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

Discover the poignant history of South Africa with the Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour. This 5-hour excursion includes a convenient one-way hotel pickup, a 45-minute ferry ride to the former prison, and a guided tour led by former inmates. Visitors can explore Nelson Mandela’s cell and learn personal stories from the past. With limited spots available, this immersive journey offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s complex apartheid history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious to learn more, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in Cape Town.

Good To Know

• This 5-hour Robben Island tour from Cape Town includes a ferry ride, bus tour, and visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell, with pickup available from select locations.
• The tour is priced at Kč1,607 per person and is limited to 12 participants, with full refunds available for cancellations up to 3 days in advance.
• Valid passport or ID is required for the ferry ride, and the tour operates rain or shine, with weather-related cancellations allowing for rescheduling or refunds.
• Guided tours led by former prisoners provide an immersive experience into South Africa’s Apartheid history, with the opportunity to see Mandela’s cell.
• Proof of date of birth is needed for children, and rescheduled tickets require self-transport to the V&A Waterfront, with transportation charges for Waterfront guests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Robben Island Ferry Tour offers a 5-hour excursion from Cape Town to the historic Robben Island, where visitors can explore the prison where Nelson Mandela was held.

Priced from Kč1,607 per person, the tour is limited to 12 participants and is conducted in English.

Pickup is available from various locations in Cape Town, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Guests can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

The experience highlights include a ferry ride, a bus tour of the island, and a visit to Mandela’s cell, providing an in-depth look at the island’s Apartheid history.

Pickup and Accessibility

Typically, pickup is included from several areas in Cape Town, such as Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, City Centre (CBD, Gardens, Tamboerskloof, Oranjezicht), Woodstock, and the Waterfront.

If outside the pickup area, arrangements must be made with the provider. The tour is wheelchair accessible. However, transportation charges apply for Waterfront guests.

Visitors are advised to bring a passport or ID card, as they’ll be required for the ferry ride to Robben Island.

The tour operates rain or shine, and in case of weather-related cancellations, rescheduling or refunds are offered, though rescheduled tickets require self-transport to the Waterfront.

Experience Highlights

Visiting Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, offers an immersive experience into South Africa’s Apartheid history.

Participants will learn about this turbulent period directly from former prisoners through guided tours. The highlight is a visit to Mandela’s cell, where he spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity.

Pre-booking is recommended to secure a spot, as the tours are limited to 12 participants. The ferry ride to and from the island takes 45 minutes each way.

Upon return to Cape Town, visitors have the option to further explore the V&A Waterfront independently.

Tour Itinerary

Departing from Cape Town, participants board a shared bus that transports them to the V&A Waterfront.

After collecting their tickets, they board a ferry for a 45-minute journey to Robben Island.

Once on the island, they’ll embark on a bus tour, followed by a visit to the prison where Nelson Mandela was held.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see Mandela’s cell, where he spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity.

The tour concludes with a return to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, where participants can choose to continue exploring the area independently.

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Important Information

Participants will need to bring a valid passport or ID card for the tour.

The tour operator notes that weather may affect the ferry schedule, and any cancellations due to weather allow for rescheduling or refunds.

Rescheduled tickets require participants to make their own way to the V&A Waterfront departure point.

Travelers should provide a contact number when booking, as the operator may need to communicate any potential updates.

For children, proof of date of birth is required.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Robben Island Ferry Tour has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 1,161 reviews.

Customers have praised the tour’s excellent guides, who earned a 4.4 rating. The transportation received a 4.3 rating, and the service and organization each earned a 4.1 and 4.0 rating, respectively.

Reviewers highlight the engaging experiences with former prisoners and the informative tour of the island and prison where Nelson Mandela was held.

While the tour’s ratings are generally positive, there’s room for improvement in certain aspects of the service and organization to reach an even higher level of customer satisfaction.

Exploring Robben Island’s Haunting History

Robben Island holds a haunting history as the site where South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, and countless others were imprisoned during the Apartheid era.

Visitors to the island can explore the former maximum-security prison, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity. The tour includes a bus ride around the island and a visit to Mandela’s cell, offering a sobering glimpse into the conditions faced by political prisoners.

Through the first-hand accounts of former inmates, guests gain a deeper understanding of the island’s role in the struggle for justice and human rights in South Africa.

Preparing for Your Robben Island Visit

To make the most of your Robben Island visit, it’s important to come prepared.

Bring your passport or ID card, as they’re required to board the ferry. Check the weather forecast, as ferry schedules may be affected by inclement conditions.

If you need to reschedule your tickets, you’ll be responsible for getting yourself to the V&A Waterfront. Provide your contact information when booking, in case there are any updates or changes.

And don’t forget – children need proof of their date of birth.

With a little advance planning, you can ensure a seamless and memorable experience on this historic island.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is the Ferry Ride to Robben Island?

The ferry ride to Robben Island is a 45-minute journey across the water. Passengers enjoy views of the coast and Table Mountain as they travel to the historic island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

What Are the Top Attractions on Robben Island?

The top attractions on Robben Island include visiting the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held, touring his cell, and learning about the island’s Apartheid history from a former political prisoner during a guided bus tour.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the Robben Island tour, except in designated areas like the former prison cells where photography is prohibited out of respect for the former prisoners.

Is There a Gift Shop on Robben Island?

Yes, there is a gift shop on Robben Island. Visitors can browse and purchase souvenirs and memorabilia related to the island’s history and Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment there during the Apartheid era.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Robben Island?

The best time to visit Robben Island is typically during the morning or early afternoon hours. This allows visitors to take the ferry when the weather is cooler and less prone to disruptions.

The Sum Up

The Robben Island Ferry Tour offers a powerful and poignant exploration of South Africa’s history. Visitors can enjoy the island’s past, gaining insights from former inmates and witnessing the cell where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. With limited availability, this tour provides an essential experience for anyone seeking to understand the country’s complex and challenging legacy of apartheid.

You can check availability for your dates here: