Terms of Use
Last updated: May 2026
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the Robben Island Ferries website and booking platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our services. By completing a booking through our platform, you also confirm your acceptance of these terms and of the applicable ferry operator's conditions. We reserve the right to update these terms from time to time; the "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised accordingly.
Description of Services
Robben Island Ferries provides an online platform for booking heritage tours to Robben Island departing from Nelson Mandela Gateway at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. We act as a booking facilitator between you and licensed ferry carriers. The actual sea transport is operated by third-party ferry companies; we do not operate vessels ourselves and are not a carrier.
Ferry operators and third parties
Tour schedules, availability, fares, and vessel operations are determined by the licensed ferry operators and by Robben Island Museum (the heritage site administrator). We display information provided by these parties in good faith but we do not guarantee that any session will run exactly as published. Delays, cancellations, or changes may occur due to weather, sea conditions, vessel maintenance, or other operational or safety reasons.
Booking process
When you make a booking through our platform, you are making an offer to purchase tour ticket(s) for the selected session. A binding contract is formed when we confirm your booking and payment has been received. You must provide accurate guest and contact details at the time of booking; errors may affect check-in or travel.
Fares and availability
Fares and seat availability are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment has been confirmed. Prices are shown in South African Rand (ZAR) and are processed in Euros (EUR) by our payment provider at the exchange rate displayed on the review page. Your card statement will reflect the EUR amount.
Cancellations and changes
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund. Within 24 hours we will offer a rebook to another session at no charge, subject to availability. If we cancel a session for weather reasons you may rebook at no charge or claim a full refund within 5 business days.
Travel documentation
Guests are responsible for holding a valid photo ID (passport for international visitors, any government-issued ID for South African residents) and any travel documents required for visiting Robben Island. Failure to present valid ID at the gate may result in denied boarding.
Guest responsibilities
You must arrive at Nelson Mandela Gateway at least 30 minutes before departure, present your booking confirmation and ID, and comply with the ferry operator's rules and safety instructions. You are responsible for the behaviour of all guests on your booking. We and the ferry operators reserve the right to refuse carriage where behaviour or documentation does not meet the applicable requirements.
Liability limitations
To the fullest extent permitted by South African law, Robben Island Ferries shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our platform or from ferry operations, including delays, cancellations, or changes to sessions. Our liability in connection with the booking service is limited to the amount you paid for the relevant booking. Liability for the sea crossing itself rests with the ferry operator in accordance with their terms and applicable maritime law.
Website use
You may not use our website for any unlawful purpose, submit false information, attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems, or interfere with the proper functioning of the site. You may not scrape, copy, reproduce, or resell content or data from our platform for commercial purposes without our prior written consent.
Intellectual property
The Robben Island Ferries name, logo, and all content on this website are owned by us or our licensors and are protected by intellectual-property laws. You may not use our branding or content for any commercial purpose without our prior written permission.
Governing law
These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising in connection with these terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Western Cape, unless otherwise required by mandatory law in your country of residence.
Contact
For any questions about these Terms of Use or our services, please contact us via the Contact Us page on our website.