Robben Island

The basics

Most tours depart from Cape Town and include transportation from city hotels, the boat trip to the island, and time at the former maximum security prison. Upon arrival on Robben Island, general tours start aboard a bus. Oftentimes, island tour guides are former political prisoners who can share information about South Africa’s history, as well as their own firsthand experiences. Custom and private tours are also available, while others combine a trip to the island with Cape Town city tours or a visit to Table Mountain National Park.

Things to know before you go

• The 30-minute ferry ride to the island can be choppy; plan accordingly if you’re prone to motion sickness.

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before your ferry departs to secure a spot and make your way to the boat.

• A guided Robben Island bus tour, including ferry rides, takes up to 4 hours.

• Food and drink are available for purchase on the island.

• Robben Island is wheelchair accessible, but some of the ramps are quite steep.

How to get there

Robben Island is in Table Bay, about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa in the country’s Western Cape province. Ferries for general island tours depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, and there are typically four departures each day. The Sea Princess is one of the few wheelchair-accessible ferry options.

When to get there

Robben Island is open and accessible year-round, with ferries departing four times a day in good weather. To experience the island at its least crowded, and with the coolest temperatures in summer, depart on the first tour of the day.

If you have plans to visit Table Mountain National Park in the morning (you’ll want to visit the top of the mountain before the clouds roll in), opt for a later tour of the island. Just make sure not to miss the last ferry back to Cape Town. Robben Island does not have any hotels or accommodations.

Places of note on Robben Island

On the island, you can visit Robert Sobukwe’s house, where the human rights activist and former prisoner once lived. You’ll see the 17th century limestone quarry where Mandela and others labored, the leper colony cemetery, and the Robben Island Museum, which preserves the memory and contributions of the freedom fighters once imprisoned there.

Some tours also include access to Mandela’s cell. Finally, don’t miss the massive Howitzer gun at the entrance of the prison building. It was meant to be used during World War II if the Germans or Japanese decided to invade Cape Town.

Ways to explore

Located off the coast of Cape Town, the island serves as a nature conservation area where African penguins flock and wildflowers bloom in the spring. But the main draw of the island is the exquisitely curated Robben Island Museum, which focuses on the experiences of prisoners during their incarceration on the island. Robben Island can be visited by private charter tours, but the standard entry to the island includes a guided tour. The entire experience lasts about four hours. Just be sure to book in advance, as it’s a very popular destination.

Accessibility

The island and museum are largely wheelchair accessible, but not all of the ferries are. Contact the museum before booking your tickets to ensure that you choose an accessible ferry.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but younger children may find the length of the tour to be too tiring.

What to pack

Cash, sunscreen, water, snacks, ID that matches the name you purchased your ticket with

What to wear

Hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, casual clothing

Not allowed

Drones, ticket resale, weapons

Amenities

Bathrooms, guided tours, museum

Address 

The island is accessible by ferries operated by the museum, departing four times a day during peak season and three times a day during the off-season from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Driving

It’s a short drive to the waterfront from downtown, and there’s paid parking along the quay. Head northeast along Buitengracht Street until you can turn left onto dock road, and follow signs to the waterfront.

Public transportation

The waterfront isn’t well connected to the downtown by public transport, so a more convenient option is to grab a taxi or a rideshare.

Best times to visit

Due to the island’s popularity, it’s better to focus on booking tickets that work with your schedule. Make sure to book at least a few days in advance.

Best days to visit

If you’d rather avoid school groups, try to visit on the weekends.

Best months to visit

If you don’t mind a bit of rain, you can avoid the worst of the crowds by visiting from May to September, which coincides with Cape Town’s rainy season. Just remember to pack a rain jacket and some warmer layers, as parts of the museum are outdoors.

Special events

From mid-December until mid-January, enjoy a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the coastline and ocean with a sunrise or sunset tour.