Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers
Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers

Outty Ranking 61 4.3 · 279 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom R 400
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 279 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers worth booking?

Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers is a 3-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from R 400 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 279 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (279)
Duration
3 hours
From
R 400 per person

A must-visit when in Cape Town. Robben Island is filled with a rich 500-year-old multi-layered history. The Island represents an important aspect of South Africa's. Please Note: When booking, please provide us with the following: - A passport or ID(for South African citizens) number - An emergency contact number - A pick up address This information is purely for SAMSA compliance and will not be shared with anyone other than the Master of the ferry for Robben Island. Incase the weather does not permit for the tour to take place, you can reschedule for another day. Should you need a pick up/drop off, there will be an extra cost of R250.00.

What you get

    About this experience

    A must-visit when in Cape Town. Robben Island is filled with a rich 500-year-old multi-layered history. The Island represents an important aspect of South Africa's. Please Note: When booking, please provide us with the following: - A passport or ID(for South African citizens) number - An emergency contact number - A pick up address This information is purely for SAMSA compliance and will not be shared with anyone other than the Master of the ferry for Robben Island. Incase the weather does not permit for the tour to take place, you can reschedule for another day. Should you need a pick up/drop off, there will be an extra cost of R250.00.

    What's included

    Included

    • Entrance fees to Robben Island
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Driver/Guide

    Not included

    • Food and Drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Robben Island Museum

      Begin your journey with a hotel pick-up in Cape Town and transfer to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where you will board the ferry to Robben Island. On arrival, take a short walk to the tour buses, passing historic structures built by prisoners. Your guided bus tour includes Robben Island’s most significant landmarks: the leprosy graveyard, the Lime and Bluestone Quarries, Robert Sobukwe’s house, and the Maximum Security Prison. You will also see, Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, where he spent 18 years in captivity. Guides, including former political prisoners, share powerful stories of resilience and South Africa’s fight for democracy. After the tour, return by ferry to Cape Town, where your driver will meet you for your transfer back to the hotel. ⏱️ The full experience lasts approximately 4–5 hours, including hotel pick-up and drop-off.

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • South African Citizens

      South African citizens prices: Provide ID number in place of passport number to confirm booking. The time slots are for when the ferry leaves the harbor. Pickup included

    • International Tourist

      Tour time slot: The time slots are for when the ferry leaves the harbor, to Robben Island. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    SadiCapeTours

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers, photo 2Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers, photo 3Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers, photo 4Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers, photo 5Robben Island Prison, Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & TransfersCape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 279 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    279 verified traveler reviews for Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    181
    4 star
    53
    3 star
    22
    2 star
    5
    1 star
    18
    Sort
    heatherkP8564WA · September 2026

    Great educational and meaningful experience

    Chris our transfer driver was phenomenal. Punctual and courteous. Tour was very meaningful and educational. Recommend to keep the history alive

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that Chris made your transfer smooth and that you found the tour meaningful and educational. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your support in helping keep this important history alive.

    via Tripadvisor

    Sri_W · August 2026

    Must try activity in Cape Town

    The Robben Island tour was a powerful and memorable experience. The ferry ride offered beautiful views of Cape Town, while the guided tour provided meaningful insight into South Africa’s history and Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment. A must-visit for anyone interested in the country’s past. Also our driver / guide Fayical, was very helpful, easy to communicate and on time. Thank you

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your thoughtful review. We’re so pleased to hear that you found the Robben Island experience both powerful and memorable, and that you enjoyed the beautiful views and historical insight throughout the tour. We’re also delighted to hear that Fayical was helpful, punctual and easy to communicate with. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Cape Town again in the future.

    via Viator

    Eric_M · August 2026

    Ask for Jean!

    The Robben Island tour itself is a set package deal. My tour guide, Jean provided exceptional service and a dept of knowledge about Cape Town and its history. Jean made the difference in my level of appreciation for this tour pickup & drop off.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind review. We’re so pleased to hear that your driver made such a positive difference to your experience and that his knowledge of Cape Town and its history added value to your Robben Island tour. We truly appreciate your feedback and are glad that the pickup and drop-off service helped make the day even more enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back to Cape Town again in the future.

    via Viator

    Michael_B · July 2026

    Informative

    The excursion was very informative and interesting though we would have liked a few more stops to take photos and to soak up the atmosphere. Some things were not explained and we just drove pass.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you found the Robben Island excursion informative and interesting. We also appreciate your comments regarding the number of photo stops and the level of explanation during the bus tour. The guided tour on Robben Island is conducted by the official Robben Island Museum guides, and the route, stops, and commentary are standardized to keep the tour on schedule. While there are designated opportunities for photos, we understand that some guests would enjoy additional stops and more detailed explanations along the way. We truly value your feedback and will be sure to pass it on to Robben Island Museum, as guest experiences are important to us. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Cape Town in the future.

    via Viator

    Holly_L · June 2026

    First Class Guides !!!!

    I really enjoyed my time on this excursion. From my hotel pick up to the ferry ride to the tour and back. My bus ride had a wonderful guide. She explained and shared with us her family’s Reference Book. She teared up as she told the story about the book which made me tear up as well. Our tour guide at the prison was very knowledgeable. He was a former prisoner and showed us where his bed was positioned in section D. The tour was absolutely necessary in order to understand the history of Robben Island. After the ferry ride back my driver was there to pick me up. I choose to stay at Victoria and Alfred to have dinner and to do some shopping. Highly recommend this tour on your stay to South Africa. Only reason I gave it a four stars is you we rushed through the prison. Wanted to read more about the story of Robben island.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the full experience, from your hotel pickup to the ferry, the island tour, and your return transfer. Robben Island is a deeply emotional and important part of South Africa’s history, and we are glad the stories shared by the guides made such an impact on you. Hearing from guides with personal and family connections, as well as from a former prisoner, truly makes the experience more meaningful. We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding the prison section feeling a little rushed. The timing of the Robben Island tour is managed by the island/museum guides, but we completely understand your point, as many guests would love more time to read and absorb the history in detail. Thank you again for choosing our tour and for recommending it to others visiting South Africa. We truly appreciate your support.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    R 400 to R 1,500
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    98
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by SadiCapeTours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.9.

    See everything SadiCapeTours runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)52
    Review evidence (18% weight)95
    Booking momentum (14% weight)94
    Value for money (12% weight)54
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.

    How much does Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers cost?

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    Prices start at R 400 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.

    Is Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 279 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers?

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    Around 98 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cape Town?

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    On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike, Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local, Cape Point and Boulder's Penguins Full Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cape Town?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers?

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    Included: Entrance fees to Robben Island; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Driver/Guide. Not included: Food and Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 255 listed pickup locations in and around Cape Town. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers?

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    Across 279 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Cape Town: Robben Island Tour Including Ferry Tickets & Transfers?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including South African Citizens, International Tourist. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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