Robben Island Culture & history

Our most recommended Robben Island Culture & history

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour

Prepare for a memorable journey into South Africa's recent past with a trip to Robben Island. Waste no time waiting to buy tickets by pre-booking your ferry and guided tour entry. Upon arrival on Robben Island, meet up with a former inmate for a guided tour of the notorious prison. After heading to the meeting point, go straight to the boarding area to take a roughly 30-minute shared boat trip to Robben Island. Embark on a journey across the sea and dock at the Robben Island Museum upon arrival. Once on the island, meet up with an ex-political prisoner to begin your exploration of the island. Board a bus to tour the premises, and hear first-hand accounts of what it was like to be a prisoner there. Find out about the rich history of the island, and then reach the highlight of the tour: Nelson Mandela's prison cell. Get a sense of his fight for freedom as you discover the prison cell where he was incarcerated for more than 25 years. Afterward, take the return trip back to Cape Town. Kindly note that this offer is for International travellers. (Non South Africans) We encourage SA citizens to purchase their tickets from Robben Island directly. Please also note that this is not a private tour and you will join others on the boat trip and on the guided bus and land tour. You will skip the ticketing line but will still have to queue to board the ferry boat. This tour excludes hotel pick up and drop off. The tour starts and ends at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.

Cape Town: Tandem Paragliding Adventure

Cape Town: Tandem Paragliding Adventure

Enjoy an spectacular paragliding adventure in Cape Town and marvel at the incredible views of the Atlantic Coastline, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches and more. Fly up into the sky with your experienced instructor and create unforgettable memories of a lifetime. Meet your pilot and other fun seekers at Signal Hill to begin your adventure. First, get an induction brief from your Instructor before you take off from a mountain slope under a canopy that resembles a parachute.  Get ready for liftoff; take a few steps or a short run to take off from the gentle slope, the wind will catch the canopy, and you will be airborne. Seated comfortably in front of your instructor you will feel the exhilaration and incredible sensation of free flying. A natural high as you experience a paragliding flight that you won't forget. Get hooked on the freedom and breathtaking views of Lions Head, Signal Hill, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches, Waterfront, and Robben Island, that you won't forget.

Cape Town: Waterfront and Sunset Champagne Cruise

Cape Town: Waterfront and Sunset Champagne Cruise

Enjoy a unique view of the coast of Cape Town from the sea while relaxing and sipping on local sparkling wine on this sunset cruise. Admire the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean that stretches away from the majestic Table Mountain range. The sailboats Esperance and Serenity One follow the wind for this cruise, and therefore the destination is dependent on the weather at the time of the cruise. Your captain will let you know before departure your expected direction, but a typical Cape Town summer wind blows from the southeast. First, you'll leave the harbor and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, returning to the protection of the Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sun set, and then motor back to the waterfront. In the winter months, with the Northwester prevalent, the direction will likely be towards the Clifton coastline or the Robben Island Coastline. This cruise will also return to Granger Bay and the Waterfront. On some occasions the weather may require the use of a motorboat, in which case the boat will cruise slowly along the Atlantic seaboard towards Clifton beach and then return. On all trips your skipper and crew will do their best, weather dependent, to give you the best view of the spectacular sunset over the sea - you won't believe the beauty of this sight until you experience it yourself! For all the vessels, when the seas are running too high or the wind is unpleasantly strong, instead of heading into Table Bay the destination is the Cape Town Harbor; a perfect alternative offering magical views of Table Mountain and the lights of Cape Town and the harbor in the evening. In extreme conditions the skipper will take every aspect into account, and even stay dockside to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Cape Town: Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront

Cape Town: Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront

Climb aboard and look for marine life in the ecosystem of Table Bay on a 1.5-hour eco-cruise from Cape Town. See species in their natural surroundings, such as humpback and southern right whales, depending on the season. Get the chance to watch pods of dolphins breaching close to the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays. Be enchanted by Cape fur seals lounging on the jetties and get close to unusual species, such as sunfish. Watch African penguins diving for fish to take back to their breeding colony on Robben Island.  Encounter birdlife, such as terns, gannets, cormorants and mighty black-browed albatross.

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup

Take the ferry to Robben Island and tour the prison where Nelson Mandela was confined. Learn about South Africa's history of Apartheid and life in the prison from a former prisoner. Depart from Cape Town on a shared bus to the V&A Waterfront. Collect your ticket and make your way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island. Sail out to the island on a 45-minute journey. On arrival, embark on a bus tour of the island before visiting the prison and the cell where Nelson Mandela was kept for 18 of his 27 prison years. Gain an insight into the history and conditions of the prison from a former prisoner. After the tour, return to Cape Town and be dropped off at the V&A Waterfront. Here you will be free to return to your accommodation independently or continue touring the beautiful city.

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry with Prison Ticket and Tour

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry with Prison Ticket and Tour

Morning: Ferry Departure: Begin your tour with a priority boarding ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island. Arrival at Robben Island: Introduction: Meet your knowledgeable guide, who will provide an overview of the island's history and significance. Bus Tour: Board a guided bus to explore key landmarks like the lime quarry and Robert Sobukwe's house. Prison Complex: Tour the maximum-security section, visit Mandela's former cell, and learn about the conditions endured by inmates. Guided Walk: Join a former political prisoner or guide on a walk through the prison grounds, gaining firsthand insights into the lives of those incarcerated. Interactive Exhibits: Explore exhibits and displays that provide additional context and personal accounts of the island's history. Afternoon: Free Time: Reflect on your experience, enjoy scenic views, and capture photos of the island's natural beauty. Return Ferry: Board the return ferry to Cape Town, contemplating the impact of your visit. Conclusion: Reflect on the powerful history and legacy of Robben Island as you disembark at the V&A Waterfront.

Cape Town: Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour

Cape Town: Table Mountain and Robben Island Tour

Join a guided tour and visit Cape Town's top attractions, including Table Mountain and Robben Island. Enjoy the convenience of a hotel pickup and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Start your day of exploring Cape Town with an early pickup directly from your accommodation and set out to see the city's most iconic attraction, Table Mountain. Purchase your tickets and hop into one of the cable cars to make your way to the top of the mountain. Spend some time soaking in the breathtaking views of the City of Cape Town, Signal Hill, and Lion's Head. Then, join your guide as you walk to another lookout point and be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles Mountains. Ride the cable car back down the mountain and head to the V&A Waterfront where you'll board a ferry to Robben Island. Disembark at Murray's Bay Harbor on the east coast of the island and board a bus that will take you to all the historic sites. 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). nd Finally, hop back into your air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a comfortable ride back to your accommodation.

Cape Town: Penguin Watching at Boulders Beach Half Day Tour

Cape Town: Penguin Watching at Boulders Beach Half Day Tour

The tour departs Cape Town and heads to the first stop of the day, Maidens Cove. From here, admire the stunning views across the Atlantic seaboard as well as marveling at the imposing Twelve Apostles Mountain range. The tour continues along Chapmans Peak Drive, rated one of the best mountain drives in the world. Along the way, stop at a selection of lookouts that provide unspoiled views of Hout Bay Harbour and Noordhoek beach. Arrive at Boulders Beach and learn about the friendly African Jackass Penguins that call the beach their home. Although the penguins roam freely on the beach and are comfortable being near humans, they are protected animals and visitors are not permitted to touch or feed them. Admire the penguins from a designated viewing point, and observe these creatures as they go about their day. Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach, take a swim with the penguins in the refreshing waters, or explore the surrounding landscpaes. The tour ends with a visit to Boyes Drive, a spectacular mountain road overlooking the stunning view of False Bay coast before dropping you back at your hotel (accommodation).

Cape Town: The Cape Wheel Ticket

Cape Town: The Cape Wheel Ticket

Enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the Mother City from the iconic and vibrant V&A Waterfront on the Cape Wheel. With 30 fully enclosed, air conditioned cabins which gently rise 40 metres above the ground in safety and comfort, it’s fun for the whole family, all year long. From a vantage point high in the sky, gorgeous views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Cape Town city skyline, and local mountains are unveiled. The breath-taking display is enjoyed for four revolutions a ride, lasting about 15 minutes. Two wheelchair-friendly cabins are available, making this an inviting experience for everyone. The Wheel of Excellence, now also known as the Cape Wheel, was designed by Ronald Bussink, and was constructed in Germany in 2007. The wheel, which stands 50 metres high and takes nearly a week to assemble, has travelled around the world, visiting Belgium twice, Germany twice, and Sweden from 2009-2010. It first visited Cape Town in 2010 where it was initially meant to remain for only a six-month period during the FIFA World Cup. But since then it has found a permanent home at the V&A Waterfront, the oldest working harbor in Cape Town.

ROBBEN ISLAND WITH LAST MINUTES TICKET

ROBBEN ISLAND WITH LAST MINUTES TICKET

Visit Robben Island, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE on a group guided tour from Cape Town. See the cell that housed Nelson Mandela. Learn about the island’s long history, and take time to reflect on your tour's experience while going back to the mainland. You will charter a shared ferry to Robben Island with more(other) visitors, then be met by a former political prisoner who will conduct the tour of the island. Part of this tour, you will be transported around the island by bus, before you visit Nelson MANDELA'S prison cell to participate in the "long walk to freedom". URGENT NOTE: 1) PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING ALONG YOUR PASSPORT OR OTHER PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION WITH YOU. A PASSPORT IF YOU ARE AN INTERNATIONAL VISITOR OR AN ID IF YOU ARE LOCAL. "FAILURE TO DO So, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO GO THROUGH. Send passports front pages on what's app. You can find our number on the emergency rubric, or bring it along. 2)TICKET(S): Your TOUR GUIDE FEES, FERRY RIDE FARES, GET YOUR GUIDE AND LOCAL AGENT FEES are all INCLUSIVE. You will pay no more fees after that unless you would like to give tip to someone. 3) ROBBEN ISLAND ORIGINAL TICKET PRICES: R600 International adults, R310 International kids. R400 South African adults, R210 South African kids. 4) YOUR TICKETS ARE GARRANTEED OR YOU GET A FULL REFUND. (UNLESS "YOU", YOURSELF HAVE CANCELED THE TOUR 24 HOURS BEFORE ACTIVITIES BEGIN). 5) SINCE IT IS A SHORT NOTICE TICKET, FAMILIES WITH UNDER 18 YEARS OLD CHILDREN SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT WE MAY NOT HAVE CHILDREN TICKETS. WE GIVE YOU WHAT WE HAVE IN OUR BOOKING CANCELLATIONS. 6) Tickets for Infants(0-2 years old) are sold at Robben Island counters. Parents need to present a birth certificate prior to being issued such a child ticket. Best regards.

95 activities found
Sort by:
Recommended

Traveling now? See what’s available for your dates

Frequently asked questions about Robben Island Culture & history

What are other things to do than Robben Island Culture & history that are worth visiting in Cape Town?

The other unmissable things to do in Cape Town are:

Top Attractions in Cape Town

Experiences in Robben Island

Tours in South Africa

Things to do in South Africa

Other Sightseeing Options in Robben Island

Want to discover all there is to do in Robben Island? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Robben Island

Overall rating

4.6
(756 reviews)

excellent guide and comfortable transport .went into language township, met some of the locals.learnt so much about the locals.highly recommend 👌 this tour.

The transportation was very good and very organized. The guides were very professional. The buses were very clean. The ferry ws very clean.

A must do tour. It makes the whole experience of Kaapstad/Cape Town much better. So do it at the start of your visit to Kaapstad.

Fabulous and very emotional ! Terence and Craig our tour guides were brilliant and very informative

Very interesting and a nice length so as not to take up A Whole Day