Robben Island Half Day Tour with Pre-Booked Ticket from Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
- 3 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
What's Included
- Robben Island Museum Entry Ticket and Tour
- Former prisoner Guide
- Return Robben Island Ferry tickets
- Choose correct option: International Travel rate, SA ID = “South African Rate
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben IslandV&A Waterfront, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Nelson Mandela Gateway V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, Cape Town (located at the Clock Tower Precinct) Directions: 1. Head to the V&A Waterfront 2. Look for the red-and-white Clock Tower – a prominent landmark. 3. The Nelson Mandela Gateway is the large modern building right next to it.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Robben Island Museum
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Table Mountain (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- What to bring Your passport/ID or a copy of your passport/ID or a photo of your passport/ID on your phone
- We will need Full names of all participants in your group. Dates of birth for any minors under 18 years of age
- Please note that the confirmation message you received from the Viator /GetYourGuide, and other partners' platform is not your actual ferry ticket, we will issue the ticket a day before the activity.
- 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.
- For South African travellers, please enter the ID number of each adult in the “Special requirements” box when making the booking.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 82 reviews
David_C, May 2026
Tour is fine. Museum guides are well versed in the subject. Prices from Viator are high for simply buying the tickets but it allowed us to get the time slot we were looking for.
Christopher_O, May 2026
Very well organised with clear timings given. Our chosen ferry was cancelled but an earlier one arranged. Great communication throughout so stressless trip. Many thanks for an enjoyable day.
Chris_R, Apr 2026
The guides are great but the narrative to lie about some events is to much The jail guard is genuine where the bus guide sing his propaganda
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate you sharing your perspective and are pleased to hear you found parts of the guiding meaningful, particularly the prison tour at Robben Island.
The guides, including former prisoners and island guides through the Robben Island Museum, share historical interpretation alongside personal experiences, and we understand that different storytelling styles may resonate differently with visitors. As reflected in other guest feedback, many find the experience informative, emotional, and inspiring, though we respect that you experienced some aspects differently.
We value your honest comments and will share your feedback with the relevant team.
Teresa_E, Apr 2026
An emotional and enlightening journey.
With stories from ex prisoners whom had both been incarcerated during the Apartheid era.
Thank you Viator for bringing us the opportunity.
T & G from Australia.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience.
We’re truly glad to hear that you found the journey both emotional and enlightening. Hearing directly from former prisoners who lived through the Apartheid era is a powerful and meaningful part of the visit, and it often leaves a lasting impression on our guests.
We’re delighted that you had the opportunity to experience this important piece of history, and we appreciate you choosing to visit.
Wishing you a wonderful stay in Cape Town and safe travels back to Australia.
Kind regards,
HYM Cape Tours
Customer Support Team
Cape Town, South Africa
Kathee_C, Apr 2026
Very informative, emotional and inspiring. The guides were wonderful telling us their experiences while being imprisoned. It was also heart breaking.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your heartfelt review. We’re pleased to hear that you found the experience at Robben Island informative, emotional, and inspiring.
Hearing personal stories from former prisoners through the Robben Island Museum programme is truly powerful, and we’re glad it left such a meaningful impact on you.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Colin_D, Apr 2026
Robben Island plays a hugely important part in South Africa’s recent history.
The story is passionately told by guides and former inmates of the treatment of political prisoners over the years. It is a somber and moving experience to visit Robben Island but so worthwhile and I would encourage people to visit it while in Cape Town. The trip is also great value
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful and heartfelt review. We’re delighted to hear that you found your visit to Robben Island so meaningful and worthwhile.
The powerful stories shared by guides and former inmates through the Robben Island Museum truly bring South Africa’s history to life, and we’re glad it left such a strong impression on you.
We appreciate your recommendation and kind words.
Susan_B, Apr 2026
Excellent guides, lovely boat trip there and back. The ex prisoners made the experience very special. I didn't give it a 5/5 because everything is so rushed which is a shame.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the guides, the boat trip, and the unique experience shared by former prisoners at Robben Island.
We also appreciate your comments about the pace of the tour. As the schedule is guided by ferry departure times set by the Robben Island Museum, the visit can occasionally feel a bit rushed. Your feedback is important and will be passed on to the relevant team.
Ntombi_B, Apr 2026
Sales team professional. Excellent trip, enjoyed the tour with my family. Great having this experience after last visit 20yes ago.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you found our sales team professional and that you enjoyed the trip with your family.
It’s wonderful to know that returning after 20 years made the experience even more special at Robben Island.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in Cape Town.
Samantha_F, Apr 2026
An eye opening and humbling experience. Our tour guide Sparks was an ex political prisoner on Robben Island in the 1980s, and this made the tour carry so much more weight. His personal insights into the torture, the suffering, the cruelty and inhumane conditions in which black political prisoners experienced on Robben Island was moving. Regardless of what they did to be condemned to prison, the punishments they faced didn’t fit any reasonable crime, particularly with the worse conditions for black inmates. And for many of them to go on to forgive their jailers and those who oppressed them was a beautiful message about forgiveness and decency and grace.
Additional history into the island before it became a political prison in the 20th century was also moving and informative. The tour was relatively brief - I do recommend water for hot days as the bus gets really stuffy and there is no air con. I would have expected to have seen some upgrades to the village given people live there but in saying this, the scarce and almost abandoned nature of the island certainly adds to the gloomy experience of the island!!!!
An unmissable Cape Town Experience. Highly recommend going along.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your heartfelt and detailed review. We’re truly glad to hear that your visit to Robben Island was such an eye-opening and humbling experience.
Hearing directly from former political prisoners through the Robben Island Museum programme adds a powerful and deeply personal perspective, and we’re pleased that Sparks’ story left such a meaningful impact on you. The message of resilience, forgiveness, and humanity is something many guests carry with them long after the tour.
We also appreciate your helpful feedback regarding the bus conditions and facilities — this will be shared with the relevant team for improvement.
Thank you for your recommendation. We’re honoured to have been part of such an important experience during your time in Cape Town.
Paul_S, Apr 2026
Well organised, informative, interesting. Well worth the cost. Need to book ahead as it is a very popular activity.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience well organised, informative, and interesting at Robben Island.
You’re absolutely right — it’s a very popular activity, and booking in advance is always recommended.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in Cape Town.
Omar_D, Apr 2026
Nice experience overall , the local guides told their experience of being deteined in that jail. Unbelievable stories
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We’re pleased to hear that you had a nice overall experience at Robben Island.
Hearing firsthand stories from former detainees through the Robben Island Museum programme truly makes the experience powerful and unforgettable.
We appreciate you sharing your thoughts and hope to welcome you again.
Stever_S, Mar 2026
All in all it was good and informative.
The tour guides of the prison like to embellish their stories a bit.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you found the experience good and informative.
The prison tours at Robben Island are conducted by former inmates through the Robben Island Museum programme, where personal storytelling is part of sharing their lived experiences. That said, we understand that different storytelling styles may be perceived differently.
We appreciate your honest comments and thank you for sharing your experience.
Berthold_M, Mar 2026
Nice to see and hear the history of the place, mostly how one race could treat other races like they are animals.
The amazing part is the race that was treated like that still managed these inhuman treatment
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing your reflections. We’re glad you found the experience at Robben Island meaningful and thought-provoking.
The history shared through the Robben Island Museum highlights both the harsh realities of the past and the incredible resilience and strength of those who endured it.
We appreciate your perspective and thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
Zoe_M, Mar 2026
The tour guides were excellent and included a former prisoner. The trip was well organised and informative.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you found the tour well organised and informative.
Having a former prisoner guide through the Robben Island Museum programme at Robben Island truly adds depth and authenticity to the experience.
We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in the future.
Adrian_S, Mar 2026
Great boat trip
Lovely guide who spoke with a lot of personal knowledge and passion
Not to be missed
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the boat trip and the passionate, knowledgeable guiding at Robben Island.
Your recommendation means a lot to us it truly is an experience not to be missed.
Lindsay_M, Mar 2026
More pricey than going through official park site but we had left it to the last minute to book and there are only certain amount of slots. Saying that our bus tour guide ( Kent) round the island was fabulous, engaging knowledgeable passionate but with a fabulous sense of humor, he really did make the trip. The actual prison was interesting by x prisoner but being unkind he did ramble on a tiny bit so towards the end it was a bit rushed at Nelson Mandela s cell and we didn’t get to see prison visitor Centre as boat left at certain time
Learn a lot about apartheid
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your honest feedback. We understand your concern about pricing — many guests book last minute when tickets to Robben Island are already sold out, and we assist in securing availability.
We’re glad to hear Kent made the tour enjoyable, and we appreciate your comments on the prison tour pacing. These are managed by the Robben Island Museum and are dependent on ferry schedules.
We’re pleased you still found the experience educational. Thank you again for sharing your feedback.
Garth_M, Mar 2026
At our request Viator changed our tour from 1pm to 11am at short notice and we were very grateful.
We had a great day at Robben Island and learned a lot.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re glad that the schedule change with Viator worked out smoothly and that you were able to join the earlier tour.
We’re delighted to hear that you had a great and informative day visiting Robben Island. It’s truly a meaningful experience for many visitors.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We hope to welcome you again when you visit Cape Town in the future.
cynthia_k, Feb 2026
It was an informative tour and a must experience. We had such wonderful tour guides on the bus and in the prison itself. They had the passion to share the prison’s history through their family and personal experiences, that was an added plus!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re so pleased to hear that you found the tour informative and a must-experience.
A visit to Robben Island is truly powerful, and it’s especially meaningful when the guides share the history with such passion and personal connection. Through the program run by the Robben Island Museum, many guides bring family and firsthand experiences into the storytelling, which adds depth and authenticity to the visit.
We’re delighted that this made your experience even more special. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
samantha_E, Feb 2026
Absolutely brilliant. We booked the evening before and the communication for tickets etc was really clear.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Samantha,
Thank you for your fantastic feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had an absolutely brilliant experience.
We’re especially pleased that the last-minute booking went smoothly and that our communication regarding tickets was clear and helpful. Making the process easy and stress-free is always our priority.
Thank you for choosing HYM Cape Tours, and we hope to assist you again on your next visit to Cape Town.
Nompumelelo_Z, Feb 2026
The goal was to see the late Nelson Mandela’s cell. There was a lot of talking by the tour guides which made the whole experience boring and allowing other tourists to ask questions should be left to an individual but not the whole group to be subjected to. My whole group left even without seeing the cell because it just became boring and a lot of times the tour guide talking about their experience in jail. Q and A should not be subjected to everyone only to those who have questions because it ended up being a conversation that was not of interest. It was a bad experience and hopefully it improves.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Nompumelelo,
We are truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
Please note that our main goal is always to give respect and honour to everyone who participated in the struggle for freedom, especially those who served time on Robben Island. For many visitors, seeing the late Nelson Mandela’s cell is a key highlight, but the tour is also designed to recognise the sacrifices and voices of all former political prisoners.
The guided prison tour is conducted by the Robben Island Museum, and former inmates often share personal experiences as part of the official programme. These stories and group discussions are intended to provide historical depth and ensure that the legacy of the struggle is preserved with dignity. That said, we understand that the format and length of discussions may not suit everyone’s preferences.
We truly value your honest feedback and will pass your comments on to the relevant team. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope future visits continue to improve for all guests.
Elizabeth_R, Feb 2026
An experience well worth doing. It was very interesting to have a guide who was actually locked up in the prison
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience well worth doing.
A visit to Robben Island is truly powerful, and having a guide who was once imprisoned there through the Robben Island Museum programme makes it even more meaningful and authentic. Hearing firsthand accounts brings history to life in a way that books simply cannot.
We’re so pleased you found it interesting and memorable. Thank you for choosing us to assist with your visit, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
Debbie_D, Feb 2026
We tried to purchase tickets for Robbens Island directly from the museum, but they were sold out. We found this tour on Viator and decided to go ahead and do it even though the cost was higher than through the museum. It advertised as a guided tour. However, there was no additional guide on the tour. After signing up, we received a notice that here are your tickets, show up to board the ferry - there is no guide.
The experience was exactly what we would have gotten had tickets been available from the museum. For the 11:00 tour, you arrive at the ferry terminal at 10:15. The ferry leaves by 10:30ish. You watch a video about the island, the prison and its history on the way over. Upon arrival you board a bus that takes you to the prison. A former prisoner tells you about the prison, his life in the prison and others who were there. You walk through the prison then board the bus where you see the rest of the island. The bus does make a snack/bathroom stop. Have South African Rand with you as they only take cash. You finish the your back by the dock. The gift shop does take cards. On the ferry ride back, they show another video. It is a very informative, emotional experience - definitely worth visiting Robben Island.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your detailed feedback and for sharing your experience.
You are absolutely right that tickets are often sold out directly through Robben Island Museum, especially during peak seasons. Many of our guests come to us at the last minute after finding no availability on the official site. Our role is to help ensure that visitors to Cape Town still have the opportunity to experience this important historic site rather than leave disappointed.
Regarding the guided aspect, the tour on the island is officially guided by the museum’s trained guides and former political prisoners. We do not add a separate private guide unless specifically stated; our service focuses on securing confirmed tickets and coordinating the booking process through platforms such as Viator.
We’re pleased to hear that despite your concerns, you found the experience informative, emotional, and worth visiting. Thank you again for your honest and helpful review.
Rona_R, Feb 2026
Viator is a complete rip off. Real ticket price is R500 per foreigner. Viator charged me R1300 for two reminder messages and an emailed ‘ticket’ which I could add to my Apple wallet and which was refused at the ticket barrier. Hopeless.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that you felt disappointed with the pricing and your experience.
We would like to clarify that we are one of the most affordable independent tour operators offering this experience. When bookings are made through platforms such as Viator, the total price includes platform service fees, commission, and booking support, which are separate from the standard ticket price issued by Robben Island Museum.
It is also important to note that many of our guests book last minute after finding that tickets are sold out directly through the museum, as availability often sells out quickly, especially during peak season. In those situations, we assist by securing confirmed tickets and coordinating the process to avoid disappointment.
We sincerely apologize for the issue you experienced at the ticket barrier, as that is not the level of service we aim to provide. If you are willing, please share your booking reference so we can look into this matter further.
We appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to clarify.
Breda_P, Feb 2026
1)I booked the trip a few days before and I opted to pay on the day however my card was charged which I didn't want as we were going to pay cash on the day.
2) I booked and was charged then the day before got a call for more money as 3 of the ladies were from overseas, unfair I say.
3)We were placed in baking hot busses with no air con on a 30degree C day
4) My friend passed out and we were taken to the clinic where NO water NO medication was given despite them saying they would. There was no drinking water available despite her collapsing from the heat, lucky I had a water bottle on me. This could have been a lot worse.
5) There was no handover from the clinic to the ferry.
6) We were dropped back to the ferry where we had to ask to embark first.
7) They let people rush on before we could get our friend comfortable where a rude passenger grunted at us when I told her my friend was unwell and needed to lie down and proceeded to push herself on the bench so I stood up caring for my ill friend.
8) A member or the boat crew asked us " Is there something wrong with her and we explained she collapsed on the bus and needed medical care thinking he would assist us to get her more comfortable. He just tutted and walked away.
So we survive the boat trip back and the crew just stood there looking for tips.
To be honest I am not impressed. This matter could have been much worse but thankfully we had the commonsense to look after my friend.
To be honest I would not recommend this excursion to my overseas friends again considering we paid R5000 for it which I feel was way to overpriced to start with.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly sorry to hear about what happened during your visit, especially regarding your friend’s health. That must have been very stressful for you, and we sincerely hope she recovered well after the incident.
We would like to clarify one important point regarding the additional charge. The booking was made under the South African citizens rate, which is strictly reserved by the Robben Island Museum for guests who can provide valid South African ID numbers. As some of your guests were international travelers, the museum required the tickets to be corrected to the appropriate international rate. We assisted you with updating the tickets in line with the museum’s policy to ensure your group could still travel.
The bus conditions, medical assistance on the island, ferry boarding process, and crew conduct are all managed directly by the Robben Island Museum and ferry operators. However, your feedback is very serious and we will ensure it is forwarded to the relevant authorities, as guest safety and care should always be a priority.
We truly regret that this was your experience and appreciate you bringing these concerns to our attention.
Christine_C, Feb 2026
A very powerful explanation of what went on in the prison.
Well worth it.
Guide was very good as he was an ex-prisoner
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Christine,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
We’re truly pleased to hear that you found the tour powerful and meaningful. Having a guide who is a former prisoner often adds a deeply personal and impactful perspective, and we’re glad this made your visit even more memorable.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to welcome you on another experience with us in the future.
Warm regards,
Reservations Team
Siyabonga_M, Jan 2026
Bus trip on the island with stops at heritage sites ,interesting for those who have background of South African history pre 94
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re glad you found the bus tour around the island and the heritage site stops interesting, especially if you have a background in South African history. Robben Island is indeed a powerful and meaningful experience.
We appreciate your review and hope to welcome you again in Cape Town.
Willemien_S, Jan 2026
Very informative, well organized, thank you. Would have loved to wander around a bit longer... Regards
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re glad to hear that you found the tour informative and well organized. We appreciate your comment about having more time to explore, and we hope the experience was still memorable overall.
Kind regards,
Ivan
Minahil_H, Jan 2026
Good for a one-time experience. Stuff was not very friendly. Tour guides were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you found the tour guides exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, as they truly add value to the experience. We’re sorry to hear that some staff interactions did not meet your expectations, and we will take your comments on board as we continue to improve our service. We appreciate you taking the time to review your experience.
Melise_B, Jan 2026
It was the most informative trip I’ve ever taken, The guides were friendly and informative. Loved it.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you found the trip extremely informative and that you enjoyed the friendly, knowledgeable guides. We’re thrilled you loved the experience and truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Lea_L, Jan 2026
Difficult to hear about inhumane treatment of prisoners but important to better understand plight of Black
People during and since apartheid.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing your reflection. We understand that the history shared on the tour can be difficult to hear, but it is an important part of understanding the inhumane treatment endured by prisoners and the broader plight of Black people during and after apartheid. We appreciate you taking the time to engage with this powerful and meaningful history.
From $59.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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