Robben Island Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Robben Island in 2026?

Visitors must explore Robben Island on a guided tour rather than traveling there independently. These typically include a ferry ride, followed by a bus tour and a walking tour. Shared tours begin at US$56, and private tours typically cost upwards of US$210.

Q: How long does a Robben Island tour take?

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.

Q: Is Robben Island open for tourists?

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.

Q: What is the best time to go to Robben Island?

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.

Q: Can I do Table Mountain and Robben Island in one 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.

Q: Can you swim from Robben Island to Cape Town?

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.”

Q: What are the best attractions in and around Cape Town other than Robben Island?

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Robben Island. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Cape Town:<ul><li><a href="/Cape-Town-attractions/Cape-Point/d318-a17879" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cape Point</a></li><li><a href="/Cape-Town-attractions/Chapmans-Peak-Drive/d318-a17878" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chapman's Peak Drive</a></li><li><a href="/Cape-Town-attractions/Table-Mountain-National-Park/d318-a12746" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Table Mountain National Park</a></li><li><a href="/Cape-Town-attractions/Bo-Kaap/d318-a12728" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bo-Kaap</a></li><li><a href="/Cape-Town-attractions/Robben-Island/d318-a2018" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Robben Island</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to <a href="/Cape-Town/d318" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">all the best attractions in Cape Town</a>.

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Robben Island Half Day Tour with Pre-Booked Ticket from Cape Town

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(134)

from $59

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Half Day Robben Island Tour with Customizable Options

With this flexible package, you can choose the Robben Island tour options that work for you. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off included if selected, or go to a meeting point for a more cost-effective option. During the tour, enjoy a bus ride around the island, followed by the chance to see Nelson Mandela’s jail cell—an informative way to learn about Cape Town’s history and Nelson Mandela's incarceration.

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Half Day Robben Island Tour with Customizable Options

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Guided Tour with Ferry and Hotel Pickup

The Cape Town Robben Island Museum half-day tour offers an unforgettable journey into South Africa's history and heritage. Travellers will begin their 4-hour experience with a scenic ferry ride across Table Bay, enjoying stunning views of Cape Town’s iconic skyline and the breathtaking Table Mountain. Once on Robben Island, participants will explore the museum, which is housed in the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. A guided tour will provide insights into the harsh realities of political imprisonment and the struggle against apartheid, as well as the island's role in shaping South Africa's history. Visitors can expect to learn about the resilience of the human spirit through compelling stories and exhibits. Time will also be spent taking in the island’s natural beauty, including its diverse wildlife and historical landmarks, creating a deeply enriching experience that highlights both the somber and resilient aspects of the nation’s past.

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Robben Island Guided Tour with Ferry and Hotel Pickup

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(47)

from $60

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Tour with Museum and Ferry Tickets

Robben Island is considered a must-see destination. The tour to this UNESCO heritage site is a key part of understanding South African history and development. Travelers will hear stories directly from former inmates. Some of the latter refer to the island as a “School of freedom, equality and reconciliation.” Visitors will also explore the natural beauty of the island, the sea and surrounding mountains and the uniqueness of birdlife and wildlife on the island. Besides, an excursion to V&A Waterfront is a requisite opportunity for travellers interested in shopping, adventure, local cultural and culinary delights.

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Robben Island Tour with Museum and Ferry Tickets

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(3)

from $90

Cape Town Robben Island Tour Hassle-Free Experience

Our tour offers extra conveniences you'll truly enjoy Step onto Robben Island, the place that shaped Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s journey to freedom. This unforgettable tour takes you across the ocean, deep into the heart of South Africa’s most powerful story — where struggle, courage, and hope come alive. Your journey begins at the iconic V&A Waterfront, where we personally assist you with check-in and ferry boarding. Once on Robben Island, an expert island guide leads you on a riveting bus tour around the island’s major historical sites, including the Lime Quarry where Mandela and other political prisoners worked, the Leper Colony ruins, the old WWII fortifications, and sweeping viewpoints overlooking the ocean and the Cape Town skyline. The emotional heart of the tour unfolds inside the Maximum-Security Prison, where a former political prisoner shares their personal story — giving you rare, firsthand insight into the hardships and resilience experienced during apartheid.

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Cape Town Robben Island Tour Hassle-Free Experience

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(49)

from $56

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Half Day Prison Tour with Pre-Booked ferry Ticket.

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(359)

from $79

Robben Island Half-Day Tour with Ticket, Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off

Getting to Robben Island doesn’t need to involve complicated logistics. This half-day tour simplifies the experience with pickup directly from your Cape Town hotel and admission to the Robben Island Museum included. To help you get more from your visit, a tour led by a former political prisoner is part of the experience, including the chance to see Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell.

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Robben Island Half-Day Tour with Ticket, Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(61)

from $61

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Tour from Cape Town: Pre-Booked Ticket & Transfers

With this half-day package, getting to Robben Island and back is straightforward. Pickup from your Cape Town accommodation is included, along with admission to the Robben Island Museum. Learn about the life of Nelson Mandela, see his former prison cell, and explore the island’s history—without needing to research logistics—before returning to your accommodation at the end of the trip.

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Robben Island Tour from Cape Town: Pre-Booked Ticket & Transfers

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(183)

from $57

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Ferry Ticket &Guided Prison Tour with Pick-up& back

Get skip-the line for tickets access to the Robben Island Ferry and go behind the scenes"Former political prisoner will take the guests on the bus tour around the island including the cell" and learn more about how the former prisoner become a President of Rainbow National after spending "27-years in prison sentence of Nelson Mandela" the most important is how he become FREEDOM FIGHTER in South Africa.

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Robben Island Ferry Ticket &Guided Prison Tour with Pick-up& back

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(91)

from $53

Price varies by group size

Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers

3 to 4 hours

4.3

(276)

from $56

Price varies by group size

Half-Day Tour to Robben Island with Reserved Tickets

This half-day tour offers an efficient way to experience the key highlights of Robben Island. Meet a former political prisoner and explore the island with first-hand insight that you’d miss if visiting independently. With a prebooked time slot on your chosen date, entry to the Robben Island Museum is guaranteed so you can focus on the experience rather than waiting in long ticket lines.

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Half-Day Tour to Robben Island with Reserved Tickets

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(45)

from $59

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets.

Experience one of South Africa’s most powerful historical landmarks with our unforgettable tour to Robben Island. All travelers will meet at the designated meeting point at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, located at the iconic V&A Waterfront. From here, you’ll join your group and begin a meaningful journey across the water. What makes this experience truly special is that your tour will be led by a former political prisoner, offering a rare and deeply personal perspective on life inside the prison. Walk through the historic grounds, visit key sites, and hear firsthand stories that bring the island’s past to life in a way no textbook ever could. This is more than just a tour — it’s a moving journey through history, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Book now to secure your place on this powerful and inspiring experience.

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Robben Island Former Prisoner Tour + Tickets.

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(12)

from $64

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Robben Island Ticket + Former Prisoner Guide

Visiting Robben Island is a must-do while in Cape Town, but, accessed only by water, the logistics can be tricky. Skip the uncertainty of last-minute ferry availability and the hassle of coordinating transport to one of South Africa’s most important heritage sites with this tour. Take the official ferry to the island and explore its history with a guided tour by a former political prisoner.

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Robben Island Ticket + Former Prisoner Guide

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Guided Robben Island Historic Prison Tour with Pickup & Drop-off

Don’t worry about logistics for getting to Robben Island and back—with this guided tour, it’s easy. Start with pickup from your preferred Cape Town location, then take a shared boat from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island. Once there, a guided tour includes stops at key sites, including Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell. The tour typically lasts about 4 hours, allowing ample time to explore the island’s history.

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Guided Robben Island Historic Prison Tour with Pickup & Drop-off

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(46)

from $62

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Museum Cape Town Experience

Book your Robben Island ticket with confidence through Cape Oasis Travel & Tours and enjoy a smooth, reliable booking experience. We provide fast confirmation and dependable ticket delivery, ensuring your official Robben Island Museum ticket is secured in advance. No need to queue or travel anywhere to purchase tickets. Everything is arranged for you before the day of your visit. Simply arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront with your confirmation and valid identification. Your ticket includes the return ferry crossing and the official guided tour on Robben Island, led by knowledgeable guides and former political prisoners who share powerful firsthand stories. Visit the maximum-security prison, see Nelson Mandela’s former cell, and explore key historical landmarks such as the lime quarry. This option is ideal for independent travelers who value clarity, efficiency, and trusted local support, while enjoying one of South Africa’s meaningful heritage experiences.

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Robben Island Museum Cape Town Experience

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(16)

from $57

Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour with Pre Booked Tickets

Start your day with a visit to Table Mountain. Take a 5-minute rotating cable car ride to the top, enjoy panoramic views, explore three scenic trails, and relax at the mountain-top café. Afterwards, head to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront for your pre-booked ferry to Robben Island. On arrival, you’ll walk past historic prison-built structures before boarding a bus for a guided tour by official Robben Island guides. This tour offers a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide and includes transportation from your accommodation. Perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Cape Town - Full-day tour with round-trip hotel transport - Guided ferry trip to Robben Island with an ex-prisoner - Discover Cape Town’s landmarks, including the Bo-Kaap - Ride the Table Mountain cable car for breathtaking views

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Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour with Pre Booked Tickets

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(25)

from $120

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Tour with Former Political Prisoner Guide

Educational Experience: The tour is highly educational, offering deep insights into South Africa’s history of apartheid, the struggle for freedom, and the triumph of the human spirit. Cultural and Historical Significance: Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its profound cultural and historical significance. The tour provides a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of the world's most famous freedom fighters. Interactive Elements: The personal stories shared by the guides, often former prisoners, make the experience uniquely interactive and engaging, leaving a lasting impact on visitors.

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Robben Island Tour with Former Political Prisoner Guide

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(7)

from $91

Price varies by group size

Robben Island and Prison Guided Tour with Ferry Ticket

Travellers will explore The Historical Robben Island with a former political prisoner as your guide and see The Nelson Mandela's Cell on This tour from Cape Town that includes round trip ferry tickets and skip the ticketing line.Visitors will learn about apartheid and his rough history,South Africa's struggle for freedom and the importance of reconciliation and Forgiveness. The Tour provides a deep emotional and educational experience. The tour will end with a ferry ride back, leaving visitors with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of South Africa's history.

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Robben Island and Prison Guided Tour with Ferry Ticket

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(3)

from $80

Half-Day Small-Group Township Tour South Africa from Cape Town

Immerse yourself in Cape Town's apartheid-era history on this half-day tour that includes visits to District Six, a local preschool, a local shebeen (pub), and meet a traditional healer. Learn about apartheid and its legacy in South Africa through a guide's enlightening commentary. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere that comes with traveling in a small group of 15 people fewer. Upgrade your tour with an additional excursion to Robben Island.

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Half-Day Small-Group Township Tour South Africa from Cape Town

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(74)

from $48

Robben Island Pre-Booked Ferry Ticket & Guided Prison Tour

Visit Robben Island with a pre-booked ferry ticket from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. This official shared museum experience includes the return ferry crossing, island bus tour, and guided prison visit, including the historic prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Ideal for travellers who want a simple, ticket-only way to experience Robben Island. Hotel transfers are not included. - Pre-booked Robben Island ferry ticket from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront - Return ferry crossing from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island - Official guided Robben Island Museum tour included - Visit the historic maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela was held - Learn from an official museum guide or former political prisoner - See key island landmarks, including the prison, lime quarry and historic sites - Avoid the stress of trying to secure Robben Island tickets on your own

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Robben Island Pre-Booked Ferry Ticket & Guided Prison Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

3.1

(188)

from $80

Cape Town: Guided Robben Island and Table Mountain Tour

7 to 8 hours

4.7

(28)

from $163

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Pre-Booked Ferry Ticket & Guided Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(18)

from $52

This tour offers a unique and deeply personal experience, where you’ll not only explore the historical significance of Robben Island but also hear firsthand accounts from former political prisoners. Your journey begins with a local pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation, followed by a visit to the Silo District and the Nelson Mandela Gateway. The highlight is the guided tour on Robben Island, led by those who lived through its painful past, including a visit to Nelson Mandela's prison cell. This powerful and immersive tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with South Africa's history through the eyes of those who fought for freedom.

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Robben Island Half Day Tour With Pre Booked Ticket from Cape Town

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(33)

from $69

Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour, Hotel Pickup included

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(25)

from $113

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What are people saying about Robben Island

Robben Island Half Day Prison Tour with Pre-Booked ferry Ticket.

Gayleen_T, Jun 2026

Robben island and prison...

Robben island and prison tour was an unforgettable experience. The tour guides were informative and helpful. Very generous in sharing their knowledge and experiences. Recommended!

Robben Island, Table Mountain, and Bo-Kaap Full Day Tour

Brittany_W, Mar 2026

Florida girls in capetown

The Robben island tour was moving, very educational and impactful. And table mountain was a must-see!

Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers

Michael_B, Jul 2026

Informative

The excursion was very informative and interesting though we would have liked a few more stops to take photos and to soak up the atmosphere. Some things were not explained and we just drove pass.

Robben Island and Table Mountain Tour

J_G, Jun 2026

Gorgeous geography & moving history

Fantastic experience! Ney Ney was a wonderful guide and made the whole experience very memorable. I recommend.

Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers

Maureen_T, Jun 2026

Poorly run tour, bring cash to tip the guides

The ferry was an hour late in leaving for the island and then the tour guide sent us back to the ferry an hour earlier than everyone else. We just sat on the ferry thinking that it was leaving any minute but all of the other tour groups were still sightseeing. We had less than 1.5 hours on the tour. To make it worse, the first stop on the tour was a gift shop and snack bar. The first guide on the bus came out and asked us for donations.

Robben Island Half Day Prison Tour with Pre-Booked ferry Ticket.

Kathryn_C, Apr 2026

Illuminates the struggle of Apartheid

This tour provided history and context for the apartheid struggle in South Africa. The tour guides were all former prisoners at Robben Island and their stories were very moving. Having read Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom made this tour especially meaningful, but was not necessary.

Robben Island

5.0

(3,160)

Cape Town

Know before you go

Bird's eye view of the Robben Island in South Africa.

The 30-minute ferry ride to the island can be choppy; plan accordingly if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Arrive at least 45 minutes before your ferry departs to secure a spot and make your way to the boat.
A guided Robben Island bus tour, including ferry rides, takes up to 4 hours.
Food and drink are available for purchase on the island.
Robben Island is wheelchair accessible, but some of the ramps are quite steep.

Robben Island Tours and Tickets

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