Day Trips

Robben Island Guided Prison Tour with Museum Entry & Round-Trip Ferry Transfers

4.3/5(194)

Gillian S

Solo

Verified booking

Last week

The ferry trip was exciting but the real highlight was the tour itself on Robben Island. For those of us who had heard of the troubles, Apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela, to have a guide who had firsthand experience of being incarcerated at the age of 16 was incredible, extremely moving and really helped one to understand what many went through during that time. Not, of course, to really comprehend the difficulties nor the treatment those incarcerated had to endure for so long. No one ever will but at least change happened but sadly the world is still suffering today in many ways .

Judith L

Solo

Verified booking

Last week

Coming from Australia I found the tour, the content and delivery of information significant. We do not have any such informed and consistent truth telling experiences in Australia. We could have - but the nation has chosen otherwise. I am very grateful for the experience of the Robben Island tour - for learning and for the gentle strength through which the tour guides and staff delivered this experience. Very highly recommend it. Thankyou.

Tanya K

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The tour was fantastic, however this company did not tell us that the tour was cancelled so when we turned up to board the boat we had to reschedule the next day - book direct not through Headout

Anne-marie D

Group

Verified booking

Last week

The ex political prisoner taking us around the prison made the experience even more meaningful. The staff were all friendly and communicated clearly what was happening and whe.

Charles I

Solo

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Itvwas well done, very informative and both guides did a super job describing their experiences and that of their families. Having a former political prisoner speak to us was moving and the first phase guide, showing her grandfathers passbook really brought it home to me. One thing I noticed was a lack of signage at the entrance after the taxi drop off. I happened to run into one if your guides so finally found the starting point

Carolyn C

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Hi I found the guided tour unforgettable and a must do when in Cape Town. A great history lesson. Personal stories from former inmates was humbling and made the experience even more real. Sad that this history happened at all. From a tourist from NZ

Sail from Cape Town to Robben Island on a half day trip that combines a scenic ferry ride, prison museum visit, and island bus tour in one ticket.

Benefit from skip the line entry and a moving guided tour led by a former political prisoner, with live commentary on the boat and island bus.

Visit the maximum security prison and museum, walk through former inmate cells and yards, and hear firsthand accounts of life under apartheid.

Board a guided bus for a narrated loop around Robben Island, taking in key landmarks, memorials, and sweeping views across Table Bay.

Upgrade your experience by adding a Cape Town city tour or hotel pickup from select Cape Town accommodations, so you reach the V&A Waterfront gateway relaxed and on time.

Shared Robben Island boat trip

Guided tour with a former prisoner

Robben Island museum tour admission ticket

Skip the ticket line access

Guided bus tour with live commentary

Hotel pickup (as per option selected)

Cape Town city tour (as per option selected)

Meals

Personal expenses

TOTAL DURATION4 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
Start point
2 starting points available
30 min
9 km
1. Robben Island
Tickets included
4 hr
5 attractions
Guided tour
A ferry ride across Table Bay brings you to one of South Africa's most significant historical sites. Guided by a resident Robben Island guide, you'll tour the island by bus and visit key landmarks that reveal its history as a prison, military outpost, leper colony, and symbol of the struggle for democracy.
Highlights
Robben Island Museum
Tickets included
40 min
Lepers' Cemetary
Free Admission
15 min
Robert Sobukwe's House
Free Admission
20 min
Lime Quarry
Free Admission
20 min
Blue Stone Quarry
Free Admission
20 min
End point
2 ending points available
Your ending point would be same as your start point

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

194 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Australia and over 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Lynette P
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The Ferry ride was very good and the guided tour of the prison was excellent. The bus tour guide was very pleasant and funny and the Prison Tour guide was very informative.
Gillian S
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
The ferry trip was exciting but the real highlight was the tour itself on Robben Island. For those of us who had heard of the troubles, Apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela, to have a guide who had firsthand experience of being incarcerated at the age of 16 was incredible, extremely moving and really helped one to understand what many went through during that time. Not, of course, to really comprehend the difficulties nor the treatment those incarcerated had to endure for so long. No one ever will but at least change happened but sadly the world is still suffering today in many ways .
Judith L
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
Coming from Australia I found the tour, the content and delivery of information significant. We do not have any such informed and consistent truth telling experiences in Australia. We could have - but the nation has chosen otherwise. I am very grateful for the experience of the Robben Island tour - for learning and for the gentle strength through which the tour guides and staff delivered this experience. Very highly recommend it. Thankyou.
Frances P
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Interesting stories from excellent guides. We were anxious about the boat leaving so left the tour early. It would have been helpful to know that the boat would wait for those scheduled to return on it.
Tanya K
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The tour was fantastic, however this company did not tell us that the tour was cancelled so when we turned up to board the boat we had to reschedule the next day - book direct not through Headout

What to bring

ID proof: Bring your passport or a copy for verification by Robben Island authorities.

Warm clothing: Bring a warm jacket, as sea conditions can be cold during the ferry ride.

Accessibility

Mobility access: This experience is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

What’s not allowed

Pets: Pets are not permitted on this experience.

Pregnancy: Pregnant travellers are not allowed to participate.

Infants on laps: Infants must not sit on laps, and infant seats are not available.

Additional information

Eligibility: This offer is for international travellers only; South African citizens should book directly with Robben Island.

Arrival time: Arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront at least 30 minutes before departure.

Participant details: Provide full names and dates of birth for all participants when booking.

Guided Tour + Hotel Pickup (variantId 101775 / tourId 97266) only: The child ticket policy below applies only to this option.

Child tickets: Child bookings are not available for the guided tour with hotel transfers option. All guests must book an adult ticket.

Amendments: Tickets cannot be amended or refunded once booked.

Cancellation policy: Bookings are non-refundable unless the boat trip is cancelled by Robben Island due to weather.

Ticket delivery: Tickets will be sent via WhatsApp, iMessage, or email, so ensure your contact details are correct.

Tour duration: The total experience, including the ferry ride and guided tour, lasts approximately 4 hours.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.