EXPLORE AN ISLAND OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This World Heritage Site illustrates South Africa’s multi-layered history. A melting pot of natural and cultural heritage. Plan your visit today and experience a living memory of resilience where South Africa’s democracy was pioneered by the resilient Ex-Political Prisoners. The Walking tour experience on offer gives you an opportunity to explore Robben Island’s rich history and biodiversity while walking in the footsteps of South African legends. All tours are guided, starting with a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront. The Robben Island Museum experience is enjoyable with the calming sea breeze and beautiful scenery of the island’s flora and fauna with the spectacular backdrop of the Mother City!

  • Explore South Africa’s political past in various Robben Island exhibition displays
  • Visit Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, and tour the maximum security prison with an ex-Robben Island prisoner
  • Tour the Robben Island surrounds in a guided bus tour
  • Keep an eye out for African Penguins
  • Pick up Robben Island and Cape Town memorabilia at the store in the Nelson Mandela Gateway
  • Venture out to explore the surrounding V&A Waterfront, where you can dine and shop with views of the iconic island
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GENERAL TOUR

  • A return boat trip across Table Bay
  • A visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison Interaction with an ex-political prisoner
  • A 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary
  • The opportunity to explore the Murray’s Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop
  • Robben Island Museum offer school tours on request. Monday to Friday during the concession period (2 May to 31 October), but can change at the discretion of management.

 
The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. The ferries leave at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00, weather permitting, The ferry ride is half an hour each way. from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

WALKING TOUR

  • A return boat trip across Table Bay
  • Explore Robben Island’s rich history and biodiversity while walking in the footsteps of South African legends.
  • A complimentary water bottle and cap will be provided.
  • Visit eight (8) historic sites, including the Murray’s Bay Harbour Exhibition, the Visitor Centre Complex, the Land of Banishment for Xhosa Chiefs, the Ou Tronk Exhibition, the Blue Stone Quarry, the World War II Precinct, the Agricultural Precinct, the Lime Stone Quarry, and the Maximum Security Prison.
  • The walking tour covers approximately 5 km and takes about 5 hours, including the return boat ride.
  • Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing including closed shoes/ sneakers and bring your own fruits to snack along the walking tour.

 
The Robben Island Museum Walking Tour is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 09h00, weather permitting. The ferry ride is half an hour each way. from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

There is a small curio shop in the Nelson Mandela Gateway building that offers a range of memorabilia and curios relating to the island. If you’re looking for more, the surrounding V&A Waterfront offers a wide range of shopping facilities, with over 450 stores, major retail outlets, food merchants, curio markets, craft workshops and barrows.

Return Trip Tickets

GENERAL RETURN TICKETS

Adults with South African ID: R400
Children with South African ID: R210 (children under the age of 18)

Adults Non South Africans: R600
Children Non South Africans: R310 (children under the age of 18)

WALKING TOUR RETURN TICKETS

Adults with South African ID: R1 000
Children with South African ID: R620 (children under the age of 18)

Adults Non South Africans: R1400
Children Non South Africans: R820 (children under the age of 18)

Skip the queues and book your tickets online via https://robbenisland.plankton.mobi/

 

The departure point for Robben Island is located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.

Getting to the V&A Waterfront from the airport

Robben Island is accessed by ferries which depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. The ferries leave at 9am, 11am and 1pm (winter); 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm (summer), weather permitting, from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront. The ferry ride is half an hour each way.

Transport to and around the V&A Waterfront

Car parking is situated at convenient locations around the V&A Waterfront which provide direct access to the Nelson Mandela Gateway, with varying tariffs to suit the length of your stay. Catch a MyCiti Bus (Cape Town’s rapid bus service) at Breakwater Station. On weekdays it comes every 10 minutes during peak periods. Metered Sedan Taxis are available from a number of locations in the V&A Waterfront.


Nelson Mandela Gateway +27 (0)21 413 4200
infow@robben-island.org.za
The ferries leave at 09h00, 11h00 and 15h00, weather permitting, Add a return here from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

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