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.

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 .

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.

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.

Beauty in the water🏝. How alluring this place is. Heaven on earth for sure. Visited on a guided tour and it was an unforgettable experience. On island arrival you are greeted with the waters crystal unique colour. It's a special shade of blue, not like other blues. I'm telling y'all, the scenery is.. I cannot find the words to describe. That is how breathtaking it is. There is fauna on land such as antelope and snakes. None of which I spotted, however a worthy point to mention. About that snake, our tour guide said in case you were bitten, worst to happen is a headache. I thought she'd say you have just a few minutes or hours to acquire the antidote, but no, just a headache. I have the blessing to write I've met a former prisoner of the island who conducted the second part of our tour. He delivered a monologue of his life on the island and took us round the museum and explained the history behind it. Also visited the famous Robben Island Museum • World Heritage Site blue frame. I still cannot believe I visited this place. It does not feel real. I am not worthy to have stepped in the same soil as Nelson Mandela and other heroic leaders. I would not mind moving in if I acquired a job on it. The island is peaceful, quiet and easy on the eyes. The perfect location for me. Who wouldn't want to live on such a lovely island? I could not stop admiring the creation God's hands had made. Truth will release you and truth be told, Robben Island makes you appreciate not being bound in shackles. You will leave with the admiration of what the heroes accomplished for South Africa. It's abhorrent how people encouraged apartheid living. As stunning as the island is, I'm not going to candy coat the vile acts that went down here. Funny how this place translates to Seal Island, yet I did not spot a single seal on the island. There is something about being on an island. The feeling of not wanting to leave. On your return to the mainland, you are able to reflect on what you just witnessed. The return to the mainland was a bumpy ride compared to the first ferry trip. If you are unaware of the island's past, you'd believe it's just a stunning piece of land in the infinite ocean, however this island holds a twisted past.

Rather depressing place. If your tour company can’t get you in, or you can’t get a ticket online, just visit the museum behind the clock tower and buy a ticket in person. There are some tickets kept for in person purchases; and always no show and cancellation so you are almost guaranteed to get a ticket there. 600 R for ferry admission and guide. My guides were actually prisoners in Robben island during the apartheid regime. They were put in Robben island prison for demonstration and protest, charged and convicted of traitor. Make sure tip them generously.