Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the rich history of South Africa on an unforgettable journey to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that played a pivotal role in the country's fight for freedom. Begin your adventure at the iconic Nelson Mandela Gateway in the vibrant Silo District of the V&A Waterfront. This experience is not just a tour, it's a journey through history, providing unique insights into South Africa's struggle for democracy. Book now for an enriching, emotional, and educational experience that you'll carry with you long after the tour ends.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We can accommodate special needs such as autism, as we are familiar with how to handle this condition.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hotel Pickup and Drop off within 10 km radius
V&A Waterfront a historic harbor transformed into a vibrant modern hub of culture and business
WiFi on board
Licensed English Guide
Robben Island Ferry Ticket
Bottled water
Alcoholic Beverages
No other language guide is available unless specifically requested at an additional cost.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Robben Island Museum
Our driver will pick you up from a designated location for your convenience and transport you to the Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront. Alternatively, arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Be sure to have a copy of your passport, either digital or the original, for verification. This ticket does not include hotel transfers. Once on board the shared boat, you will embark on a 30-minute journey across the open sea to the Robben Island Museum. Upon arrival, there will be a guided tour led by an ex-political prisoner. The guide will provide live commentary on the island's history, pointing out the residences of former political prisoners and other significant landmarks. The tour will conclude with a visit to the prison cell where former President Nelson Mandela was held, offering you the chance to walk in his historical footsteps. After the tour, you will return to the starting point.
Options
Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison
Pickup included
South African residents SA ID
Pickup included
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
On time and very convienient.
Kevin B,
Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was great for us because of the pick up and drop off in our hotel lobby. Our driver, Issac, was right on time. This was a great way to get to and from Robbon's Island and it was great to have someone else deal with transportation and getting the tickets.
We need to ask for timing...
MOHAMEDAOWTAB K,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We need to ask for timing for pickup as there’s no engagement from Viator side. Lots of things to see and experience and so far it’s been smooth as we engage them frequently. We didn’t know that we needed the ferry tickets until the guide inform us.
Find another tour!
SamBold23,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Firstly the operator turned up late to the meeting point, then he proceeds to tell everyone we can’t go on the trip. Not even sure what happened, the boat might have over sold the tickets. But left me having to rearrange my daily plans and not able to visit Robben Island. Would recommend trying to find a more professional tour guide.
History brought to life
Adventure42822487399,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very informative and eye-opening tour. The guides share real stories that make South Africa’s history feel personal and powerful. The visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell is both emotional and inspiring. A must do experience when in Cape Town.
A moving and unforgettable experience
Departure09341173088,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robben Island is a must-visit. The ferry ride offers stunning views of Cape Mountain, and the tour guided by former political prisoners is incredibly powerful and emotional. Standing at Nelson Mandela’s cell is a moment you’ll never forget. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cape Town.
Just book directly with the museum
Danielle E,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Don’t bother booking with this company. There is no difference to booking directly on the Robben Island Museum website which ended up being almost half the price of what we paid via this booking. The only difference I can tell is the hotel pickup which we did not need. When we arrived at the ferry terminal and then at the prison we were not in a specific tour group, just with everyone else who had booked directly. Save your money. Robben island itself is well worth the visit and was an incredible and sobering eye opening experience. The tour guides are former inmates and will tell you their stories.
A wonderful look at the past.
aneemiller,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour - great guide and extremely well presented - both the physical environment and the commentary. Not too many on the tour. Could have spent more time but it was jam packed with information and visual experiences. Everyone should hear of the past so we do not repeat!
You get exactly what’s advertised. It was good, educational, worth doing in my opinion.
Brad P,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This perfect for what it was. A tour of a famous prison with historical, political and cultural significance. I think 4 stars is the max for what it is. It’s not Courtside NBA seats.
SCAM TOUR COMPANY SELLING FAKE TICKETS
H700NTcathym,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Booked through Cape Oasis Travel on Trip Advisor but THIS TOUR OPERATOR IS A SCAM. When I arrived to board the ferry the real ticket office advised my ticket was fake and the tour company is a scam. As a result I could not do the tour to the island.
Cape Oasis great, Robben Island not so :)
Nick-Deena,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Cape Oasis were really good. It was the Robben Island part which wasn't super impressed with. You have to do it and there is no other way. But the first part which is a bus tour unless your lucky to be at the front you can't hear the guide if sat at the back. This could be easily overcome. The second part of the tour which is the prison i's self was interested as your guide is an ex inmate, so informative. Personally i would have like a little time to myself to look and maybe read more about the history.
From ZAR 1,100.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Cape Oasis Travel and Tour