Robben Island entrance: Book your tickets online

Secure your spot for a powerful journey through South Africa's history and a ferry ride with stunning views.

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Your Gateway to History

Explore the History of Robben Island 2025 ! 💥

Discover the powerful history and significance of Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of South Africa's struggle for freedom. Immerse yourself in the stories of the political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who were incarcerated here during the apartheid era.

Step back in time as you take the ferry from the V&A Waterfront, tour the maximum-security prison, and see Nelson Mandela's cell. The tour, often guided by former political prisoners, offers a deeply personal and moving account of life on the island. Every corner tells a story of suffering, resistance, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

A view of the ferry departing from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, on its way to Robben Island. Robben Island 2025.

Why book your Robben Island tickets in advance? 🇿🇦

You should book Robben Island tickets in advance to guarantee entry, as tours often sell out weeks ahead, especially during peak season. Booking online provides a timed ferry ticket, allowing you to avoid long queues at the V&A Waterfront and ensure your spot on the tour. This is particularly important because tours have limited capacity, and on-the-day tickets are rarely available.

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Enjoy a handpicked selection of unique experiences and top things to do during your stay in Cape Town.

A view of Robben Island with its iconic lighthouse and Table Mountain in the background, a powerful symbol of the struggle against apartheid and the triumph of the human spirit Robben Island 2025.

Robben Island is a symbol of South Africa’s freedom

Robben Island 2025 ! 💥

A view of Robben Island with its iconic lighthouse and Table Mountain in the background, a powerful symbol of the struggle against apartheid and the triumph of the human spirit Robben Island 2025.

Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, stands as a powerful monument to South Africa's struggle for freedom and democracy. Located in Table Bay, just off the coast of Cape Town, the island served for centuries as a place of banishment, isolation, and imprisonment.

The island's history is a microcosm of South Africa's past, serving as a 17th-century Dutch colonial outpost, a 19th-century leper colony, and a 20th-century maximum-security prison. It is most famous for holding political prisoners during the apartheid era, including former President Nelson Mandela, who was incarcerated there for 18 of his 27 years in prison.

Today, it is a museum and a symbol of the human spirit's triumph over injustice. The former political prisoners, who now serve as guides, offer a deeply personal and moving account of life within its walls, transforming a place of oppression into a beacon of hope.

A place of history, resistance, and freedom 2025?

  • A journey through a painful past
  • A beacon of hope and resilience
  • A testament to freedom
  • A treasure of South Africa and the world
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Cape Town City Pass, a digital pass that simplifies visiting Cape Town's must-see attractions for tourists. Robben Island 2025.

Cape Town City Pass

Cape Town City Pass, a digital pass that simplifies visiting Cape Town's must-see attractions for tourists. Robben Island 2025.

Explore Cape Town's Iconic Attractions Cape Town

Effortlessly explore Cape Town's most iconic treasures with skip-the-line access to Free access to 80+ Cape Town attractions and tours. Skip-the-line entry at select popular sites. Complimentary Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket for duration of pass. Thrilling activities like shark cage diving and paragliding. Free walking tours, boat cruises, and museum entries a scenic cable car ride up Table Mountain. Discover the best of the city, making it easy to make the most of your visit.

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Cape Town City Pass, a digital pass that simplifies visiting Cape Town's must-see attractions for tourists. Robben Island 2025.
A visual representation of the Cape Town City Pass, featuring a collection of tickets and attractions such as Table Mountain, highlighting its convenience and value Robben Island 2025.

How the Cape Town City Pass 🎟️

The Cape Town City Pass is a convenient package offering access to several popular attractions in Cape Town, South Africa, including Table Mountain and more highlights. The package allows visitors to save money and time by combining tickets and ensuring their spot on popular tours !

A visual representation of the Cape Town City Pass, featuring a collection of tickets and attractions such as Table Mountain, highlighting its convenience and value Robben Island 2025.
  • 1

    Pick your visit dates

    Begin your adventure by conveniently selecting your preferred visit dates and specifying the precise number of participants who will be joining you for this exciting experience.

  • 2

    Select your perfect package

    Browse our wide selection of tickets and pick the options that best suit your interests.

  • 3

    Receive your digital tickets

    Once your selections are finalized, your essential digital tickets will be promptly and securely delivered directly to your email inbox, ensuring you have everything you need for your upcoming visit.

  • 4

    Unlock your next adventures in Cape Town!

    The Cape Town City Pass includes skip-the-line access at select attractions, free guided tours, and special discounts. Whether you're staying for a weekend or a week, the City Pass lets you curate your perfect Cape Town story.p attractions.

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Explore the gateway to freedom

Where is Robben Island? 2025 !

Robben Island is located in Table Bay, off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. To get there, you must take a ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

How to get to Robben Island ?

By ferry

The only way to get to Robben Island is by taking the official ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.

The ferry trip takes approximately 30 minutes each way, and the ticket is included in your tour booking.

It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance online, as tours frequently sell out.

Getting to the V&A Waterfront

By Public Transit: The V&A Waterfront is well-served by public transport. You can take a MyCiTi bus (routes 104, 105, or 106) to the Waterfront's bus stop. The bus system is efficient and connects to various parts of Cape Town.

By Car: You can drive to the V&A Waterfront. There are numerous paid parking garages available. Be sure to arrive early to find parking, as the area can be very busy.

By Walking: The V&A Waterfront is within walking distance of many central Cape Town hotels. The walk is safe and offers beautiful views of the harbor.

By Taxi/Ride-Share: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available in Cape Town and provide a convenient way to get to the V&A Waterfront.

How to Get There

Tour Times

Regular tour times

Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tour Hours

  • Tours run throughout the day, with ferries departing from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
  • Typical tour times are 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
  • It's essential to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to collect your tickets and board the ferry. Tours are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Special Closures

Robben Island Museum is generally open throughout the year, but tours can be canceled due to bad weather (especially high winds or rough seas).

It's always a good idea to check the official Robben Island Museum website for the most up-to-date schedule and any special closures before your visit, especially if you plan to visit on a public holiday.

Want to explore more around Robben Island

Cape Town is a city of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. After your visit to Robben Island, you can take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views, explore the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, or stroll through the historic V&A Waterfront. From the stunning beaches of Camps Bay to the penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Town offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and history.

Stay close to history: Hotels Near Robben Island Ferry

Since the Robben Island tour departs from the V&A Waterfront, staying in this area or nearby offers the most convenience. You'll be close to the ferry and have easy access to many of Cape Town's best restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Table Bay, off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. It is historically significant as it was used as a prison for political prisoners during the apartheid era, including former President Nelson Mandela. It is a powerful symbol of the human spirit's triumph over injustice and a key site for understanding South Africa's history.
It is essential to buy your tickets online in advance, as tours frequently sell out weeks ahead, especially during peak season. On-the-day tickets are rarely available. Buying in advance guarantees your spot on the ferry and tour.
The standard tour includes a round-trip ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, a guided bus tour of the island, and a walking tour of the prison led by a former political prisoner. The tour typically lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Tours run multiple times a day, typically at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, depending on the season and demand. It is crucial to arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to collect your tickets and board the ferry.
The entire experience, including the ferry ride to and from the island and the guided tour, takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
The best time to visit is during Cape Town's summer months (October to April) when the weather is generally warm and sunny. However, this is also the peak season, so book your tickets well in advance. Winter months (June to August) are less crowded but can be cold and rainy, and ferry trips may be canceled due to rough seas.
The Robben Island tour is generally wheelchair-friendly, with accessible ferries and buses. However, visitors with mobility challenges should inform the booking office in advance to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas of the island and prison for personal use. However, some areas might have restrictions, and it is always important to be respectful and follow the instructions of your guide.
All tours of Robben Island are guided. The prison section of the tour is most often led by a former political prisoner, which provides a unique and powerful perspective on the island's history. This is a core part of the experience.
There is a small shop and café on the island where you can purchase snacks and drinks. However, it's recommended to eat before you go, as the tour is quite long, and a significant portion of the time is spent on the ferry and walking.
Ferry trips to Robben Island are subject to weather conditions. If a tour is canceled due to rough seas or high winds, you will be notified, and you will be able to reschedule your booking or receive a full refund.
Dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather in Cape Town can change quickly. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves a fair amount of walking. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket, as it can be windy on the ferry and the island.
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