Cape Town:Robben Island Guided Tour, Skip the Ticketing Line

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town



Discover Robben Island, only a 30-minute ferry ride from Cape Town. Visit the historic prison that held Nelson Mandela and other activists, and delve into the island's powerful history.

Experience a guided tour of Robben Island near Cape Town, ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural visitors.

Highlights

  • Hear first-hand stories about Robben Island from a former prisoner guide
  • Take a 30-minute ferry ride to the Robben Island Museum
  • Secure entry tickets to a popular attraction that often sells out
  • Visit Nelson Mandela's actual prison cell

Description

Start your visit at the Nelson Mandela Gateway and enjoy a 30-minute ferry across Table Bay to Robben Island. Upon arrival, join a guided tour led by a former political prisoner that includes key sites such as the leprosy graveyard, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, and the maximum-security prison, ending at Nelson Mandela’s cell.

After the tour, return to the mainland while taking in views of the coastline and Table Mountain. When booking, please provide the full names and nationalities of all travelers and include the date of birth for any children.

Includes

  • Robben Island ferry ticket
  • Robben Island Museum entry and admission
  • Guided tour of Robben Island Museum
  • Ex-inmate guide

Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and drinks

Important Information

  • Provide full names, surnames, and nationalities for all travelers. Include date of birth for children.
  • Check the weather forecast before your tour date.
  • Arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at least 30 minutes before departure.
  • Bring valid ID or a copy; children must also bring valid ID.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a 30-minute ferry ride from Cape Town to Robben Island, a guided visit led by a former political prisoner, and access to key sites such as Nelson Mandela's prison cell.
The ferry departs from the Nelson Mandela Gateway located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
The ferry ride across Table Bay to Robben Island takes approximately 30 minutes.
The guided tour is led by a former prisoner of Robben Island, providing first-hand stories and historical insights.
Yes, tiket advance booking is recommended as the tour often sells out due to high demand.
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Nelson Mandela's actual prison cell on Robben Island.
Visitors should check the official website for current rules, but typical restrictions include limited mobility access and weather-dependent scheduling.
The tours run throughout the year, but for up-to-date schedules and weather conditions, check the official Robben Island website.
Yes, booking the guided tour includes skip-the-line access for entry tickets to Robben Island.
The complete tour including ferry rides and guided visits typically lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours.

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Cape Town is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing.

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.