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
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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
4.1
based on 97 reviews
Adil_N, May 2026
Its a good experience to understand the struggle South African freedom leaders went through. A 45 minutes boat ride each way from the Cape Town waterfront.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re pleased to hear that your visit to Robben Island gave you a deeper understanding of the struggles and sacrifices made by South Africa’s freedom leaders.
The ferry journey from V&A Waterfront and the powerful history shared on the island truly make for a meaningful experience.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Jessica_D, May 2026
The experience on the island was excellent, so much respect for the guides there, however from Cape town side there was no ‘skip the line’ once you are waiting to board, poor communication from the company regarding tickets as the trip was brought forward an hour. Probably better off being early and lining up for tickets. I think I paid a lot more for not very much service.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your honest feedback. We’re very pleased to hear that you found the experience at Robben Island excellent and that you had great respect for the guides and the meaningful stories shared during the tour.
We do apologise for the confusion regarding the ticket communication and the schedule adjustment. Ferry departure times can occasionally change due to operational requirements from the Robben Island Museum, and we understand how frustrating this may have felt.
Regarding the “skip the line” experience, all guests are still required to join the official boarding process managed at the terminal.
We truly appreciate your honest comments and will use your feedback to improve communication for future guests.
Diana_P, May 2026
Incredibly moving experience and well organized. 30 to 45 minute Ferry trip from the Cape Town Waterfront to Robben Island. Ferry is clean and very organized with a lovely video playing of Nelson Mandela and his most famous quotes. Ferry felt safe at all times. Restroom on ferry. Docking at Robben Island was also easy. Truly phenomenal tour. First tour guide speaks while the tour group is driven around on an air conditioned/ heated comfortable bus. Extremely knowledgeable tour guide. The most powerful part of this tour is when a former political prisoner who spent time at Robben Island shows you his cell as well as Nelson Mandela’s cell. This man was so well spoken, educated, humble and kind. He told such moving stories of life on Robben Island as a political prisoner. We saw prisoners bunks, learned about their daily lives and the horrible conditions, threatening police and dogs and their required hard labor in the lime quarry there. We also learned about the importance of education among the political prisoners. The youngest aged prisoner was just 11 years old who spent 10 years there. His crime? Throwing rocks at the Apartheid police. Wonderful gift shop as well as a second gift shop with crafts made by wives of former political prisoners. Bought so much at the crafts gift shop. Truly beautiful items there. I cannot say more positive things about this moving experience. I will be returning next year with my adult children. The story of Nelson Mandela is incredibly moving and inspirational. The team at Robben Island does a phenomenal job..
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your heartfelt review. We’re delighted to hear that your visit to Robben Island was such a moving and well-organised experience.
The personal stories shared by former political prisoners through the Robben Island Museum programme truly leave a lasting impact, and we’re glad the experience was so meaningful for you.
We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back to Cape Town in the future.
Tina_F, May 2026
A humbling, educational, well organized tour. Our guides were former political prisoners, jailed and tortured for standing up for their rights, for speaking out, for their activism. Gut-wrenching to hear of some of their experiences there but necessary.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful and heartfelt review. We’re pleased to hear that you found your visit to Robben Island educational, humbling, and well organised.
Hearing firsthand experiences from former political prisoners through the Robben Island Museum programme is deeply powerful and an important reminder of South Africa’s history and resilience.
We truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us.
Carlos_B, May 2026
Ferry was 30 minutes late and the tour was very rushed. I believe we were supposed to get off the bus a couple of times. However, the guide on the bus did so much personal talking we didn’t. We were given 4 minutes at the gift shop and break area. Also, the whole group had to run/power walk to make it back to the ferry on time.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that parts of your visit to Robben Island felt rushed and did not fully meet your expectations.
Unfortunately, ferry departures operate on strict schedules managed by the Robben Island Museum, and delays earlier in the day can sometimes impact the timing of the overall tour experience. We also understand your frustration regarding the limited time at the stop areas and the rushed return to the ferry.
At the same time, we’re pleased that the guide’s personal insights added value to the experience, even though the timing balance may not have been ideal on this occasion.
We truly appreciate your honest feedback, as it helps improve future guest experiences.
John_W, May 2026
Unfortunately cancelled due to weather although the weather seemed fine! Viator continued to send me reminders long after cancellation
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback, and we’re truly sorry that your visit to Robben Island was cancelled due to weather conditions.
Although the weather may have appeared fine on land, ferry operations are determined by sea and safety conditions, which can change quickly and are assessed directly by the ferry authorities.
Guest safety always remains the top priority.
We appreciate your understanding and thank you for sharing your experience.
Eric_N, May 2026
The tour was OK. After the 45 minutes boat ride, you get put on a bus which takes you around the island. You learn about the school that used to be there and a cemetery. Then you get taken to the jail where a former prisoner talks to you about their experience at Robben. Lastly you see Mandela cell.
Honestly, I'd rather they run more frequent ferry service and just show visitors the cell. The trip is a little unnecessarily long. It should be 3 hours max, not 4. I personally would skip, but that's just me
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about your visit to Robben Island.
We understand that the overall duration of the experience may feel long for some visitors, especially with ferry schedules, the guided bus tour, and the prison visit all included as part of the official programme operated by the Robben Island Museum. The intention of the tour is to provide broader historical context about the island beyond only Nelson Mandela’s cell.
We’re pleased that you were still able to experience the prison tour and hear firsthand stories from a former prisoner, which many guests find to be the most meaningful part of the visit.
We appreciate your perspective and thank you again for your feedback.
Michele_S, May 2026
Spectacular , excellent guides, beautiful and enriching experience, highly recommend, an incredible value.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a spectacular and enriching experience.
It’s great to know that the guides made such a positive impression and that you found the experience both memorable and excellent value.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Cape Town.
john_j, May 2026
Only one boat so the later in the day you go the more chance you have of having to wait
I had a great experience talking to and learning from the boat crew especially Shorty the 1st mate
The bus tour was great and Yacine was very experienced coming out of retirement for marathon weekend to accommodate the number of people
The prisoner we had as a guide was a bit repetitive but informative, I could have done with more yacine and less of this
Overall it was a learning experience that I enjoyed
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable and educational experience at Robben Island.
It’s wonderful to know that the ferry crew, especially Shorty, as well as Yacine on the bus tour, made such a positive impression during your visit. We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding the prison tour guide’s style and understand that different guides connect differently with guests.
Thank you again for sharing your
Bruce_J, May 2026
The tour was very informative; however, the tour on Viator was very misleading. First, there wasn’t a special tour guide; we had the same guide as everyone who paid 40% less than we did. You will save 40% by skipping Viator and going directly to the ferry/island concessionaire. Secondly, we were not permitted to enter Nelson Mandela’s jail cell which was listed on Viator’s itinerary. For these reasons, I would not recommend Viator for this tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Bruce,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re pleased to hear that you found the tour informative and meaningful.
Please kindly note that the tours at Robben Island are operated by the official Robben Island Museum, meaning all guests join the same guided experience regardless of the booking platform used. Many guests choose to book through partners such as Viator to secure preferred dates and time slots, especially when tickets are sold out in advance.
Regarding Nelson Mandela’s cell, this is something our guests absolutely do not miss. Visitors are taken through the former prison section, including the area where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his imprisonment. Access inside the cell itself may sometimes be restricted depending on operational flow and crowd management on the day, but the cell and prison section remain one of the most important highlights of the experience.
We appreciate your honest comments and thank you again for sharing your experience.
Kind regards,
Ivan
Mike_T, May 2026
What a fantastic trip. Well organised from start to finish. The tour of Robben Island was incredible. The guide on the bus was outstanding as was the guide in the prison.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience and found everything well organised from start to finish.
It’s especially great to know that both the bus guide and prison guide made such a strong impression during your visit to Robben Island.
We truly appreciate your kind feedback and hope to welcome you again in Cape Town.
Edgar_M, May 2026
A very well organised experience with fantastic tour guides that will blow you away along with a superb museum.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience well organised and enjoyed the fantastic guides and museum visit.
It’s always rewarding to know that the stories and history shared at Robben Island leave such a strong impression on our guests.
We truly appreciate your kind feedback and hope to welcome you again in Cape Town.
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.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re pleased to hear that you found the tour informative and that the guides at Robben Island were knowledgeable and engaging.
We understand your comments regarding pricing through Viator. Many guests choose this option to secure preferred time slots, especially when tickets sell out quickly in advance.
We appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for sharing your experience.
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.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience well organised and communication clear throughout the day.
Although your original ferry was cancelled, we’re glad we could arrange an alternative departure and ensure your visit to Robben Island remained smooth and stress-free.
Thank you for your kind words — we truly appreciate it and are pleased you had 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.
From $59.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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