Compare the 10 Best Robben Island Tickets & Tour Prices for 2026
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 Robben Island Museum 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 compare Robben Island ticket prices and the different ways to visit the island. Then you can conveniently book your favorite option, be it a guided ferry ride or a scenic helicopter tour.
Highlights:
● Learn about life on Robben Island
● Discover aspects of South Africa’s intricate history
● Visit the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
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
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Robben Island Tour Prices 2026
- The cheapest Robben Island tickets cost R600 ($35 / €30) for non-SA adults and R310 ($18 / €16) for non-SA children aged 2 –18 years.
- SA adults pay R400 ($23 / €20), and R210 ($12 / €11) for SA children aged 2 – 18 years.
- Pre-booked skip-the-line entry tickets cost around R1,000 ($58 / €50).
- Robben Island tour with hotel pickup starts at R1,000 ($58 / €50) and can get up to R3,950 ($229 / €199) per person for the more exclusive helicopter ride
Ferry to Robben Island Times
You’ll depart for Robben Island on a boat trip from the V&A Waterfront at the Nelson Mandela Gateway. Based on the Robben Island Ferry timetable, you will depart at these exact times in accordance with your ticket details:
Peak Season: 1 September to 30 April
- 9 am
- 11 am
- 1 pm
- 3 pm
Off-peak Season: 1 May to 30 August
- 9 am
- 11 am
- 1 pm
Note that these trips are weather-permitting. The gates close 10 minutes before departure, so make sure you arrive early. The trip duration is approximately three-and-a-half hours, including your tour around the island.
When is the Best Time to Visit Robben Island?
The time of year to visit Robben Island is usually during Cape Town’s summer months (November to February). These months offer the best weather conditions, with little rain and warm weather.
The tour (including the two ferry trips) usually takes about 3.5 hours. To make the most out of your day, we recommend 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 aren’t strong. If the weather is really bad, the tour may be canceled for the day, and you will need to reschedule it.
Where to Buy Robben Island Tickets for 2026
There are a couple of options. While you can book tickets at the ticketing office, it is highly unlikely there will be tickets available. As it is a popular attraction in Cape Town, tickets to Robben Island almost always sell out days in advance (especially in peak season from September to April).
We highly recommend booking your tickets at least two weeks in advance, and up to a month in advance if visiting in the peak season.
Our Top Picks for the Best 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 tour, which includes hotel pick-up and a guided experience of the museum. Get picked up in comfort from your hotel in the city center and the nearby surroundings.
Then, you will be transported to the ferry boarding, where your pre-booked ticket has secured your spot for the journey. Enjoy a sea-breezing boat trip to the island on a dedicated ferry before exploring the history of this unique island.
Listen to stories of South Africa’s apartheid past as told by former political prisoners of the island. You’ll also get to visit the infamous prison cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years of his 27 years in jail.
What we liked: Great option for a convenient hotel pick-up and secure spot on the ferry.
- 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 and struggles of apartheid before hopping on a ferry to Robben Island. During this tour, you’ll discover the story of one of the men who played a vital role in overcoming social injustice in South Africa.
The eight-hour tour includes a guided visit to the city’s most important townships, a ferry ride to Robben Island, and an unparalleled historical and cultural experience. From District Six and Langa to Gugulethu, you’ll get a true sense of Cape Town’s history in these prominent townships.
What we liked: Great if you want a full-day tour beyond Robben Island.
- Vehicle and driver guide
- Private transportation by air-conditioned minivan
- Robben Island ferry ticket
- Tour of the island and prison
- Return transfer to your hotel
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Robben Island Helicopter Tour
Hit the air and enjoy one of the best 20-minute Robben Island helicopter flights for an unparalleled view and alternative experience. Enjoy postcard views of the island first-hand from the air as the helicopter circumnavigates one of the most significant landmarks in South African history.
It’s not just about the pretty views, as you will also get expert in-flight commentary from your pilot. This short but exciting Robben Island experience pairs perfectly with a Table Mountain tour via the cable car, as it’s a great way to tick off two of Cape Town’s most famous activities in one day.
What we liked: Great if you want a unique and scenic experience of Robben Island.
- Shared helicopter flight
- In-flight commentary
- Free pick-up and drop-off from accommodation
- In-flight video package (available for purchase)
- Exclusive flight (available for purchase at the cost of 1 extra seat)
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 about 3.5 hours, including the two half-hour ferry rides.
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 or sometime in summer, when the weather is best. Wear comfortable walking shoes, light summer clothes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Is Robben Island a World Heritage Site?
Yes, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been since 1999. The island’s status as a UNESCO-listed site recognizes South Africa’s history and its symbolic importance for freedom, triumph, and democracy.
Can I Stay on Robben Island?
Yes, you can, thanks to the development of the private, luxury accommodation known as the Robben Island Suite. The guesthouse is in high demand, and you need to try to secure a booking via the Tintswalo Atlantic Hotel.
If you can secure the room, you’ll enjoy premium amenities, breakfast included, and fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Hout Bay, and Table Mountain.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Robben Island?
If you’re wondering how much a trip to Robben Island costs, tickets start at R600 ($35 / €30) and can reach R3,950 ($229 / €199). The price depends on what your ticket includes and how you are going to experience the island.
Specification: Compare the 10 Best Robben Island Tickets & Tour Prices for 2026
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Anonymous –
Weather played a strong role in our tour, but we were impressed with the guide’s and company’s flexibility. Our guide was right on time to pick us up at our hotel. He was knowledgeable and prepared for the day. Unfortunately, the day would have gone better if we had done Robben Island first and Table Mountain second. As it was, we went to Table Mountain which was totally fogged in. Had a nice walk around the summit. Then we found out that the afternoon boats to Robben Island were canceled due to weather. We had to scramble to figure out what to do. We enjoyed our tour of the castle and botanical gardens and the company arranged for us to do Robben Island two days later. We appreciated their flexibility. Kudos to the guide and tour operator for their support in adversity.
Anonymous –
Our Driver Peter was amazing. He was very attentive and personable. He gave us very great details about the city and did not leave our side. We felt safe and enjoyed his company. The cable car was shut down because of winds so we were not able to go to the top of the mountain but Peter was accommodating.
Anonymous –
Tour guide was prompt, knowledgeable and pleasant … I would recommend using this agency again and the tour guide..
Anonymous –
We had a nice day out although the weather was very hot. Our guide took us to the Mandela Gateway and gave us tickets for the boat for Robben Island. He stayed in Cape Town. The boat was quite comfortable and we were allowed to stand and look outside. We were then divided up onto some rough old buses. We had a guide on the bus who was very strict and said we definitely could not speak a word when she was talking. It was hard to tell if she was serious or trying to be funny. I was sorry that we were not allowed to get off at some of the sites because it was very difficult to take photos through the the closed windows and across other people. We were then dropped at the prison and were given an interesting tour by an ex inmate. We saw Mandela’s cell and other various courtyards and cells. We then returned to the ferry and were met the other side by our guide. He asked if we wanted to stop for lunch or not which I thought was a bit odd as we’d been out since 08.00. So he found us somewhere to eat which was average but felt a bit rushed. We then went to Table Mountain. It was very busy but we eventually got in the gondola. At the top the guide left us to walk round ourselves and asked us how much time we needed. We had no idea so suggested half an hour, again I got the feeling we were being rushed. As it turned out half an hour wasn’t long enough and we weren’t quite back in time and as soon as half hour had passed he was chasing us on the phone. The top of Table Mountain was interesting and there were lovely views from the top but it was seriously crowded. We had been up Signal Hill the day before which was much more peaceful and had great views, although obviously much lower down. It was all very rushed up there. We then had a look round Bo Kasparov but I got the impression he wasn’t that keen on going there. He had some difficulty with the manual gear box and stalled several times in the hills going up which was a bit scary. We went back through the city to our hotel and passed several interesting sites that I would have liked to stop and see, plus take photos but this didn’t happen.