Cross Table Bay to Robben Island for a guided prison tour led by former inmates. This full-day trip from the V&A Waterfront combines a scenic ferry ride with a sobering, informative visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the V&A Waterfront pier as gulls wheel and the ocean smells of salt and cold; the ferry cuts a white line across Table Bay, pushing you toward Robben Island. The island’s low silhouette grows until the concrete block of the prison — stark, flat-roofed and plain — dominates the shoreline, a physical reminder of recent history.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and walking for several short segments
Wildlife
History
Robben Island served as a prison during apartheid and other periods, with Nelson Mandela incarcerated there for 18 years; it’s now preserved as a museum and World Heritage Site.
Conservation
The island’s low-lying habitat is sensitive—stay on designated paths to protect nesting birds and fragile vegetation, and support the museum’s conservation efforts when possible.
Reserve your spot on the Cape Town Robben Island With Ferry Ticket And prison tour guide today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring your passport
You must carry acceptable ID (passport advised) for island entry and ferry boarding; keep it handy during hotel pickup.
Layer for wind and sun
Cape winters are cold and summers are sunny — windproof outer layers plus sun protection make the outdoor portions comfortable.
Arrive early at the V&A Waterfront
Allow extra time for Cape Town traffic and check-in queues; the ferry departs on a fixed schedule.
Expect uneven walking
Paths on the island include concrete and packed earth with some steps—wear supportive shoes and be ready for 1–2 miles of walking.
Passport or government ID
Required for boarding and island entry; keep it accessible.
Windproof jacket
Protects against cold Atlantic wind during the ferry crossing and on the island.
all
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes are useful for uneven concrete paths and short hikes between sites.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
The low coastal sun can be strong—protect exposed skin during outdoor segments.
summer