Cape Town Robben Island & Cape Peninsula Penguin Tour — V&A Waterfront to Cape Point
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness required: short walks, standing during ferry and guided tours; not suitable for long hikes.
Overview
Combine a ferry crossing to Robben Island and a bus tour of the Cape Peninsula in one full day. Walk through Mandela’s cell, drive Chapman's Peak, and watch African penguins at Boulders Beach on this practical, history-rich tour.
Cape Town Robben Island & Cape Peninsula Penguin Tour — V&A Waterfront to Cape Point
Select participants and date
The day begins at the busy pulse of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, where ferries cut a silver line across Table Bay and the air tastes of salt and diesel. You board the Nelson Mandela Gateway ferry and the city’s flat-topped guardian, Table Mountain, recedes as the coastline tightens into cliffs and scrub. The crossing is a short, clear seam between past and present: Robben Island’s low silhouette sits like a concrete punctuation in the blue, and once ashore a bus waits to take you through a landscape that reads like South Africa’s modern history.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book Robben Island early
Ferry slots fill fast—reserve your Robben Island ticket days or weeks in advance and confirm pickup details with your operator.
Dress in layers
Coastal weather changes quickly; bring a windproof jacket and a warm mid-layer even on sunny mornings.
Bring seasickness prevention
The bay crossing can be bumpy—take motion-sickness tablets beforehand if you’re prone to seasickness.
Respect wildlife rules
At Boulders Beach stay on boardwalks and keep distance from penguins—do not feed or touch them.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African (jackass) penguin
- Cape cormorant and soaring gulls
History
Robben Island’s use as a place of banishment and imprisonment dates back centuries; its 20th-century role during apartheid, and Mandela’s long incarceration there, make it a focal point of South African history.
Conservation
African penguin populations are vulnerable—visitors must follow boardwalk routes and never disturb nests; many local operators support rehabilitation and nest protection programs.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against strong coastal winds and sudden changeable weather.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support for walking on uneven paths, sand and stone surfaces at sites like Robben Island and Boulders Beach.
Sunscreen & hat
Strong sun and reflective ocean increase UV exposure during open stretches of the tour.
summer specific
Small daypack
Carries water, camera, layers, and souvenirs while keeping hands free for photography.