Robben Island

We took a boat ride to the island and then toured by bus with a guide who shared some historical insights, which was great. However, the part we were most looking forward to - the prison visit - was disappointing. Instead of a proper tour, we sat through a one-hour political speech from a former inmate, which felt unnecessary and even put some people to sleep. When it finally ended, we only visited three rooms of the prison, and some of the "facts" we were told turned out to be inaccurate. We would have loved to explore more of the site

What better way to understand living conditions on the infamous Robben Island than to hear it from an actual prisoner. Tours of the island are very thorough from the narrated Bus Tour of the island itself to the Prisoner guided section of the physical confines of the buildings. Bathroom breaks are before and after the tour. The ferry ride was smooth as pie. A break is provided for patrons during the bus tour. Picture opportunities are limited of the surrounding area on the bus tour but one location is setup for the Instagram tags. More pics can be taken of the prison premises during the guided tour. Guides are very knowledgeable and super friendly. As a part of the tour you will get a chance to see Mandela's cell. The Gift shop is located on the dock. Tickets can be purchased online or at the booth. Parking in available at paid garages on the V&A Waterfront.

Worthwhile and historically significant tour at a UNESCO world heritage site! All-in tour took over 4 hours from showing up at meeting point to get on ferry until returning to CapeTown waterfront. Two phase on the tour: bus and walking tour. Really enjoyed the history provided by the wonderful tour guides. Recommend highly as a learning experience for all ages. Unity for All.

So we took a boat and at first we didn't like the seat caz it was at the bottom but then we got off went on the bus and saw thing like the prisons and that but when we went inside it was nice a first but then the guide started talking and he forgot to mention his name that is okay but when we started like be in a rush then he talked and talked they went and the guide didn't even ask if everyone was here so I and my family got lost then we found them but then again we got lost and guy with us so then we tried to find the exit,we went out,got to the boat and then saw the people that were with us it was fun but at the end no...🌸

tremendous experience of seeing the jail where Nelson Mandela was for 17 years . a place also known for being the military base of the southern Africans in the second war .

The tour was a profoundly impactful experience, particularly due to the guide's unique perspective as a former prisoner, which effectively communicated the scope of the injustices of apartheid and the enduring hope for preventing such atrocities from recurring. The guide's insightful and communicative approach, however, may have been lost on some, who perhaps did not fully appreciate the potential for trauma stemming from his experiences as a teenager imprisoned for protesting the discriminatory practices of a regime that targeted the majority population in South Africa. While the initial bus tour from the ferry presented an unconventional approach, it served a similar function to the Alcatraz experience, where the context of a former prison is presented. The historical evolution of the island, from a leper colony to a Catholic hospital, and finally to a site of extreme cruelty driven by an abhorrent ideology, was compelling. The stark contrast between the living conditions of the attack dogs and the prisoners performing forced labor was particularly disturbing.

Solid tourist experience, would recommend doing. BUT - be sure to budget a solid 5 hours and go on a clear/ not too windy day. Also bring cash to tip your guide and/or purchase anything on the island, as there were no credit card readers. The boat ride was honestly my favorite part, it was great to get such unique views of Table Mountain and the city from the water. The fact that actual former prisoners are tour guides there is baffling and makes it hit home a bit more. First part of the tour was a bit boring, as you are on a bus for a little over an hour and mostly viewing the village outside the prison. They talked a bit about Mandela, but I wish they spent more time on that history.

So sad to have been there and not experienced it properly. The site has such a big a historical significance, but is poorly managed in every way: The boat ride was not really properly planned and we had to wait an hour after our departure time for another boat to come in. On the way back, the water were very choppy and they didn’t really care much about safety and well being of passengers. The site itself - we were taken on a bus minute bus tour around the island, which included very little information, followed by a 10 minute stop at the refreshment station for a restroom and snacks break (really!?). Inside the prison we were accompanied by N Ex political prisoner, who sadly wasn’t really trained on how to conduct tours and rushed through it with no personal angle. Since this entire experience took 5.5 hours in practice, and the information we received from it was so little, I would suggest to skip and watch the Mandela movie instead.