Cape Town: Robben Island Guided Tour Ticket & Guided Tour

The Cape Town: Robben Island Guided Tour offers visitors a powerful and poignant exploration of South Africa’s complex history. With a scenic ferry ride, personal insights from ex-prisoner guides, and access to significant sites like Nelson Mandela’s cell, this 4-hour journey provides an immersive and enriching experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the country’s struggle for freedom, this tour’s flexible booking options and free cancellation policy make it accessible to all. Prepare to be moved as you uncover the island’s pivotal role in the fight for justice and equality.

Key Points

• The Robben Island guided tour ticket starts at $80.50 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours.
• The tour includes a 30-minute ferry ride to and from the island, providing scenic views of Table Mountain.
• Visitors will be guided by an ex-prisoner, offering personal accounts and exploring significant historical sites on the island.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
• Valid identification, such as a passport or national ID card, is required for all participants to ensure safety and security.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Robben Island Guided Tour ticket starts from $80.50 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours.

Travelers can enjoy a free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, enabling visitors to secure their spot without paying anything upfront.

With a duration of 4 hours, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of the island’s history and its significance in South Africa’s struggle for freedom.

Tour Itinerary and Experience

The Robben Island Guided Tour begins with a 30-minute ferry ride from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, offering scenic views of Table Mountain along the way. Once on the island, visitors embark on a 3-hour guided tour led by an ex-prisoner, providing first-hand accounts of the island’s dark history.

Sites Visited	Significance
Leprosy Graveyard	Resting place of those who suffered from the disease
Lime Quarry	Where prisoners were forced to perform hard labor
Robert Sobukwe’s House	Home of the Pan Africanist Congress leader
Maximum Security Prison	Infamous for housing political prisoners
Nelson Mandela’s Cell	Where the iconic leader spent many years of his incarceration

The tour concludes with a 30-minute ferry ride back to the mainland, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of South Africa’s struggle for freedom.

Tour Highlights

Scenic ferry rides with stunning views of Table Mountain set the stage for this immersive Robben Island Guided Tour.

Visitors are treated to first-hand accounts from an ex-prisoner guide, providing a raw and personal perspective on the island’s history.

The tour explores significant landmarks, including the haunting Leprosy graveyard, the Lime Quarry where prisoners were forced to labor, and the maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

This unique experience offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s arduous struggle for freedom and the pivotal role Robben Island played in the country’s history.

Meeting and Booking Information

Visitors meet at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront, next to the Clocktower, to begin the Robben Island Guided Tour.

Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The tour requires full names, surnames, nationalities of all travelers, and dates of birth for children.

A valid ID, such as a passport or ID card, is mandatory for all participants, including children.

Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. The tour’s meeting point is conveniently located, making it easy for visitors to find and start their journey to Robben Island.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Required Identification

Travelers’ valid identification, such as a passport or national ID card, is required for all participants in the Robben Island Guided Tour, including children.

Copies of these documents are accepted. This identification requirement is in place to ensure the safety and security of all visitors.

Visitors must present their ID upon arrival at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, the tour’s starting point. This policy applies regardless of age, ensuring a consistent process for all tour participants.

Failure to provide valid identification may result in denied entry or delayed boarding, so it’s important for all travelers to have their documents ready before the tour begins.

Cancellation Policy

The Robben Island Guided Tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing visitors to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This provides travelers with the peace of mind to plan their trip without worrying about non-refundable fees. Whether plans change unexpectedly or the weather doesn’t cooperate, the free cancellation option ensures visitors can get their money back if they need to adjust their itinerary.

This policy makes the Robben Island experience more accessible and convenient for travelers, who can book their spot and pay later, further enhancing the overall flexibility of the tour.

Payment and Reservation

To make a reservation for the Robben Island Guided Tour, visitors can book their spot online through the tour operator’s website.

The ticket costs $80.50 per person and the tour lasts approximately 4 hours. Visitors can choose to pay now or reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers must provide their full names, surnames, nationalities, and dates of birth for children. A valid ID is required for all participants, including children.

The meeting point is the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, and it’s important to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Additional Considerations

Visitors should be mindful of the weather conditions, as Robben Island’s climate can be unpredictable. The island can experience strong winds, rain, and even fog, which may impact the ferry schedule and tour experience.

It’s advisable to dress in layers and bring appropriate outerwear.

Additionally:

• Participants should be aware that the tour involves a significant amount of walking, including uneven terrain and stairs, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

• Due to the historical significance of the site, visitors should be respectful and follow the instructions of the tour guides.

• Visitors should also note that there are no food or beverage facilities on the island, so it’s recommended to bring snacks and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Food and drinks are generally allowed on the Robben Island tour, but visitors should avoid bringing large coolers or heavy bags. Snacks and water are recommended to enjoy during the ferry ride and guided tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 can join the tour for free, while those aged 5-16 get a discounted rate.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?

The tour offers discounts for children under 12 and group rates for parties of 10 or more. However, there are no other discounts available for the Robben Island Guided Tour.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the Robben Island tour, though there may be some restrictions in certain areas. It’s best to check with the tour guides for specific photography guidelines before the tour starts.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations for Disabled Visitors?

Robben Island does offer accessibility accommodations for disabled visitors, including wheelchair access and alternate tour routes. Visitors should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss their specific needs and arrange for any necessary assistance.

The Sum Up

The Cape Town: Robben Island Guided Tour offers an immersive and enriching experience that delves into South Africa’s poignant history. Led by ex-prisoner guides, visitors can explore significant sites, gain personal insights, and witness the island’s role in the struggle for freedom. With flexible booking options and a free cancellation policy, this tour provides an accessible and educational opportunity for all.

You can check if your dates are available here: