Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight worth booking?
Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight is a 0.3-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from R 20 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (10)
- Duration
- 0.3 hours
- From
- R 20 per person
Take off on a thrilling 20-minute helicopter journey to one of South Africa's most historic landmarks—Robben Island! Departing from Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront, you’ll soar above the famous Atlantic Seaboard, where the turquoise ocean meets the city’s golden shores. Enjoy sweeping views of the iconic City Bowl as you head toward the legendary island. As you circle Robben Island, experience a unique aerial perspective of the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, surrounded by the deep blue sea. On the return flight, you’ll be treated to postcard-perfect views of the Mother City, nestled against the majestic Table Mountain—a sight you’ll never forget!
What you get
About this experience
Take off on a thrilling 20-minute helicopter journey to one of South Africa's most historic landmarks—Robben Island! Departing from Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront, you’ll soar above the famous Atlantic Seaboard, where the turquoise ocean meets the city’s golden shores. Enjoy sweeping views of the iconic City Bowl as you head toward the legendary island. As you circle Robben Island, experience a unique aerial perspective of the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, surrounded by the deep blue sea. On the return flight, you’ll be treated to postcard-perfect views of the Mother City, nestled against the majestic Table Mountain—a sight you’ll never forget!
What's included
Included
- Flight
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Cape Town Helicopters
Cape Town Helicopters Base and Flight Terminal where all flights depart from.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
We are situated at the V&A Waterfront Helipad just behind the Table Bay Hotel
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We are situated at the V&A Waterfront Helipad just behind the Table Bay Hotel
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cape Town Helicopters
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
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants from 3 months to 1 year are permitted on board the helicopter provided they do not occupy a seat
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Helicopter tours may be shared with members of other parties; helicopters seat up to 6 people.
- Seating allocated according to Weight & Balance approval prior to your flight
- Lockers provided for excess luggage
- Personal cameras and mobile phones are allowed on board
- A valid form of identification is required upon check-in for all travellers e.g. Passport or National ID
- Adult pricing applies to all travellers 2 years old and above. ID verification for infant travellers will be checked.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Had I known how limited the visibility would be, I would not have booked this flight
I booked an Atlantico Scenic Flight with Cape Town Helicopters on 2 February to celebrate my birthday and had high expectations for what was advertised as a scenic experience over Cape Town’s iconic landmarks. While the flight was conducted safely and professionally, the visibility on the day was very poor due to low clouds and haze. As a result, several of the most important highlights of the Atlantico route — including Table Mountain and Robben Island — were not visible at all. This significantly undermined the core purpose of booking a scenic helicopter tour. Despite these conditions, the flight was not delayed or rescheduled, and no alternative option was offered. In my view, when visibility is this limited, proceeding with a full-price scenic flight without offering flexibility places the financial risk entirely on the customer. Seating is allocated based on weight and balance regulations, which I understand from a safety perspective. However, being seated in the least visually advantageous position further diminished the experience — particularly when all passengers pay the same price and visibility is already compromised. I later contacted the company to share my concerns and request a partial goodwill gesture, but this was declined. While the service may have been delivered “as scheduled,” the overall experience fell well short of what is reasonably expected from a premium-priced scenic flight. I am sharing this review to help future customers make an informed decision. I would strongly advise exercising caution when booking in marginal weather conditions, as limited visibility can dramatically reduce the value of the experience, with no flexibility or compensation offered afterward.
via Tripadvisor
Despite all odds
This was a last minute challenge to organise a flight and private guide on Robben Island. There were plenty of obstacles to make this happen, Richard at Cape Town Helicopters made it happen, outstanding service and attention to detail
Response from the operator: Dear Nicd Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that your experience with Cape Town Helicopters exceeded expectations, especially given the last-minute nature of the request. Richard and our team take great pride in delivering seamless service with attention to detail, and we’re thrilled we could assist in making this unique experience a reality. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in Cape Town. Warm regards, Cape Town Helicopters Team
via Tripadvisor
Wow..this is a must in Cape Town
Excellent ..wow want an amazing experience ..this is a must do in Cape Town Flight and pick up on time… The pilot was knowledgable about the Robben island and surrounding area. we had spectacular flight Thank you
Response from the operator: Thank you for this amazing review, we are delighted that you enjoyed a spectacular experience. Come visit us soon again.
via Viator
City tour by helicopter
Commercial pilot who introduced us to the aerial view of CAPE TOWN and the surrounding oceans. Recommended flight for a first visit...you will have the pleasure of taking the helicopter...
Response from the operator: Thank you for this great review, we are delighted that you enjoyed your experience with us!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Just do it!
Lovely staff, incredible experience. Fabulous way to see Cape Town. Thanks for helping me surprise the Mr.! We hope to fly with you again soon.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and we look forward to welcoming you on board another flight soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- R 20 to R 4,050
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cape Town Helicopters, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.
See everything Cape Town Helicopters runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight cost?
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Prices start at R 20 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 Scenic Helicopter Flight take?
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Plan for about 0.3 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 Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 10 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 Scenic Helicopter Flight?
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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 Scenic Helicopter Flight suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight?
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Around 4 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?
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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 0.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight 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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight?
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Included: Flight; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 55 listed pickup locations in and around Cape Town. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight offered in?
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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 Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight?
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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 Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants from 3 months to 1 year are permitted on board the helicopter provided they do not. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight if the weather is bad?
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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 Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, organization. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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