Half Day Robben Island Tour with Customizable Options
Badge of Excellence
Cape Town, South Africa
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Offered in: English
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Overview
With this flexible package, you can choose the Robben Island tour options that work for you. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off included, 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.
- Discover the best of Robben Island in just half a day
- Choose from different time slots to suit your schedule
- An island bus ride helps speed up your sightseeing
- Hotel pickup and Robben Island admission are included
What's Included
- Entrance fee - Robben Island
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (If option is selected)
- Professional driver and guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Parking Fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Food and Drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (If option is not selected)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
1
Robben Island Museum
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Pick up is Excluded in A Legacy of Resilience Option
- Meet our Guide at the Meeting Point for Guidance
- One Hour before the activity time
- WhatsApp platform is Open 24/7 for mor enquiries
- We will need the Passport or ID on the day of Activity
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.3
based on 89 reviews
Lavern_B, Mar 2026
The buses are not air conditioned and the seating is crammed. This makes for a very uncomfortable ride. It was hard to focus on our tour guide’s info. I loved the fact that our guides were those who had actually experienced the life there in the jail. I would do it again but come prepared for the elements.
Evelyn_L, Feb 2026
It's a scam. Book the tour tickets at the museum itself save eur 40 (it is exactly the same). Poor communication and unclear instructions prior to the tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We genuinely value all our guests' opinions, as they help us improve our services. We're sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
We want to clarify that our intention is to provide a seamless and enjoyable booking process for all our customers. Many guests have appreciated the convenience we offer, as well as the personalized service we strive to deliver.
We encourage potential guests to check our numerous positive reviews from satisfied travelers who have enjoyed their experiences with us. We hope you will reconsider and give us another chance in the future.
Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you all the best in your future travels.
Tim_V, Feb 2026
We have used Viator an numerous occasions and just recently on our trip to Spain with the same positive experience. But this did not happen at Robben Island excursion. The whole reason for booking with Viator is too have your experience handled by professionals. I was given the specific instruction to meet the representative at a specific location and at a specific time. However, nobody ever showed up. Without any direction we were left to wonder around. Fortunately, somebody did reply from the company and told us to get on the Ferry and that EVERYBODY was doing the same tour. Which begs the question why am i booking with a private company and paying more for the service if EVERYBODY is getting on the same boat, and then getting on the same bus, and then returning together. I should have just booked directly with the Capetown Tourist Office if there was no difference. In the end, the boat and tour was informative but not because Viator did anything.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your recent experience. We genuinely appreciate hearing from our guests, as it helps us to continuously improve our services.
We would like to clarify that the tour you booked is a shared tour, as indicated on our platform. We always strive to provide clear information about the nature of our tours to ensure that all guests know what to expect. If you are seeking a more private experience, we do offer an option for a private Robben Island tour that may better suit your needs.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to consider our other tour options in the future. We are committed to providing a great experience for all our guests, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again.
Andrew_W, Feb 2026
Great tour....very educational, emotional, informative and will leave you speechless.
Tour operator streamlined the process by providing tickets in advance, picked us up from hotel and took us to boat, guided us through line to get on boat and were waiting for us when we returned.
While on the island, guides were waiting for us and we were honored with getting a guided tour by a former political prisoner. This tour was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend.
This is a popular tour so it gets crowded but the experienced staff handles the crowd very well. They break up the groups on different buses and with different guides and go through different sections of the prison so the tour doesn't seem overcrowded and you are not overwhelmed.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your incredible and detailed review!
We’re truly grateful for your kind words and thrilled to hear that the Robben Island tour was such a powerful and memorable experience for you. Describing it as educational, emotional, and speechless is the highest compliment we could receive.
It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated the seamless organization — from advance tickets and hotel pickup to guiding you through the boarding process. We always aim to make the experience smooth and stress-free so our guests can fully focus on the significance of the journey.
We’re especially pleased that you valued the guided tour on the island, particularly the opportunity to learn from a former political prisoner. That personal perspective is deeply meaningful and adds such an important dimension to the visit.
Thank you as well for acknowledging how our team manages the crowds. As you mentioned, this is a very popular tour, and we work hard to ensure the experience remains well-structured, engaging, and comfortable for everyone.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Cape Town for another unforgettable experience in the future! 🌍✨
Glynis_H, Feb 2026
Love paying for pickup and drop off but being told it’s not available the day of…scrambled to find alternate
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We would like to kindly clarify that all pickup and drop-off information is clearly stated in the experience details provided at the time of booking. Our pickup service is available within a 5 km radius only, and this was communicated in advance.
We also reached out to you on time to confirm the arrangements and ensure there was clarity before the experience date. We always encourage guests to carefully review all information before booking to avoid any inconvenience on the day.
MChristopher_B, Jan 2026
This experience has changed. The quality of your experience is contingent on your tour guide. Everything is extremely professional and executed with quality controls.
Debra_M, Jan 2026
We would really recommend this tour. Boat takes 30 minutes but well worth doing for the experience. Our tour guide was an ex prisoner and very informative.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! 🌟
We’re delighted to hear that your Half Day Robben Island Tour was such a memorable experience. A 30-minute boat ride is a small price for such a powerful journey, and having an ex-prisoner as your guide truly adds a unique and insightful perspective.
We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you on more meaningful tours with KJA Tours! 🚤🇿🇦
Veronica_B, Jan 2026
Emotional and authentic to be guided by former prisoners. The boat transfer is about half of the time.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience. Being guided by former prisoners truly makes the visit emotional, powerful, and authentic, and we’re glad it had such an impact on you. The boat transfer is indeed part of the journey, and we hope the overall experience on Robben Island made it meaningful and unforgettable. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in the future.
Alex_V, Dec 2025
Scam, buy your tickets directly on the official website. There it is 600 rand per person. Beside that, it is a very poor experience. Wouldn't recommend it, I would even say it's a waste of time.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
We would like to clarify a few important points for transparency. The booking you selected was specifically reserved for South African citizens, which is clearly stated at the time of booking and is priced differently from international tickets. As an international visitor, the balance required to match the correct ticket category was communicated in advance, in line with Robben Island’s official pricing policy. Unfortunately, this balance could not be settled, which led to dissatisfaction.
We did, however, provide the agreed service, including timely pickup and assistance, and followed our clearly stated cancellation and booking policies, which apply equally to all guests. We are unable to deviate from these policies, as they are designed to ensure fairness and compliance with official regulations.
We take pride in offering professional and reliable service to our guests, and many of our reviews reflect positive and meaningful experiences. While we regret that this visit did not meet your expectations, we respectfully disagree that the service provided was a scam or a waste of time.
We appreciate your feedback, as it helps future guests better understand the importance of selecting the correct booking option.
Kathi_J, Nov 2025
Very moving to learn of the courage of the anti-apartheid leaders. Max, our guide, a former prisoner, was inspiring!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad that you found the tour moving and that learning about the courage of anti-apartheid leaders left a strong impression.
Max’s personal story and insights truly bring history to life, and we’re delighted to hear he inspired you. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we hope this experience stays with you for a long time.
Patricia_J, Nov 2025
Great experience. Well worth seeing what Mandela and his colleagues had to endure. Very humbling experience
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We're deeply moved by your kind words about your experience with us. It's wonderful to hear that you found the tour to be a great experience and that it had a profound impact on you.
As you've so eloquently put it, the story of Mandela and his colleagues is indeed a humbling one. Their bravery, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of adversity are an inspiration to us all. We're glad that our tour was able to provide you with a deeper understanding of their experiences and the significance of the places you visited.
We believe that by sharing the stories of those who fought for freedom and equality, we can learn from their struggles and be inspired by their courage. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Your words mean a lot to us, and we're grateful that you were able to connect with the history and the people who shaped it. We hope that the experience will stay with you for a long time and that it will inspire you to continue learning about and appreciating the complexities of our world.
As Mandela once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." We're honored to be a part of sharing his legacy and the stories of those who fought alongside him.
Thank you again for your kind words and for being a part of our journey. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back again soon.
Ellis_L, Nov 2025
Excellent tour and wonderful Idea to use former imprisoned individuals , the gentleman we had served 7 years of his 35 year sentence.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear valued customer,
We're deeply touched by your kind words about our tour and the unique aspect of our guides being former imprisoned individuals. We're glad that you found the tour to be excellent and that our guide's personal story had a profound impact on you.
We believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and our program aims to provide a platform for former prisoners to share their experiences and insights with the public. By doing so, we hope to promote healing, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.
The gentleman who was your guide, having served 7 years of his 35-year sentence, is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and transformation. His story is a powerful reminder that people can change and grow, and that with the right support and opportunities, they can become positive contributors to society.
We're proud to be a part of this journey and to be able to offer a unique and impactful experience to our guests. Your feedback is a valuable validation of our efforts, and we're grateful for your appreciation of our guide's story and our program.
Your support means a lot to us, and we're thankful that you're helping to spread the word about our tour and the important work that we're doing. We hope that you'll continue to share your experience with others and that you'll stay in touch with us about any future visits or opportunities to get involved.
Once again, thank you for your kind words and for being a part of our journey.
KimW_L, Nov 2025
The tour was excellent. So glad that we decided to do it at the last minute, so worth it. Very educational.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear valued customer,
We're thrilled to hear that you had an excellent experience on our tour! We're glad that you decided to join us at the last minute - it's wonderful that you were able to fit it into your schedule and that it exceeded your expectations.
We're particularly pleased that you found the tour to be very educational. Our goal is to provide a engaging and informative experience that leaves our guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area. It's great to hear that we were able to achieve that for you.
Our team works hard to create an enjoyable and enriching experience for all our guests, and it's wonderful to know that our efforts paid off for you. We're grateful for your kind words and for taking the time to share your feedback with us.
If you have any other opportunities to visit us again, we'd be delighted to have you back. In the meantime, we hope that the memories and knowledge you gained from our tour will stay with you for a long time.
Thank you again for choosing our tour, and we wish you all the best on your future travels!
Charles_M, Nov 2025
Not really a tour. Mainly just a ride to the ferry and back. Much cheaper if you do it on your own. However, tickets sell fast so if you did not pre-book in advance and your time is limited, then this tour might be your only option.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about your experience with our transport service to the ferry. We understand that our service may not have met your expectations as a traditional tour, but rather served as a convenient ride to the ferry and back.
We appreciate your comment about the cost-effectiveness of doing it on your own. We acknowledge that our service may not be the most budget-friendly option, especially for those who have the time and flexibility to plan ahead.
However, as you mentioned, tickets to the ferry can sell out quickly, and our service can provide a convenient and reliable option for those with limited time or who haven't had a chance to pre-book their tickets in advance. We're glad that we could provide a solution for you, even if it wasn't the most cost-effective one.
We'll take your feedback into consideration and continue to evaluate our services to ensure that we're meeting the needs of our customers. If you have any other suggestions or comments, please don't hesitate to share them with us.
marita_C, Oct 2025
Wonderful trip to Robben Island and educational experience about South Africa , learning about Nelson Mandela
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience!
We’re delighted to hear that you had a wonderful and educational trip to Robben Island, and that the visit gave you valuable insights into South Africa’s history and the life of Nelson Mandela. It’s always our goal to provide meaningful and memorable experiences, and we’re so pleased we could be part of yours.
We hope to welcome you again in the future for more enriching adventures.
Warm regards, Collin
Thomas_L, Oct 2025
Trip was cancelled, still awaiting refund three days later! Have written to Viator, operator was helpful, but no money back yet.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for reaching out, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.
We understand your concern regarding the refund for your cancelled trip. Please rest assured that we always issue refunds in accordance with our cancellation policies, and your refund has already been processed from our side.
In some cases, it may take a few business days for the amount to reflect in your account, depending on your bank or payment provider. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
If you do not see the refund within the next few days, please don’t hesitate to contact us again, and we’ll be happy to assist .
Robert_W, Sep 2025
Utterly life-changing once in a lifetime experience to hear about the evils of Apartheid and the sacrifices made by the prisoners at Robben Island. You also have the unique opportunity to hear about it from a political prisoner who did time there. Come soon, they are getting on in years.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing such a meaningful reflection on your visit to Robben Island.
We're truly honored to help facilitate experiences that shed light on South Africa’s history and the powerful stories of those who lived through it. Hearing firsthand accounts from former political prisoners is indeed a rare and deeply moving opportunity—one that we’re grateful to still be able to share with visitors from around the world.
We appreciate your thoughtful words and hope the experience stays with you for a long time.
Suzanne_W, Sep 2025
Lovely, though emotionally moving experience. Joseph, who picked us up from the hotel was great. Smooth crossing and our guide on Robben Island was an ex political prisoner so had some deeply moving experiences to share. Guide on the bus shared lots of the history. All in all an unmissable experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
We’re truly glad to hear you had a smooth and meaningful visit to Robben Island. It’s always a privilege to learn from those who lived through such powerful history, and we’re happy Joseph could help make the journey comfortable and memorable for you.
Thank you for choosing us, and for recommending this important experience. We hope to welcome you again in the future!
Michelle_F, Jun 2025
we booked the trip and paid it. no body was at the meeting point. then we found out, that the robben island (the tour we booked) is closed at the moment and is not open for visitors.. i had to call the office and they told me that its true and they will give me a refund - let‘s see. until now i did not get my money back.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you faced regarding your Robben Island tour. We understand how frustrating it can be when plans don't go as expected.
We have been attempting to contact you at the number you provided to assist with your refund. Please be assured that the refund process can take a couple of working days to reflect in your account.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding as we resolve this matter. Thank you for your patience!
Marie_C, Jun 2025
Fantastic guides, Great story telling, difficult story but with some laughs thrown in by guides. Amazing experience .
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your amazing feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the storytelling aspect of the tour and found our guides to strike a balance between conveying important history and adding a touch of humor. It's great to know that you had a fantastic experience overall. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for more enriching adventures in the future! Safe travels!
Dawn_M, Jun 2025
The driver picked us up and had our tickets so that made it easy. They took us to the entrance and then picked us up. It wasn't really more than a shuttle to and from the ferry but it was nice to be parked close and not to have to hassle.
YOON_K, May 2025
It’s a must if one wants to reflect upon our common humanity. It’s not an easy subject, but one must remember how human can be so cruel to each other in order to not repeat the same mistake again. We must remember that whatever freedom we enjoy today, it was fought very hard by those who fought for it.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for sharing your profound reflection. We wholeheartedly agree that visiting Robben Island serves as an important reminder of our shared humanity and the struggles that many have faced in the fight for freedom. It's eye-opening and essential to acknowledge the past to ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes. We're grateful that you found value in the experience and hope it has inspired deeper thoughts about the significance of freedom. Thank you for being a part of this powerful journey, and we hope to see you again for more meaningful explorations.
Rick_W, May 2025
Air conditioned? Guide? Not what was in the description. There is nothing further to say. Why do I need a minimum number of letters?
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Valued Richard,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the discrepancies between the tour description and your experience. Your comments are important to us, and we will review them to improve our offerings. If you have any further details or concerns, please feel free to contact our customer service team. We appreciate your input and hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future.
Best regards, JOSEPH
Zinhle_M, Apr 2025
Its worth it. I would do it again given a chance. Guides very precise straight to a point with much insight.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you found the experience worth it and would consider doing it again. Our guides strive to provide clear and insightful information, so it’s wonderful to know that their efforts made a positive impact on your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure soon!
HERBERT_M, Mar 2025
Even though Robben island was cancelled due to bad weather our city tour we had with Joshua was amazing. Can fully recommend the cape town half day city tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Cape Town half-day city tour with Joshua, despite the unfortunate weather affecting the Robben Island visit. It's great to know that the city tour still managed to provide you with an amazing experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future! Safe travels!
Frances_B, Mar 2025
Robben Island tour company cancelled on us the fist booking and then they were booked out so we booked through Viator. Robben Island cancelled again. so we didn’t go due to all these technical problems with the boat. I heard people have been stranded on the Island as the boat keeps breaking down. Never got to go as we had to leave Cape Town.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your experience with the Robben Island tours. We understand how disappointing it must have been for you to have your plans disrupted, especially after facing multiple cancellations.
We take all feedback seriously and are continuously working to improve the reliability of our services. The technical issues with the boats are unfortunate, and we deeply regret the inconvenience this has caused you and many others.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future so that you can enjoy the significant history and beauty of Robben Island. Should you choose to visit again, please reach out to us again, and we will do our best to ensure a smooth experience.
Thank you once again for your understanding.
Erin_M, Mar 2025
The content of the tour is great and the guides were really good. My only note would be that being packed on a tour bus wasn’t the greatest - it would have been nice to have more room to be a bit more comfortable. But the overall experience was worthwhile.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your valuable feedback! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the content of the tour and found the guides to be great. We appreciate your note about the bus seating, and we understand that comfort is important during your experience. Your feedback will help us improve our tours for future guests. We’re thrilled that you found the overall experience worthwhile and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Safe travels!
Akhter_C, Mar 2025
A very moving experience to see the place the great man spent so many years developing into the giant that he became
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your poignant reflection! We’re glad to hear that your visit was a moving experience and that you were able to connect with the history and significance of the place. It’s truly inspiring to witness the journey of such a remarkable individual. We appreciate your thoughts and hope to welcome you back for more meaningful experiences in the future! Safe travels!
Kevin_J, Mar 2025
Scheduled trip canceled due to boat issues. Viator team got us on the next boat with no issues. Thanks for saving the day !
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your understanding and positive feedback! We’re so glad to hear that the Viator team was able to quickly assist you and get you on the next boat after the cancellation. It's always our goal to ensure a smooth experience for our guests, even in unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your patience and hope you had a great time on your trip! Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
Susanna_W, Mar 2025
Excellent, informative trip. Get the views of Cape Town from the sea and we were lucky enough to see a Whale which the ferry pilot even slowed and circled so all could see.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you had an excellent and informative trip while enjoying the beautiful views of Cape Town from the sea. Seeing a whale is such a special experience, and we're glad the ferry pilot made sure everyone had a chance to see it. Your feedback truly makes our day, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable adventures in the future! Safe travels!
From $59.59
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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