Robben Island Half Day Tour with Pre-Booked Ticket from Cape Town
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join our exclusive Robben Island tour for a guaranteed, personalized, and historically rich experience, featuring a storytelling ferry ride and rare insights from a former political prisoner.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What to bring Your passport/ID or a copy of your passport/ID or a photo of your passport/ID on your phone
We will need Full names of all participants in your group. Dates of birth for any minors under 18 years of age
Please note that the confirmation message you received from the Viator /GetYourGuide, and other partners' platform is not your actual ferry ticket, we will issue the ticket a day before the activity.
Please ensure that you add your proper information such as the correct country code and mobile number because your tickets will be sent via WhatsApp or iMessage or email.
For South African travellers, please enter the ID number of each adult in the “Special requirements” box when making the booking.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Robben Island Museum
Robben Island Museum Tour a powerful journey into South Africa’s history. Here’s what you’ll experience: Highlights of Your Tour: 1. Ferry Ride to the Island - Stunning views of Table Mountain and Cape Town’s coastline from the water (great photo opportunity!). 2. Guided Bus Tour of the Island - See key sites, including: - The limestone quarry where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, performed hard labor. - The leper colony cemetery (19th-century history). - Maximum Security Prison (where you’ll meet a former political prisoner guide). 3. Walk Through the Prison - Stand in Nelson Mandela’s cell (a deeply moving experience). - Hear firsthand stories from ex-inmates about apartheid’s struggles and triumphs. 4. Panoramic Views & Wildlife - Spot penguins, seals, and seabirds—the island is also a nature reserve!
What‘s Included
Former prisoner Guide
Return Robben Island Ferry tickets
Robben Island Museum Entry Ticket and Tour
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Options
South African Travelers
Use your ID number instead of a passport number to confirm your booking. The listed times are for the ferry's departure.
International Travelers
International Travelers Guest
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good for a one-time...
Minahil H,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Good for a one-time experience. Stuff was not very friendly. Tour guides were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly.
Misleading tour
karishma c,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00There is no point of taking this tour via any travel portal and or company. Book tickets directly to save cost. The tour description didn’t mention that this is not a guided tour. The description was misleading and costed far more than booking directly
It was the most...
Melise B,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was the most informative trip I’ve ever taken, The guides were friendly and informative. Loved it.
Eye opening encounter with past atrocities
Lea L,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Difficult to hear about inhumane treatment of prisoners but important to better understand plight of Black People during and since apartheid.
Exciting story!
rebeckag,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were very pleased with our experience. Everything worked well, the guide was clear and funny. Very interesting and we recommend it!
Very Informative, Also...
Nqobile S,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very Informative, Also The Fact That The Tour Guide Was Someone Who Was Once Been In That Jail Made Things A Bit Interesteling
Fascinating tour
Valerie F,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very well organized tour once you get on the ferry. I did not like the fact that the actual tickets were emailed to me at 5am for a 9am tour. They should be sent 24h before, when it's too late to cancel. I wasn't sure we were actually going until I received the tickets. That made me uncomfortable. Otherwise, great tour of the island and the prison. Very interesting guides. I highly recommend.
A visit to Robben Island is a must see.
ericwW7362XS,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was both informative and moving. Our guide said that the world wide attention to Nelson Mandla's imprisonment forced the authorities to treat everyone somewhat better.
10/10 booking and experience
CLEOPATRA M,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great customer service from Ivan and an even more amazing experience on the island. Definitely using Viator again in the future where necessary.
Operator loaded the price
Naim K,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Way too expensive charged triple price as SA compared to buying directly .Please dont overcharge locals
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Operated by HYM CAPE TOURS