Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 66 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour worth booking?
Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour is a 4-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $660 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 66 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (66)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $660 per person
Visit one of South Africa's most significant historic sites with your Robben Island Museum admission arranged in advance. Travel by ferry from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, explore the island by official guided bus and vis
What you get
- Guided Robben Island tour by former political prisoner
- Educational insights
- Entrance fees
- Round trip ferry transfer
- All Fees and Taxes
- Prison tour
About this experience
Visit one of South Africa's most significant historic sites with your Robben Island Museum admission arranged in advance. Travel by ferry from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, explore the island by official guided bus and visit the former maximum-security prison, including Nelson Mandela's former cell. Along the way, learn about Africa’s history, the island's role as a former prison, and hear stories about Nelson Mandela and how he spent 18 years of his 27-year sentence there. - Explore the highlights of Robben Island with a guide - Save time waiting in ticket lines: Robben Island Entry is included - Ensures a more personalised experience - Tour offers the opportunity to see Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell.
What's included
Included
- Guided Robben Island tour by former political prisoner
- Educational insights
- Entrance fees
- Round trip ferry transfer
- All Fees and Taxes
- Prison tour
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities and services or items of personal nature.
- Hotel pick-up and drop off not included
What you'll see and do
Waterfront Clock Tower
Get a guided tour of the prison while learning about South Africa's history, the struggle against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters who were imprisoned on Robben Island, including former president Nelson Mandela. Return by ferry to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some free time to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants (cost not included). Explore the wonders of the ocean up close as you visit the penguin exhibit, shark exhibit, ocean exhibit, and much more. Learn about the history of South Africa, the fight against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters—among them former president Nelson Mandela—who were detained on Robben Island by taking a guided tour of the prison. Take the ferry back to the V&A Waterfront and use your free time to shop or eat at one of the many restaurants (own expense).
Pass by without stopping
Robben Island Museum
Ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Upon arrival, a guide provides a historical overview. A guided bus tour then covers landmarks like the lime quarry and Robert Sobukwe's house. You will explore the maximum-security prison, visiting the cell where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27-year sentence. A walking tour led by a former political prisoner offers firsthand insights into inmates' daily lives and resilience. Interactive exhibits provide context on the harsh conditions, while visits to the Leper Cemetery and the quarry where prisoners worked offer further educational insights into the island's history.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Enjoy some free time to reflect on your experience, take in the scenic views, and capture photos of the island's natural beauty. Board the return ferry to Cape Town, where you can continue to contemplate the profound impact of your visit to Robben Island. As you disembark from the ferry back at the V&A Waterfront, take a moment to reflect on the powerful history and enduring legacy of Robben Island.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
Guests are required to be at this place 45 minutes before boarding time
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Guests are required to be at this place 45 minutes before boarding time
Options you can book
International Travelers
International Tourist
South Africans Citizens
South African Citizens
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Giraffe Horizons
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Robben Island ferries are weather and operationally dependent. Your final boarding ticket will be sent after the required passenger information has been received and the scheduled service is operating. Bring valid identification and arrive 30 -45 minutes before departure. Full names of all participants • Date and time of the selected ferry departure • Nationality (often required for manifest purposes) • Contact number or email (for emergency communication) • Confirmation of payment through the booking platform (GetYourGuide, Viator, direct website, etc.)
- TOURS CANCELLATION: Should tours be cancelled due to bad weather conditions or technical issues, , we offer guests who wish to reschedule to do so for free of charge. Alternatively , we are committed to providing a full refund for affected bookings. Refund are made through our booking partners you have booked with and not at the Robben Island Museum tickets sales offices.
- PASSENGER MANIFEST REQUIREMENTS (Why we ask names of participants) To issue the final boarding ticket, the following must be completed: • Each participant must be added to the passenger manifest • Names must match the ID/passport, as the ferry is a regulated maritime transport service • Children must be listed individually This is a legal requirement for maritime safety.
- COMMUNICATION WITH GUESTS Once the tour is confirmed: • Tickets are sent via WhatsApp or email • Guests are reminded to bring: • A valid ID/passport for adults • The digital ticket (QR code) • To arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $660 to $1310
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Giraffe Horizons, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Giraffe Horizons runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $660 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 Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour take?
+
Plan for about 4 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 Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 66 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour?
+
Around 23 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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 of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town, Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour, Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries. 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Robben Island FerryTicket & Former Political Prisoner Guided Tour.
Pick your date
