Robben Island Ferry & Guided Prison Tour

Robben Island Ferry & Guided Prison Tour

4 hoursSmall Group4.8 (623 reviews)Cape Town

About This Tour

Step into one of South Africa's most powerful chapters of history with a visit to Robben Island. Skip the long ferry ticket queue and head straight to the boarding area at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, where you will board a shared ferry for a scenic 30-minute crossing of Table Bay. Upon arrival at the island, a former political prisoner meets your group to lead an unforgettable guided tour of the notorious maximum-security prison. Walk through the cell blocks, stand before Nelson Mandela's tiny cell where he spent more than 25 years, and hear remarkable first-hand stories from someone who lived it. The guided bus tour takes you around the island to see the limestone quarry, the cemetery, and the striking views back toward Table Mountain. Afterward, the return ferry brings you back to the V&A Waterfront. Please note this experience is for international travellers β€” South African citizens are encouraged to purchase tickets from Robben Island directly. This is a shared group tour; hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included.

Highlights

  • Skip the ticket queue with pre-booked ferry entry
  • Nelson Mandela's prison cell β€” see where he spent 25+ years
  • Guided tour by a former political prisoner sharing first-hand accounts
  • Scenic 30-minute ferry crossing of Table Bay
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Robben Island Museum and bus tour of the island

Itinerary

4 photos6 stops

Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop-off

We collect and drop off at any hotel, guesthouse, Airbnb, or accommodation situated within 10 km from the Cape Town City Centre.

Please provide your pickup address when booking. The driver will confirm the exact pickup time the day before your tour.
1
Departure

Nelson Mandela Gateway

~1–2 hours

Cape Town's vibrant harbour precinct offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment against a stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the working harbour.

2
30 min

Ferry Crossing to Robben Island

~1–2 hours

One of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain offers breathtaking 360Β° panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding peaks from its flat summit at 1,085m.

3
45 min

Robben Island Museum & Bus Tour

~3.5–4 hours

A UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Former political prisoners guide you through the cells and share first-hand stories.

What's Included

  • Ferry ticket
  • Island bus tour
  • Prison tour with former prisoner guide

Not Included

  • Hotel transfers
  • Meals

Route Map

Meeting Point: V&A Waterfront Nelson Mandela Gateway

Pickup & Drop-off

Complimentary pickup at all hotels & guest houses within 10 km of The Silo Hotel, V&A Waterfront β€” we'll collect you from and drop you off at your accommodation.

Your exact pickup time will be communicated to you one day in advance of the tour.

Private tours: We collect you from anywhere at your convenience.

Small group tours mean a better, more personalised experience for everyone.

Cancellation Policy

Robben Island tours: All sales are final. No refunds. This is due to limited availability and ferry scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why no refunds?

Robben Island ferry tickets are non-refundable due to limited daily capacity and high demand.

$76

/ person

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4.8 (623)Β·4 hours