Robben Island is at the core of South Africa’s rich history and culture. The tiny island located just off the coast of Cape Town tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s captivity — and subsequent freedom — which became iconic for the democracy of South Africa.
Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction for those passionate about history and human justice. The only way to reach the island is by boat or air. Here, we will discuss Robben Island ticket prices and the variety of ways to visit the island by ferry — and even by helicopter.
Know Before You Book:
- The ferry is subject to weather, and trips may be canceled
- There is a two-tier price system, and Non-South Africans need to make sure that they select the correct option for the ticket to be valid
- The tour ends at the Robben Island Ferry gateway
Highlights:
- Learn about life on Robben Island
- Discover aspects of South Africa’s intricate history
- Visit the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
Table of Contents: (Jump to)
Robben Island Tour Prices 2025
- The cheapest Robben Island tickets cost R600 ($33 / €31) for non-SA adults and R310 ($17 / €16) for non-SA children between 2 -18.
- SA adults pay R400 ($22 / €21), and SA children pay R210 ($11 / €11) for 2 – 18 years.
- Robben Island tour with hotel pickup starts at R850 ($47 / €44) and can get up to R3,650 ($199 / €188) per person for the more exclusive helicopter ride.
Read more about - Robben Island ,Kirstenbosch Gardens and Groot Constantia. - https://www.viator.com/tours/Cape-Town/Robben-Island-Full-Day-Tour/d318-344727P2?mcid=56757
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Ferry to Robben Island Times
You’ll depart to Robben Island on a boat trip from the V&A Waterfront at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm daily. Note that these trips are weather-permitting. The gates close 10 minutes prior to departure, so make sure that you arrive early. The trip duration is approximately three-and-a-half hours — including your tour around the island.
Robben Island Tours Times
There are several ferries leaving for Robben Island throughout the day. Ferries typically depart at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm so pre-booking is essential to secure your spot. It is important to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Best Time to Go to Robben Island
The tour — including the two ferry trips — normally takes around three and a half hours. To make the most out of your day, it’s suggested that you go earlier rather than later. When booking your trip, try to check the weather forecast. The experience is best when the sun is out and the winds are soft. If the weather is really bad, the tour may be canceled for the day, and you will need to reschedule it.
Robben Island Tickets & Prices 2025
The prices for boat trips to Robben Island from V&A Waterfront are R400 per adult and R210 per child for South Africans. Robben Island boat trip prices for non-South African visitors cost R600 per adult and R310 per child. As mentioned above, hotel pick-ups are available at a small additional fee.
Robben Island Tours
Depending on the time and budget you have available, you may want to simply tick off the island or expand on its learnings and visit the surrounding townships in Cape Town. Alternatively, if you are really pressed for time, you can take a scenic Cape Town helicopter ride over the island.
Robben Island Boat Trip and Hotel Pick-Up
This is the standard Robben Island ferry and tour of the museum, with the luxury of a hotel pick-up included. Enjoy a sea-breezing boat trip to the island on a dedicated ferry before exploring the history that is dictated on the island.
Listen to stories of South Africa’s apartheid past as told by an ex-prisoner on the island, and visit the infamous cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in jail.
Get picked up in comfort from your hotel in the city center and nearby surroundings. Then, be transported to the ferry boarding, where your pre-booked ticket has secured your spot for the journey.
- Pick-up from central Cape Town accommodation
- Return Robben Island ferry ticket
- Tour of the island and prison
- Drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
An incredible experience for those interested in the underlying history and culture of South Africa. Robben Island is an iconic landmark in Cape Town and a must-see for anyone wanting to truly experience the city.
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Township and Robben Island Tour Combination
Visit different townships around Cape Town and witness the after-effects of the struggles of apartheid before hopping on a ferry to Robben Island and discovering the story of one of the men who played a vital role in overcoming the social injustice.
The eight-hour tour includes a guided visit to the most important townships in Cape Town, a ferry ride to Robben Island, and an unparalleled historical and cultural experience.
- Vehicle and driver guide
- Petrol
- Robben Island ferry ticket
- Tour of the island and prison
- Passenger liability insurance
- Return transfer to hotel
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Helicopter Ride — Robben Island by Air
Hit the air and enjoy one of the best 20-minute Robben Island helicopter flights for an unparalleled view and alternative experience. Experience post-card views of the island first-hand from the air as the helicopter circumnavigates one of the most significant landmarks in South African history.
- Shared helicopter flight
- In-flight commentary
- Free pick-up and drop-off from accommodation
- In-flight video package (available for purchase)
FAQs About Robben Island Tour Packages
Now that you know where to buy Robben Island tickets, let’s have a look at some of the commonly asked questions about these tours.
How Long Does a Robben Island Trip Take?
Reaching Robben Island by ferry takes half an hour. However, most tours last four hours, including the two half-hour ferries.
Can I Go to Robben Island Without a Tour?
The only way to enjoy a trip to Robben Island is via a tour. These usually depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
What Should I Wear to Robben Island?
You’ll most likely want to visit Robben Island and Cape Town in January when the weather is best. Wear comfortable walking shoes, light summer clothes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Specification: 9 Robben Island Tickets | Prices 2025 + Best Tours
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Anonymous –
We were picked up from our hotel by Fazilla who was our guide to show us around the city. Afterward she took us to the pier to catch the boat to Robben Island. After our tour of the island Fazilla was waiting for us on the dock to return us to our hotel. The tickets were provided for the island so we didn’t have to wait in line to buy the tickets. Our guide also gave us large bottles of water to take to the island.
Anonymous –
Fantastic experience. I have now visited 2 Prisons in 2 different continents. Alcatraz in San Francisco 10 years ago and Robbin Island yesterday.
Anonymous –
Efficient on time collection from hotel. Extra tour of parts of the city provided while awaiting confirmation of whether trip to Robben Island would be cancelled due to fog. Fog issue handled very effectively and helpful steerage through registration process for trip
Anonymous –
Excellent tour. Good pick up and drop off to hotel . The guide who picked us up was great and jovial. The ex prisoner who showed us around the cells was superb. A must tour