The island prison in Table Bay where Nelson Mandela spent eighteen years. A ferry from the Waterfront, a tour of the cells often led by a former prisoner, and the cell that became a symbol of South Africa's freedom.
Off the Cape Town waterfront, low and flat in the middle of Table Bay, Robben Island is where South Africa kept the people it most wanted to silence. Nelson Mandela spent eighteen of his twenty-seven prison years here, and the island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum.
A ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront makes the crossing in 30 to 45 minutes. On the island, a bus loops past the lime quarry where prisoners did hard labour in the glare, the graveyard from its years as a leper colony, and the village. Then a guide, often a former political prisoner, takes you into the maximum-security block and stops at Mandela’s narrow cell.
It’s a half-day, and a moving one. Book ahead, because sailings are limited and sell out, and keep your plans flexible, because rough weather in the bay cancels boats at short notice. Go early in your trip so you have a spare day if the sea is against you.
One set route, half a day from the Waterfront and back. Here's how it runs.
A catamaran from the Nelson Mandela Gateway crosses Table Bay in 30 to 45 minutes. On the island, a bus loops past the lime quarry where prisoners did hard labour in the glare, the old leper graveyard, the village and Robert Sobukwe's house.
Inside the maximum-security prison, a guide, often a former political prisoner, walks you through the cell blocks and the courtyard, and stops at Nelson Mandela's narrow cell, where he spent eighteen of his twenty-seven years in jail.
Sailings are limited and regularly sell out, especially in summer. Book through the Robben Island Museum or a partner several days in advance.
Rough seas and wind in Table Bay cancel boats at short notice. Go early in your trip so you have a backup day if the crossing is called off.
Door to door it's about four hours, including check-in, the crossing both ways and the tour. Don't schedule anything tight afterwards.
It's windy and cool on the open boat and on the exposed island, even on a warm day in the city. Pack a jacket.
Check in before departure at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, where there's a small exhibition to see while you wait.
Pair the island with the District Six Museum or a guided apartheid-history tour in the city to put it in context.
Book the ferry and prison tour through our trusted partners — the same price as booking direct, and worth securing early.
The standard visit: return ferry from the V&A Waterfront and the guided tour of the prison and the island, about 3.5 hours.
Book on GetYourGuide →An alternative ferry-and-tour package from the Nelson Mandela Gateway, with the island bus loop and the cell blocks.
See ferry tickets →Pair the island with the mainland story: the District Six Museum and the city's apartheid history on a guided tour.
See history tours →Hotels at the V&A Waterfront and in the City Bowl, walking distance from the ferry gateway.
Find a stay →We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links — at no extra cost to you.
Robben Island is the heart of Cape Town's history. See the rest of what the Mother City holds.
