Guided tour

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

4.1168046 out of 5 stars
4.1
4.1168046 out of 5 stars
1327 reviews
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Guided tour
Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup
4.1168046 out of 5 stars
4.1
4.1168046 out of 5 stars
1327 reviews
Likely to sell out

Take the ferry to Robben Island from Cape Town and visit the prison where Nelson Mandela was kept during Apartheid. Learn about the dramatic history of South Africa from one of the former prisoners.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
The pickup point will be: Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, City Centre (CBD, Gardens, Tamboerskloof, Oranjezicht), Woodstock, Waterfront. If you are staying outside the pickup area, you will have to make arrangements with the activity provider to get your ticket within the pickup area. If you are staying at the Waterfront, please be aware you will be charged for transportation anyways.
Wheelchair accessible
Small group
Limited to 12 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

V
Victoria – South Africa

It was a great experience learning about the history of Cape Town and the resilience of the political prisoners who fought so restlessly against the inhumane system of apartheid. My tour guide was Tom. Tom was himself a previous prisoner in Robben Island and he did a beautiful job explaining so clearly and honestly the present and the past of the prison, now turned museum . I left the tour filled with deep admiration. I’m thankful and feel privilege for having had this experience and my most sincere gratitude to everyone responsible for organising the tour and keeping the history alive. Definitely an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

K
Keith – United Kingdom

Our Driver was excellent especially after we our phone in the car he came back straight away, can’t thank him enough.

Highlights

  • Take the ferry to Robben Island
  • Visit the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
  • Learn about life during Apartheid from a former prisoner
  • Pre-book your ticket to Robben Island to secure your visit
  • Travel in comfort with pickup from your hotel

Full description

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.

Includes

  • Pickup from hotel and accommodations in central Cape Town
  • Live guide
  • Ferry ticket to Robben Island
  • Tour of the island and prison
  • Hotel and accommodation drop-off
  • Food and lunch (optional)

Select participants and date

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card

Know before you go

  • The ferry to Robben Island is subject to weather and sometimes trips get canceled. In case of cancellation, you will be able to reschedule directly at the Robben Island ticket counter (subject to availability) or apply for a refund to GetYourGuide
  • For rescheduled tickets you will have to make your own way to the waterfront
  • The activity provider may phone you shortly before the tour. When booking, please make sure to provide your number
  • Children require proof of date of birth

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 1327 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.4/5
  • Transportation
    4.3/5
  • Value for money
    3.9/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
V
Victoria – South AfricaMay 3, 2025 – Verified booking
It was a great experience learning about the history of Cape Town and the resilience of the political prisoners who fought so restlessly against the inhumane system of apartheid. My tour guide was Tom. Tom was himself a previous prisoner in Robben Island and he did a beautiful job explaining so clearly and honestly the present and the past of the prison, now turned museum . I left the tour filled with deep admiration. I’m thankful and feel privilege for having had this experience and my most sincere gratitude to everyone responsible for organising the tour and keeping the history alive. Definitely an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
K
Keith – United KingdomMarch 29, 2025 – Verified booking
Our Driver was excellent especially after we our phone in the car he came back straight away, can’t thank him enough.
R
Rolf P – AustraliaMarch 29, 2025 – Verified booking
A place not to be missed. Having ex prisoners as guides is a special experience.

Product ID: 176091

Activity provider: Sam's Cultural Tours

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