Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Your journey begins with a warm welcome from our friendly driver/guide, who will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront.
From there, board the ferry to Robben Island — the iconic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years. On arrival, you’ll embark on a guided bus tour of the island, led by a former political prisoner or an experienced guide who shares powerful stories from South Africa’s history.
After the bus tour, explore the prison itself and visit Nelson Mandela’s former cell — a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
Once the tour concludes, take the ferry back to the Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Please note: return transfers to your hotel are not included.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
-
1
1. 08:00 AM – Check-in at V&A Waterfront: Start your journey at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Arrive early to check-in at the ferry terminal and explore the surrounding shops and cafes before boarding
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
2. 09:00 AM – Ferry Ride to Robben Island: Board the ferry for the 30-45 minute journey to Robben Island. Enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain and the city skyline as you sail across the bay. During the ride, there’s an opportunity to learn about the island’s history through short documentaries and onboard guides.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
3. 09:45 AM – Arrival at Robben Island & Guided Bus Tour: Upon arrival, begin your tour of the island. A guided bus tour will take you through various points of interest, including the island’s village, leper colony, and limestone quarry, where Nelson Mandela and other prisoners were forced to work.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
4. 10:30 AM – Maximum-Security Prison Tour: Continue with a guided tour of the maximum-security prison, led by a former political prisoner or an expert guide. You’ll visit Nelson Mandela’s cell and hear firsthand stories about life in the prison and the resilience of the anti-apartheid movement.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
5. 12:00 PM – Ferry Ride Back to Cape Town: After your tour, board the ferry for the return journey to Cape Town. As you sail back, reflect on the profound historical lessons learned during your visit to Robben Island.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
6. 12:45 PM – Return to V&A Waterfront: Arrive back at the V&A Waterfront, where you can enjoy lunch, shopping, or further exploration of Cape Town’s popular waterfront district.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Show 1 more
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Get our app
