles
Enjoy scenic views of Cape Town
Visit the Robben Island Museum

Full description

Step back in time and explore the storied past of Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once held political prisoners during South Africa's apartheid era. This half-day excursion includes a scenic ferry ride offering panoramic views of Cape Town's coastline. Upon arrival, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the prison facilities, sharing compelling stories of resilience and resistance. Visit Nelson Mandela's former cell and gain insight into the lives of those who fought for freedom. The tour also includes a visit to the Robben Island Museum, where you can delve deeper into the island's history. This experience offers a profound understanding of South Africa's journey toward democracy, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking ocean vistas.

Included / Excluded

Round-trip ferry ride to Robben Island
Guided tour of the prison facilities
Visit to the Robben Island Museum

Meals and beverages

Itinerary

Arrive 30 minutes before the time shown on your ticket at Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island Silo District, V&A Waterfront with a copy of your ID on your phone or the original. Skip the ticketing line and proceed directly to the boat departures line. Once you have boarded the shared boat you will set sail for 30-minutes on the open sea to Robben Island Museum. Upon your arrival at the Robben Island Jetty, you will disembark the boat and be guided on a bus by an ex-political prisoner who is a Robben Island Tour Guide for a tour of the island. The guide will provide live commentary about Robben Island and its history, indicating the various homes of ex-political prisoners and other landmarks. The tour will culminate with a view of the prison cell where former President Nelson Mandela was held as a prisoner and an opportunity to take a walk in his footsteps of Nelson Mandela on The Long Walk to Freedom. Once the tour of Robben Island has concluded, you will return to the Jetty.

Admission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Cape Town Central, South Africa

Important information

Know before you book

Tours operate in English; consider language preferences when booking.
Children under 6 require a booster seat; please inform in advance.
Confirm the tour's availability and departure times before booking.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Good to know

Please provide us with a WhatsApp cellphone number or email address so that we can send you your official admission ticket for the Robben Island tour. Travelers are requested to arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, Clocktower Precinct, V&A Waterfront, 30-minutes before the boat departure time shown on their ticket. Please bring along your passport (copies accepted) for verification by Robben Island authorities on the day of the tour. Please provide us with the full names and date of birth for each participant when booking this tour. Without these details, we cannot allocate your official admission ticket. This offer is recommended for Non-South African travelers. It is not recommended for South African residents as they qualify for special rates. All bookings are non-refundable as Robben Island does not accept cancellations for refunds. Please ensure you have provided us with the correct details and chosen your correct departure time slot. In the event that Robben Island cancels the boat trip due to unfavorable weather conditions, you can either reschedule for the next available date or you may contact us through Viator/TripAdvisor Experiences for a full refund. Please bring along a warm jacket in case of cold weather conditions at sea.