Robben Island Half Day Tour With Pre Booked Ticket from Cape Town

Please be aware Viator provides transportation to the ferry and back, nothing else. Skip Viator and purchase a $36 ticket at the ferry dock. The Robben Island tour is pre set for all visitors. The $36 ferry ticket is includes the roundtrip ferry and Island tour. Everyone departs the ferry and gets on old bus that holds 54 people. There is a narrator on the bus and after touring the property, everyone is dropped off at the prison to view Nelson Mandel's cell which is narrated by an ex-inmate. There is no microphone and difficult to hear the commentary. There is a short walk back to the ferry. Viator charged $87 and I could have walked or Urber to the ferry dock. Purchased a $36 ticket and had the exact same tour.

Great tour all round. Starting with great no fuss pickup from gentleman driver. Good tour of the island with guides that had a real connection to the island . The first guide had a grandfather that was jailed there and the second guide "Dede" actually spent time there as a political prisoner. He had some great stories to tell.

The place was welcoming,its clean the staff is friendly and the environment is neart...

Our tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable, could not have wished for a better one

The tourist guides were very helpful in terms of booking and the tour itself. And it was value for money services

I enjoyed my trip. Everything was so organised and calm. I love it, I’m definitely doing this again !

From Gauteng (Oliven) and feeling unsafe at an unfamiliar place, the guide that was given was amazing and very informative. Thank you very much

I recently took the ferry out to Robben Island, and honestly, the entire experience from start to finish was executed with such precision and heart that it’s easily a highlight of my time in Cape Town. For a South African citizen, the visit was quite affordable at R400 (non-citizens pay R600), which is excellent value given that it includes both the ferry and the guided tours. ​The entire experience took exactly 3.5 hours from the moment we departed the V&A Waterfront to the time we docked back at the pier. It’s a perfectly timed excursion—enough to feel fully immersed in the history without the day feeling rushed or overly long. The atmosphere is a striking mix of somber reflection and quiet resilience; while the ferry ride feels scenic and breezy, the prison grounds carry a heavy, hushed significance that commands respect. ​The crowd size is managed well through timed ticketing, though the ferry and buses will be full. Because the island is expansive, it rarely feels "cramped," except perhaps during the walkthrough of the narrower prison corridors. ​The staff and guides are the standout—professional, punctual, and deeply knowledgeable. The former-prisoner guides, in particular, bring a level of authenticity and grace that transforms the tour into a personal encounter rather than just a sightseeing trip. ​Best for: History buffs, solo travelers seeking reflection, and families with older children who want to engage with South Africa’s journey toward democracy. It’s a must-do for anyone wanting to understand the "Long Walk to Freedom" firsthand.

More than just a tour, it’s a history lesson you’ll never forget. Walking through Nelson Mandela’s cell and hearing real stories from those who were imprisoned there left a lasting impact. The staff were professional and the whole experience was handled with great dignity and respect.

What an amazing experience. From the guided tour by Sam at the boat to the Robben Island it was amazing truly I can’t wait to book my next trip. My family had a great time thank you so much.