Robben Island: Half-Day Historical Tour

Book a hassle-free Robben Island tour from Cape Town. Explore Nelson Mandela’s cell and delve into South Africa’s rich history. Secure your spot now.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Robben Island Museum - Arrive at Nelson Mandela Gateway, here you will charter a shared boat to Robben Island Museum where you will be met by a former political prisoner who will conduct the tour of the Island. The entire tour lasts +-4 hours. For part of the tour, you will be transported around the island by bus, before you visit the prison cell…
What's Included
  • Entry/Admission to Robben Island
What's Not Included
  • Transfers between the V&A Waterfront & your Accommodation
Additional Information

Experience a hassle-free half-day adventure with our package, seamlessly blending museum exploration. Robben Island stands as a cornerstone of South African history, attracting countless visitors yearly. Ensure your spot by booking ahead, as this iconic destination offers profound insights into the nation’s past. Reflect on your return journey,…

Location
The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island
Near Clock Tower Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Central, 7400, South Africa.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(25 Ratings)
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Jane_j
Mar 24, 2025
Excellent - This was a very touching tour giving a first hand account of the hardship for the political prisoners of Robben Island. The presenter gave a first hand account of his time on the island a a factual presentation allowing time for questions from all ages. I highly recommend this tour to kids and adults of all ages.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_k
Mar 23, 2025
Well worth a visit - A calm 35 minute cataman ride to the island. We were assigned buses for 45 minute guided bus tour around the island with a stop off at a cafe. Guide was clear. We were dropped off at the prision where our tour with ex prision mate Jama, a very unassuming and quiet man talked about life in the prision for his 5 years there. If it was not for people like him ( who lead a protest) things would not change. A true hero. It must be bitter sweet talking about something that robbed you of some freedom
Review provided by Viator
W1598bfvalerieh
Mar 8, 2025
A sobering illustration of man’s inhumanity to man. - The sea journey was enhanced as we saw a pod of dolphins. It was a long wait to board our boat and the posters and videos were very informative. It would have been great that this information. Had been repeated on board too - there were TVs. The coach tour around the island was rather quickly done with little opportunity for photos - if you were on the wrong side of the coach you missed it! However our guide was very informative. A passionate delivery by our prison guide Tom made it so real. He was brilliant and kept it light in parts too. This facility must never been closed although I understand the SA government have withdrawn funding. Wouldn’t have missed this for the world and would recommend it to all adults. I’m not sure it’s for young children though.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisavermaak
Dec 29, 2024
What a moving experience, - Really enjoyed the tour from start to finish. The guides were excellent and full of information. Very moving experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aminabj9615vl
Dec 10, 2024
Lovely day at Robben Island with my family - Our driver guide Tom was on time for our pickup and made sure that we got the front seat which were comfortable our guide from the island was a former inmate who shared his stories he was knowledgeable. Everything went smoothly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roxanaak7504is
Nov 30, 2024
Robben Island /Tour Guide - Our tour guide HITIMANA YVES MURASHI, was excellent and very informative, my family learnt a lot he was a great tour guide. My family and I could not ask for anything more. I am sure to tell others about my trip to Cape Town.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I7976tjneilt
Feb 5, 2025
Robbens Isle half day tour! - Great communication, organized, comfortable boat! Land tour, organized, comfortable, Informative, powerful! Felt a little bit rushed at times Wanted, rest stop and gift shop visit but too rushed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosemary_m
Jan 6, 2025
Book direct. Avoid Viator - At reception in Robben Island I realised I had been hugely overcharged by Viator. The ferry was late and took one hour. The first part on the bus was not good. The PA system was poor, the content poor. Meeting the man in the prison who knew Mandela was memorable. He was a wonderful man.
Review provided by Viator
Debshka
Jan 23, 2025
Disappointing tour for the money - For the price, I expected a more. Ferry ride was smooth. Got off at the island and told to get on the tour bus, which simply took us through the gate. We were a large group, around 40 people, and it was difficult to hear the guide speaking while we were outside. In addition, he would speak while walking, and those at the back couldn't hear him. He also started speaking before everyone was caught up. We only went into one communal cell in B block, where he gave us a brief history and revealed he had been a political prisoner. After that, we walked to a different section to see cells, one of which Mandela had been in. Unfortunately, 3 large groups arrived at once, all crammed into the hallway of cells, and I did not get to see Mandela's cell, which was my main purpose of attending the tour. After that, we were put on another bus and driven to see 4 different areas. We were not allowed off the bus due to previous bad behaviour of other tourists. The only stop where we got off the bus was to see penguins. Overall, very disappointed
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nuno_f
Apr 6, 2025
Not worth the extra cost — avoid booking here - I strongly advise against purchasing this tour through this provider. They charge nearly three times the price of the standard Robben Island ticket, yet offer no added value in return. There’s no personalized experience, no smaller group, and no guided service beyond what is already included in the official tour. In reality, they are simply reselling the ticket you could easily book yourself via the official Robben Island website — at a fraction of the cost. Save your money and book directly. Don’t fall for this overpriced listing.
Review provided by Viator
From $56
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).