Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

Cape Town , South Africa

Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

Active

(173 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a seamless Robben Island visit with our Skip-the-Ticket-Line access, which allows you to bypass long queues and secure fast entry with our smooth, ticket-only option. Make your own way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway as hotel transfers are excluded. After a shared ferry ride, explore the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, see his original cell, and hear powerful firsthand stories from a former political prisoner. Walk the famous Long Walk to Freedom pathway and gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s history. This is a shared experience and standard ferry boarding queues still apply. This product is for international travellers only; South African citizens should book directly with Robben Island. Book now for a time-saving, meaningful, and unforgettable experience.

Available options

Non-South African Citizen

What's included

Shared Robben Island boat trip & museum tour admission ticket

Detailed itinerary

Arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island Silo District, V&A Waterfront 30 minutes before the time with a copy of your passport on your phone or the original. Please note this is a ticket only and excludes hotel transfers.

Once you have boarded the shared boat with others you will set sail for 30 minutes on the open sea to Robben Island Museum.

Stop 2

Upon arriving at Robben Island, you will disembark the ferry and join a guided shared bus tour led by an expert local guide. Enjoy a short stop for photos, restrooms, and light snacks, while your guide shares the powerful history and significance of the island and the sights you pass along the way.

You will then meet an ex-political prisoner, who provides an unforgettable firsthand account of life under apartheid. Follow him inside the historic prison complex, including the actual prison cell where former South African President Nelson Mandela—our beloved Madiba—was held for 18 years. Hear stories of his daily routine, his struggles, and his remarkable journey to freedom.

The experience concludes with a symbolic Long Walk to Freedom, retracing Mandela’s footsteps before you return to the ferry for your trip back to Cape Town. This emotional and educational tour is one of the top things to do in Cape Town.

After this enlightening historical tour you will board the ferry boat and return to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island at the V&A Waterfront.

What's not included

Transfers between the V&A Waterfront & your accommodation

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

91 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.2

82 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please ensure that you add your proper information such as the correct country code and mobile number because your tickets will be sent via WhatsApp or iMessage or email.

Kindly note that this offer is for International travellers. (Non South Africans)

If South Africans purchase this ticket at their own accord we would require their ID numbers and full names of everyone in the group.

Please bring your identity document copy with you on your mobile phone.

Meeting point

Please go to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island near the Clocktower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront 30 minutes before the time on your ticket.

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 dates of birth of each participant when booking this tour. Without these details, we cannot allocate your official admission ticket.

All bookings are non-refundable as Robben Island does not accept cancellations for refunds.

In the event that Robben Island cancels the boat trip due to unfavourable 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