Robben Island Boat Trip & Prison Tour: SA Residents - Last Minute Sale

Cape Town , South Africa

Robben Island Boat Trip & Prison Tour: SA Residents - Last Minute Sale

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Skip the ticketing line and take a shared boat trip to Robben Island Museum and explore the island where Nobel Prize Winner and former South African President Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for 18-years of his 27 years sentence.

Secure your Robben Island boat trip and museum tour ticket early to avoid disappointment as this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa and is likely to sell out in advance.

On this tour, you can view the prison cell of Nelson Mandela and learn about the dramatic history of the Maximum Security Prison and South Africa from a former political Robben Island prisoner. Take a historical walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela on the Long Walk to Freedom pathway. This is one of the most enlightening historic tours you will experience on your journey to Cape Town, South Africa.

Available options

Summer 2022/2023

What's included

Shared Robben Island boat trip & museum tour admission ticket (South Africans)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

What's not included

Transfers between the V&A Waterfront &your accommodation

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

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.

About Cape Town

Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.

Top Attractions

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.

Nature 2-4 hours Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining

Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Cape Malay Curry

A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Biltong

A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking Paragliding Shark cage diving Surfing Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Afrikaans
Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
• Use reputable transport services

Getting there

By air

Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Cape Town Station

By bus

Cape Town Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cape Town City Centre Camps Bay Bo-Kaap

Day trips

Stellenbosch

50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.

Hermanus

120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope

60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Festivals

Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual) Cape Town Carnival • January (annual) Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)

Pro tips

Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain