The Robben Island tour at a glance
Ferries to Robben Island leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. The visit has two parts: a bus ride around the island and a visit to the former maximum-security prison. The island is a place of history, and the tour is a guided visit rather than a leisure outing.
The ticket is separate from the Waterfront and from any other attraction in Cape Town. Crossings depend on the weather and on demand, so a day can change at short notice. Book early, and keep the day flexible if you can. This site is an independent guide and has no link with the operator.
Ticket prices in 2026
Prices in rand, per person. Children are under 18.
| Visitor type | Adult | Child under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Non South Africans | R600 | R310 |
| South Africans | R400 | R210 |
Infants need a booking at the gateway with a birth certificate, even though their ticket is free. South African seniors aged 60 and over get a discount on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is no general discount for senior visitors from abroad.
Our picks: Robben Island
Ferry and guided tours to the island, with and without transport from the waterfront.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Robben Island ferry and prison tour
Return ferry tickets and a museum tour led by a former prisoner. Hotel transfers, food and drinks are not included.
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Robben Island ferry and guided tour
Return ferry, museum entry, a guided bus tour of the island and the prison tour, including Mandela's former cell. Food and drinks are not included.
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Robben Island tour with transport
Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, water and Robben Island entry. Lunch and tips are extra.
Check availability →Robben Island tours and Cape Town combinations
Island visits, V&A Waterfront trips and combinations with the mountain and the city, with live prices and availability.
Ferry times by season
Departures from the Nelson Mandela Gateway. Every departure depends on weather and demand.
| Period | Departures |
|---|---|
| 1 September to 30 April | 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 |
| 1 May to 30 August | 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 |
For 31 August, check the current timetable before you plan. The crossing takes 30 to 60 minutes each way, depending on the boat.
Booking, check-in and changes
The practical side of the day.
Book early
The operator takes bookings online and advises booking early. Digital and printed tickets are both accepted at the gateway.
Arrive 30 minutes ahead
Be at the gateway at least 30 minutes before departure. Access closes 10 minutes before the boat leaves.
Cancelled tours
If the operator cancels a tour, you can claim a refund with your ticket and proof of identity. Card or EFT refunds take 7 to 14 working days.
Your own changes
Rebooking is possible up to 48 hours before departure, for an administration fee. Check the amount when you rebook.
Guides
A specific guide cannot be promised. Plan on a good guided visit rather than on one particular person.
What the visit includes
On the island you ride a bus around the island and then visit the former maximum-security prison. Guides lead the visit and tell the history. Treat it as a place of memory and follow the guide.
Allow roughly 3.5 to 4 hours for the whole trip, counting both ferry rides. Plan for the longer figure, and keep the rest of the day free.
The Waterfront has its own sights, including a market and a museum of contemporary art. You can join the two on the same day or the next. See the V&A Waterfront guide for what is there.
Plan the rest of Cape Town
Pages that fit around the island visit.
The V&A Waterfront
The harbour, the market and the museum next to the ferry gateway.
The Table Mountain Cableway
Fares, times and what happens when the wind blows.
Weather on Table Mountain
Wind, cloud and how they shape your days in the city.
Table Mountain tours
Options for the mountain and the city, side by side.
Robben Island: frequently asked questions
How much does the Robben Island tour cost?
In 2026 the adult ticket is R600 for non South Africans and R400 for South Africans. Children under 18 pay R310 and R210 respectively.
How long does the Robben Island trip take?
About 3.5 to 4 hours for the whole visit, including both ferry rides. One crossing takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the boat.
Where does the ferry leave from?
From the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, because access closes 10 minutes before.
What happens if the tour is cancelled?
A cancelled tour is refunded against your ticket and proof of identity. Card or EFT refunds take 7 to 14 working days.
Can I rebook my ticket?
Yes, up to 48 hours before the tour, for an administration fee.
Is this the official Robben Island site?
No. This is an independent guide with no connection to the operator or to any museum. Check the timetable and the price when you book.