Robben Island Museum Ticket & Museum-Guided Prison Tour

Cape Town, South Africa
Duration4h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 55 travelers

Overview

Visit Robben Island with return ferry travel from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and admission to the museum's standard programme. Join the museum-operated island bus tour and guided visit to the former Maximum Security Prison, including a viewing of Nelson Mandela's former cell.

Robben Island Museum operates the ferry and island programme and assigns its guides. These services are shared with other visitors. A former political prisoner is not guaranteed as your guide. Giraffe Horizons handles your booking and museum-ticket arrangements. Hotel transfers are not included in this option.

Allow approximately 3.5–4 hours including return ferry travel, depending on the vessel and operations. Your booking confirmation is separate from the museum boarding ticket. Provide the required passenger details and check your issued ticket's date and departure time. Ferry services may be changed or cancelled because of weather, sea, safety or operational conditions.

What's included

  • Admission fees
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Guided island and prison programme provided by Robben Island Museum
  • Ferry return ticket
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Items/services of personal nature
  • No pickup and drop off

What to expect

  1. Waterfront Clock Tower
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Scenic and Cultural Exploration:
    Stunning Views: The ferry ride offers breathtaking views of Cape Town
    and Table Mountain, as well as the opportunity to spot marine life.
    Cultural Heritage: The tour encompasses not just the history of
    political imprisonment but also the island's broader history,
    including its use as a leper colony and military base, offering a
    well-rounded cultural experience.

    Benefits of Joining the Robben Island Museum Tour:

    1. Gain a Deep Understanding of South Africa’s History:
    Participants walk away with a nuanced understanding of apartheid
    and the struggle for freedom, as well as the chance to reflect on the
    importance of human rights and justice.

    2. Witness a Living Testament to Resilience:
    The tour highlights the strength and determination of those who
    fought for freedom, making it an inspiring experience for visitors.
  2. Robben Island Museum
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Opportunity to Engage with Local Guides:
    The chance to interact with guides who lived through the events
    provides a unique and personalized experience, allowing for questions
    and deeper discussion.

    Support Cultural Preservation:
    By participating in the tour, visitors contribute to the
    preservation of this important historical site and the education of
    future generations.

    Memorable and Moving Experience:
    The Robben Island tour is not just a visit to a historical site but
    an emotional journey that stays with participants long after they’ve
    returned home.
  3. Robben Island Museum
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Free Time:Enjoy some free time to reflect on your experience, take in the scenic views, and capture photos of the island's natural. Return Ferry: Board the return ferry to Cape Town, where you can continue to contemplate the profound impact of your visit to Robben
    Island.
    Conclusion:
    As you disembark from the ferry back at the V&A Waterfront, take a moment to reflect on the powerful history and enduring legacy of Robben Island beauty.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
End point

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • GUIDING & TIMING: Robben Island Museum assigns the guides for its shared island bus and prison programme. A former political prisoner, private island tour and priority boarding are not guaranteed. Allow approximately 3.5–4 hours including return ferry travel. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • PASSENGER DETAILS: Supply every participant's full name as shown on their identification, plus the requested details for children and the applicable ticket category. Bring valid identification matching the issued museum ticket.
  • FERRY OPERATIONS: Departures depend on weather, sea, safety and operational conditions and may be changed or cancelled by Robben Island Museum.
  • CANCELLATIONS: The cancellation policy displayed on your Viator booking applies. If Robben Island Museum cancels your scheduled service, contact us through your booking to arrange an available alternative or the applicable refund. Any alternative departure requires your agreement.
  • TICKETS & ARRIVAL: Your Viator confirmation and museum boarding ticket are separate documents. Check that you have received the issued museum ticket before travelling. We recommend arriving at Nelson Mandela Gateway 45 minutes before the confirmed ferry departure; the museum requires at least 30 minutes and closes boarding 10 minutes before departure.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
1,270.00 ZAR per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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1,270.00 ZAR per person
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