A UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The tour includes a bus circuit and a guided walk of the maximum-security prison led by former political prisoners. Bookings: +27 21 413 4220.
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Table Bay, about 12 km offshore from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in custody. The ferry departs from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and takes about 30 minutes each way. The whole tour lasts about 3.5 hours, so it fits comfortably into a half day.
The standard tour combines a bus circuit of the island with a guided walk through the maximum-security prison, led by former political prisoners who describe daily life in the cells. Stops on the bus circuit include the lime quarry where prisoners worked, the Robert Sobukwe house, the leper graveyard and the island's wildlife, including penguins and springbok. Visitors see Mandela's cell, the courtyard and the communal cells. Tickets cost about R600 per adult and about R320 per child, including the ferry and tour, and bookings can be made on robben-island.org.za or on +27 21 413 4220.
Sailings usually depart at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00, and visitors should arrive at the Gateway 30 minutes before departure with ticket confirmation and ID. The 09:00 sailing is popular, as it leaves the afternoon free for the V&A Waterfront, the Zeitz MOCAA museum and the Table Bay harbour, with many restaurants for lunch.
The best season is October to April, though sailings are cancelled in rough seas or high wind in any month, which is more common in winter. Tickets in peak season sell out days or even weeks ahead, so booking early is essential. The sea crossing can be rough, and visitors prone to seasickness may wish to take precautions. The island has only basic facilities, so food and drink should be had before departure.
| Distance | About 12 km offshore, boat from the V&A Waterfront |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30 minutes crossing; about 3.5 hours for the whole tour |
| Getting there | Ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront (30 minutes each way) |
| Cost | About R600 (approx $36) per adult, about R320 (approx $19) per child; confirm on robben-island.org.za |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa |
How to get there
- Robben Island ferry from Nelson Mandela Gateway: 30 minutes, about R600 (approx $36) per adult including tour
- Uber or Bolt to the Waterfront: 10-25 minutes, R60-R150 (approx $3.64-$9.09) from the CBD or Sea Point
- MyCiTi bus to the Waterfront: R15-R25 (approx $0.91-$1.52)
Location
Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
-33.9033, 18.4170 View on map
Highlights
- Tour the maximum-security prison with a former political prisoner as guide
- See Nelson Mandela's cell and the lime quarry
- Ride the bus circuit past the Sobukwe house and the island's penguins
- Cross Table Bay by ferry with views of Table Mountain
Tips for visiting
- Book online well ahead; peak-season and weekend tickets sell out days in advance.
- Arrive 30 minutes before sailing with ticket confirmation and ID.
- Choose the 09:00 sailing to keep the afternoon free at the V&A Waterfront.
- Expect cancellations in rough seas or high wind and check the status on the day.
- Take seasickness tablets if prone, as the crossing can be bumpy.
When to visit
October to April for calmer seas; book the 09:00 sailing for the best conditions and a free afternoon.
Accessibility
The ferry, bus and prison tour are broadly accessible, though the cell blocks include uneven surfaces and some steps. Visitors who use wheelchairs should notify the operator when booking.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Robben Island tour take?
About 3.5 hours in total, including the 30-minute ferry crossing each way, the bus circuit and the guided prison tour.
How much do tickets cost?
About R600 per adult and R320 per child, including ferry and tour. Confirm current prices at robben-island.org.za.
Where does the ferry leave from?
The Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Sailings are cancelled in rough sea or high wind, and tickets can usually be moved to another date.