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="https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town-attractions/Cape-Point/d318-a17879" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank">Cape Point</a></li><li><a href="https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town-attractions/Chapmans-Peak-Drive/d318-a17878" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank">Chapman's Peak Drive</a></li><li><a href="https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town-attractions/Table-Mountain-National-Park/d318-a12746" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank">Table Mountain National Park</a></li><li><a href="https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town-attractions/Bo-Kaap/d318-a12728" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank">Bo-Kaap</a></li><li><a href="https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town-attractions/Robben-Island/d318-a2018" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank">Robben Island</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to <a href="https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town/d318" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank">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

4.1

(110)

from USD 59

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 USD 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

4.0

(31)

from USD 61

Price varies by group size

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

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(357)

from USD 78

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

(46)

from USD 60

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

4.1

(166)

from USD 57

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers

3 to 4 hours

4.3

(275)

from USD 55

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

(87)

from USD 56

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Pre-Booked Ferry Ticket & Guided Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(17)

from USD 52

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

4.2

(97)

from USD 59

Price varies by group size

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

(58)

from USD 61

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

(46)

from USD 59

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Museum Tickets with Former Political Prisoner Guide

Explore one of the most visited sites in Cape Town, Robben Island, South African symbol of resilience by determined people. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and take advantage of the ease of hotel pickup. Along the way, learn about Africa’s history, the island's role als a former prison, and hear stories about Nelson Mandela and how he spent 18 years of his 27-year sentence there. Get picked up early from your lodging to begin your day of sightseeing in Cape Town. - Explore the highlights of Robben Island with a guide - Save time waiting in ticket lines: Robben Island Entry is included - Ensures a more personalised experience - Tour offers the opportunity to see Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell.

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Robben Island Museum Tickets with Former Political Prisoner Guide

4 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(65)

from USD 59

Price varies by group size

Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

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.

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Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

3.1

(188)

from USD 79

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

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(44)

from USD 61

Price varies by group size

Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour, Hotel Pickup included

8 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(23)

from USD 112

Special Offer

Robben Island & Table Mountain Tour with Hotel Pickup & Drop-off

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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

(31)

from USD 68

Half Day Experience in Robben Island Museum From Cape Town

This is an all-in-one ticket that includes the ferry ride to and from Robben Island as well as admission into the Museum. One ticket for everything. With this ticket, you will board the ferry to Robben Island at the V & A Waterfront. This will be a brief 30-minute ride onto the famous Robben Island. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the native, ex-inmates who will take you around the maximum security prison for about 2 hours. At the Robben maximum security prison, you will be shown the cells where political activists were held for many years. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the violent past of South Africa through the eyes of an ex-inmate. Your guide will gladly answer any questions that you may have regarding the prison. You will also be shown the actual prison cell that held Nelson Mandela during his incarceration on the island. After such an eye-opening experience, you will be board the ferry back to the V & A Waterfront. A final, brief 30-minute ferry ride.

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Half Day Experience in Robben Island Museum From Cape Town

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(27)

from USD 67

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

(24)

from USD 120

Price varies by group size

A Robben Island tour offers a profound journey through South Africa's history, taking you to the notorious prison where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held during apartheid. Visitors experience a guided walk through the stark prison cell blocks, including Mandela’s former cell, and hear powerful stories from former inmates who share their personal experiences. The tour also includes a scenic boat ride to and from the island, with stunning views of Cape Town's coastline and Table Mountain. The contrast of the island's beauty and its dark past creates a deeply moving experience.

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Robben Island Adventure Full Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(6)

from USD 96

Private Robben Island, Kirstenbosch and Wine Tasting Tour

Many tours just focus on Robben Island alone, but this private tour helps you get more out of your day, as it also stops off at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Cape Winelands too. To save time booking taxis, the trip begins directly at your Cape Town hotel. Then, enjoy a stress-free day with transportation between landmarks—including a boat trip to Robben Island and museum admission once you’re there.

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Private Robben Island, Kirstenbosch and Wine Tasting Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(21)

from USD 123

Price varies by group size

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

(73)

from USD 47

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

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(16)

from USD 158

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What are people saying about Robben Island

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

Gayleen_T, June 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!

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

Imelda_R, Feb 2026

Travelled in comfort

Long day but very worthwhile. Remy was a great guide and looked after us very well. We enjoyed the itinerary and Robben island was humbling.

Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers

Maureen_T, June 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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