Robben Island Tours and Tickets

The cost of Robben Island tickets can vary: South African residents always pay less than international tourists. The average rate for non-South African adults is around $31, while the cost for children is around $16. Note that the tour cost also includes round-trip ferry passage from mainland Cape Town.

A typical Robben Island tour takes around 3.5 hours. That estimate includes round-trip ferry transportation from Cape Town, as well as bus trips that depart from Murray’s Bay Harbour and take you to historical sights around the island. Note that ferry departures can vary depending on weather conditions.

Yes, Robben Island is open to tourists and has been since 1997, when it was turned into a museum and national monument. The island, formerly a penal colony and leper colony, is most famous for being home to the national security prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.

The best time to go to Robben Island is the first tour of the day, when it’s the least crowded. Make this booking at least several days in advance to secure your slot—particularly if you plan to visit during the September to April high season. Several tours depart each day.

Yes, you can visit Robben Island and Table Mountain on the same day. The average Robben Island visit takes about 3.5 hours, so there’s ample time to do both. To simplify your transportation, opt for a guided tour that visits both landmarks.

Technically, yes—some professionals do swim from Robben Island to Cape Town. The famed Freedom Swim is an annual tradition marking South Africa’s Freedom Day (April 27) and the country’s democracy. During the event swimmers paddle to Cape Town from Robben Island, tackling a route considered “the Everest of open-water swimming.”