# Robben Island tour: tickets, timing and what to expect

## Robben Island: how the tour works, ticket prices, timing and tips

*Published: 2026-05-05 13:47:13*
*Tags: Robben Island, Cape Town tours, South Africa history, Nelson Mandela, island tours, travel guides, Amity Adventure, Cape Town*

> Robben Island: tickets R600 including the ferry, about 3.5 to 4 hours, prison tours led by former prisoners, and pre-booked tickets from $65.

## Article

Robben Island

 Robben Island lies in Table Bay, about 7 km off Cape Town. For nearly 400 years it was used as a place of banishment and imprisonment. It is best known as the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Today it is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 How the tour works

 All visits are guided; you can't explore the island on your own. Ferries leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way. On the island a bus tour takes you past the limestone quarry where prisoners worked, the house where Robert Sobukwe was held alone, and other sites. A former political prisoner then guides you through the maximum security prison, including Mandela's cell.

 Allow about 3.5 to 4 hours in total, including the ferry.

 Tickets and prices

 The standard tour costs R600 for international adults, and the price includes the return ferry. South African residents pay a lower rate with ID. Tickets often sell out several days ahead in summer, so book early. Trips are cancelled in rough seas, usually with a refund or a new date.

 Our options:

 Pre-booked ferry and prison tour, from $65 per person
 Robben Island ticket for SA residents, from $47
 Robben Island and Table Mountain private tour, from $199
 Robben Island and Langa township day tour, from $161
 Practical tips

 Bring a warm jacket; it is often windy and cold on the water, even in summer.
 Wear comfortable shoes for the walk through the prison.
 Arrive at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at least 30 minutes before your ferry.
 Bring your passport or ID, which is checked at boarding.
 For more ideas, see our other Cape Town guides.

 Frequently asked questions

 When is the best time to visit?

 The island is open all year. Summer (November to March) has calmer seas and is busiest. In winter, ferries are cancelled more often because of rough seas.

 How much does it cost?

 R600 for international adults, including the ferry. Our pre-booked ticket costs from $65.

 Can I visit with a guide?

 Every visit is guided by the museum's own guides, and the prison section is led by a former political prisoner. Our tours add transport, pre-booked tickets and, on the private options, a guide for the rest of the day.

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