Robben Island, Cape Town | Tickets & Tours - 2024
Robben Island
Robben Island
Robben Island

Robben Island Tours and Tickets

1,654 reviews

Robben Island—where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years—was a place of isolation for nearly three centuries, housing many political prisoners and serving as both an asylum and leprosy colony. Today, the island remains a tangible symbol of political freedom and a reminder of the difficult road to South African democracy.

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Tours and Tickets to Experience Robben Island

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What are people saying about Robben Island

Margaret_F, Sep 2023
Must visit
Taking the ferry to Robben island was very nice. The ferry was clean and the staff was very helpful. Once you get to Robben island you are required to board a bus for a tour of the island. This part was ok but I would have preferred the opportunity to walk around the island.
Paulette_L, Nov 2023
Great experience!
I had an unexpected extra day in Cape Town and decided to visit Robben Island. Faziela was the only one able to get a ticket for the next day. She was very efficient and easy to communicate with. I definitely recommend her!
Vikki_C, Nov 2023
Excellent
The driver who took us was amazing but Viator you need to sort out with Robben Island the tickets we had stress as it wasnt the correct ticket you emailed
MonaLisa_M, Oct 2023
Beautiful tour
Our tour guide Elie picked us promptly at our BnB. He was so professional, knowledgeable and patient. He shared very interesting stories on the way. He assisted in capturing the best pictures of me and my husband. We had so much fun and learned a lot. Highly recommend Elie. Visiting the table mountain and Robben Island was the best experience 👌
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are Robben Island hours of operation?
A:
Robben Island hours of operation: Daily. Buy tickets in advance on Viator. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Q:Should I book Robben Island tickets in advance?
A:
We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Robben Island can get crowded. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Q:How much does it cost to visit Robben Island 2024?
A:
Currently, an entrance ticket to Robben Island costs USD 66.98. Guided Robben Island tours start around USD 66.98 per person.
People Also Ask
Q:How much does it cost to visit Robben Island?
A:The cost of visiting Robben Island varies: South African residents always pay less than international tourists. The average rate for non-South African adults is around $31, while the cost for children is around $16. Note that the tour cost also includes round-trip ferry passage from mainland Cape Town.
Q:How long does a Robben Island tour take?
A:A typical Robben Island tour takes around 3.5 hours. That estimate includes round-trip ferry transportation from Cape Town, as well as bus trips that depart from Murray’s Bay Harbour and take you to historical sights around the island. Note that ferry departures can vary depending on weather conditions.
Q:Is Robben Island open for tourists?
A:Yes, Robben Island is open to tourists and has been since 1997, when it was turned into a museum and national monument. The island, formerly a penal colony and leper colony, is most famous for being home to the national security prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.
Q:What is the best time to go to Robben Island?
A:The best time to go to Robben Island is the first tour of the day, when it’s the least crowded. Make this booking at least several days in advance to secure your slot—particularly if you plan to visit during the September to April high season. Several tours depart each day.
Q:Can I do Table Mountain and Robben Island in one day?
A:Yes, you can visit Robben Island and Table Mountain on the same day. The average Robben Island visit takes about 3.5 hours, so there’s ample time to do both. To simplify your transportation, opt for a guided tour that visits both landmarks.
Q:Can you swim from Robben Island to Cape Town?
A:Technically, yes—some professionals do swim from Robben Island to Cape Town. The famed Freedom Swim is an annual tradition marking South Africa’s Freedom Day (April 27) and the country’s democracy. During the event swimmers paddle to Cape Town from Robben Island, tackling a route considered “the Everest of open-water swimming.”