Robben Island Museum Tickets with Former Political Prisoner Guide
Cape Town, South Africa
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
What's Included
- Guided Robben Island tour by former political prisoner
- Guided island tour
- Prison tour
- Educational insights
- Entrance fee - Robben Island
- Round trip ferry transfer
- All Fees and Taxes
- Lunch
- Gratuities and services or items of personal nature.
- Hotel pick-up and drop off not included
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben IslandV&A Waterfront, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Guests are required to be at this place 45 minutes before boarding time
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Waterfront Clock Tower (Pass By)
1
Robben Island Museum
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Murray's Bay Harbour (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- BEFORE TICKETS CAN BE ISSUED, ensure you have: • Full names of all participants • Date and time of the selected ferry departure • Nationality (often required for manifest purposes) • Contact number or email (for emergency communication) • Confirmation of payment through the booking platform (GetYourGuide, Viator, direct website, etc.)
- WEATHER CLEARANCE Robben Island Museum tours are guaranteed after confirming weather conditions, usually: • On the morning of the tour, or • 1–2 hours before departure This is because ferries can be cancelled last-minute due to: • Strong winds • Rough sea conditions • Mechanical or operational issues Tickets are not released early to avoid visitors travelling unnecessarily when the ferry may be cancelled.
- PASSENGER MANIFEST REQUIREMENTS (Why we ask names of participants) To issue the final boarding ticket, the following must be completed: • Each participant must be added to the passenger manifest • Names must match the ID/passport, as the ferry is a regulated maritime transport service • Children must be listed individually This is a legal requirement for maritime safety.
- COMMUNICATION WITH GUESTS Once the tour is confirmed: • Tickets are sent via WhatsApp or email • Guests are reminded to bring: • A valid ID/passport for adults • The digital ticket (QR code) • To arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.9
based on 65 reviews
Kevin_H, Mar 2026
Very poignant, be aware the crossing can feel a bit bouncy and the buses are very very crowded.
But that’s irrelevant compared to the tale told…
Very good exper
Henning_S, Nov 2025
A wonderful but emotional experience.
Well presented by the guides. The talk by the previous inmate was touching.
David_F, Oct 2025
Operator cancelled trip due to bad weather and ferry crossings to the island was cancelled. Still waiting for my refund
Lenore_F, Oct 2025
If you get motion sickness it's best if you take some meds prior you going on the boat. Other than that it made me humble and appreciative for what our forefathers sacrifice for our freedom. 😇
Thanduxolo_G, Oct 2025
Trip can be canceled due to weather at any given day. Do not forget to reschedule at the ticket counter.
daniel_s, Sep 2025
Even though we didn’t meet our guide due to miscommunication, we enjoyed our time on robben island experience. The company was good at getting our tickets to us in timely matter and no problems getting ferry, bus or prison tour. When I inquired about not meeting guide, very responsible company about refund.
Maria_B, Apr 2025
The ships were comfortable and safe. Everyrhing went well and they took us around explaining things to us
Marta_L, Mar 2025
Do not book through this operator!! The tour I booked was cancelled, due to technical issues. I got an e-mail that I would get it refunded, and replied to the operator to proceed with the refund. After several days, I still haven't heard anything back and have not recieved any refund.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the tour cancellation. We understand how disappointing this can be, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify the process.
When tours are canceled, tour operators, reservation companies, and Robben Island Museum have established procedures to ensure guests are accommodated. Clients are always notified of cancellations with the option to either reschedule or receive a full refund. Since rescheduling is time-sensitive due to limited availability, our priority is to secure new slots for affected guests before they sell out. Refunds are then processed automatically for those who do not request a reschedule.
We appreciate your patience and understanding and remain committed to providing the best possible service. Please feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance.
Graham_D, Mar 2025
Very delayed, an hour leaving cape town then another 45 minutes delay on the island waiting for another boat to arrive.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We understand that delays can be frustrating, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide some clarity.
Each ferry slot to Robben Island Museum typically has two boats operating. However, when only one boat is in service, delays may occur. Our dedicated staff actively inform visitors about these delays and offer the option to reschedule or cancel with a full refund for those with other commitments.
We value your feedback and remain committed to improving our communication and service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist you further
Ann_S, Jan 2025
Unbelievable tour, everyone should visit Robben Island. Guides are former prisoners and were excellent
Dan_M, Sep 2024
Excellent service right up to boarding the ferry. Helpful precheck lists and suggestions. Convenient and clear website.
RAJESH_G, Sep 2024
The tour-guife and driver, Mr. Kelvin was a great company and tour guide. He has excellent knowledge, great narrative skills, polite and caring. It was a great pleasure spending the day with him. Capetown ofcourse is beautiful
Mari_G, Sep 2024
Fantastic experience 👏, friendly staff helping all the way. Robin Eiland tour was very informative and interesting 👍
Response from Host, Sep 2024
As tour operator welcoming people from all over the World visiting Robben Island, we value their presence as symbol of honoring the values of freedom, justice and resilience associated with Mandela and his fellow freedom fighters
catherine, Sep 2024
Do not book this. Just go to dock and do it yourself. Make sure weather is good. 10’ waves very rocky. People talking could hear nothing.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thanks for your review, and we are sorry to see that we didn't respond
to your expectation. If weather is the reason you were not satisfied
with our services, this is beyond our control. Your second concern is
misleading tour operators do not conduct tour on the island, after
tour participants are encouraged to ask questions to former political
prisoners who conduct tour on the island, if you had any question they
could have attend to you, we consider every person visiting Robben
Island as global champion of human rights sometimes to control a group
of more than 25 people in the bus touring or in the cell by one tour
guide can be difficult, surely if you could have asked questions you
could have experience great tour
Marsha_H, Aug 2024
Driver did not pick us up. We were advised we would get a refund. Very disappointing 😞. I've never experienced a driver NOT showing.!!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are truly sorry to hear that our service did not meet your expectations. However, we would like to clarify a few points.
We can assure you that the tickets for the Robben Island Museum tour were indeed provided as per your booking. These were sent directly to the WhatsApp number you provided (+14042712023). Our service was designed to provide you with the tour tickets and any necessary assistance regarding them, which we fulfilled.
We understand that there may have been some confusion about what our service includes. Our product specifically offers the tickets for the Robben Island Museum tour and the support related to them. We apologize if there was any misunderstanding, and we always strive to ensure that our customers are fully informed about the details of what is included.
We appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve our communication and service in the future. If there is anything further we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Aslam_N, Aug 2024
Tour operator messed up dates and time. Overcharged. I just bought directly from ticket office - much better option, immediate and way cheaper. Trip was fantastic but viator and associated tour operators are dodgy. Refunds slow and quite a process.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize that our service did not meet your expectations. However, we would like to clarify a few points regarding your experience.
We provided your tickets three days prior to your scheduled experience. We acknowledge that there was an error in the booking date, but it was not brought to our attention until a few minutes before the experience. At that time, we were already in the process of correcting the mistake. However, you informed us that you were handling the issue on your own, so we did not proceed further.
Regarding the concern about overcharges, please note that when using the services of an agency, commission fees are standard practice as they cover the costs of facilitating and securing your booking.
We regret that this situation led to dissatisfaction and appreciate your understanding. We always strive to improve our services, and your feedback is invaluable in helping us do so. If there’s anything more we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Edwina_P, Aug 2024
The tour itself was great. Booking through this company was awful. Don't do it.
A third party rep met us at the ferry with our tickets on his phone. Until that point we were sent an irredeemable voucher with a booking reference that meant nothing.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize that your experience did not meet expectations. There are a few key points we would like to clarify regarding the product and booking process.
Robben Island Museum tour tickets are available to everyone, but unfortunately, they come with strict non-refundable and non-exchangeable policies unless the tour is canceled due to weather conditions. During periods of bad weather, the Museum conducts a safety check approximately an hour before the tour by sending out ferries to test the water conditions. For example, if the tour is scheduled for 09:00, this assessment happens around 07:45. Based on this, the Museum advises whether the tour can proceed.
This process can create challenges for tour operators like us, as we navigate last-minute changes and try to accommodate requests for refunds or rescheduling. It's important to note that when booking through third-party platforms such as Viator or GetYourGuide, the payment goes through them, and their commissions are involved. This means that any refund requests need to be handled in coordination with those agencies and local operators.
Another issue that arises is the confusion between the confirmation voucher from the booking agency and the actual tickets for the tour. Sometimes, the necessary details, such as the full names of all participants, including children under 18, are not provided during booking. This information is essential as names are printed on the tickets, and any discrepancies can lead to complications when trying to redeem them.
We are sorry that this situation affected your experience, and we are committed to improving our services and communication to better meet the needs of our clients in the future. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Lynnie, Aug 2024
Robben Island excellent tour. Operator non existent. No one to meet us or get us through collecting tickets.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about the confusion regarding the pickup and drop-off service, which is indeed not included as clearly stated in the product description. It seems there was a misunderstanding regarding the confirmation process. The voucher you received from Viator serves as a booking confirmation, and the actual ticket to the island is sent through a separate channel once we receive the necessary communication from our guests.
We always aim to provide clear instructions and encourage guests to reach out to us directly if there are any uncertainties. We appreciate your understanding and hope you’ll consider giving us another opportunity in the future.
Frances_P, Mar 2024
Our two guides were both ex convicts from Robben Island which made our tour very relevant as well as memorable
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Indeed, it is relevant, educative and memorable. Thank you for sharing your experience. Much appreciated.
Chris_p, Mar 2024
Mr T was excellent and we had an excellent tour..very helpful with my walking issues and trip was well organized and provided good history
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi Chris, Giraffe Horizons and i greatly appreciate your positive feedback! It's fantastic to learn that you had a wonderful time on the tour. Our goal is to offer outstanding experiences to each of our guests, and we're delighted that we succeeded in meeting your expectations. We can't wait to have you join us again in the future!
Chryll_S, Feb 2024
This was a great tour. Our driver was fun, punctual and caring. Robben Island was well organized and a sobering experience. Highly recommend this tour and driver.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and found it informative. We appreciate your recommendation!
William_S, Jan 2024
The tour provided a great history of the island, including the experiences of other inmates in additional to Nelson Mandela.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thanks for your feedback and observations about our organized Robben Island Museum tour. Much appreciated. Be blessed 🙌
Jennifer_W, Jan 2024
Loved this tour! Learned alot and visited Nelson Mandela’s jail cell. Tour guide, Tafa was very prompt, patient and super hospitable. I highly recommend him!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We are glad that you have enjoyed your tour and Tafa's company while facilitating the entire process
K_S, Dec 2023
Overall it was a good tour. Very informative. Seeing the actual cell sizes was moving. It made the reality of the imprisoned life more real. It was also interesting to have a former political prisoner as a tour guide - to be able to bring first hand accounts to the tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Mr.K-S
Cindy_v, Sep 2024
Tour ging niet door als gevolg van weersomstandigheden. Kan gebeuren echter zou prettig zijn als Viator en/of de lokale operator zouden reageren op herhaalde verzoeken om restitutie van het reeds betaalde geld!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Het spijt ons te horen dat onze klant de touroperator de schuld heeft gegeven voor de annulering van zijn ervaring vanwege ongunstige weersomstandigheden, waar wij geen controle over hadden. Als touroperator hebben wij aan onze verantwoordelijkheid voldaan door de klant tijdig te informeren over de mogelijkheid tot verplaatsing of terugbetaling. Omdat er geen reactie van de klant kwam, hebben we het boekingsbedrijf op de hoogte gebracht om door te gaan met het terugbetalingsproces.
We vertrouwen erop dat dit de situatie verduidelijkt en blijven beschikbaar voor verdere vragen.
From $75.19
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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