Tours · 4 ways to cross

Four tours, one island.

Every tour visits the same heritage sites — the prison block, the limestone quarry, Robert Sobukwe's solitary house. What changes is how you cross, who guides you, and how long you stay.

  1. Prison corridor with cell doors, Section B
    01

    Standard Heritage Tour

    The full 3.5-hour Robben Island experience

    The complete Robben Island experience as it was meant to be told. Sail from V&A Waterfront, take the heritage bus tour around the island, and walk the maximum-security prison block with a guide who once lived inside it. Returns to the V&A Waterfront 3.5 hours after departure.

    Price

    R 600

    adult · child R 310 · infant free

    Duration

    3h 30m

    Departures 09:00 · 11:00 · 13:00 · 15:00

    What's included

    • Return ferry from V&A Waterfront
    • Guided bus tour of the island
    • Prison tour led by a former political prisoner
    • Audio commentary on the ferry
    • Mobile e-ticket
  2. Aerial view of Robben Island in Table Bay
    02 Premium

    Upper Deck Heritage

    Open-air upper deck seating with sea views

    Same heritage itinerary as the Standard tour, but you cross to the island on the upper open-air deck of the ferry. Better photos, fresher air, and a guaranteed seat with sea views.

    Price

    R 820

    adult · child R 420 · infant free

    Duration

    3h 30m

    Departures 09:00 · 11:00 · 13:00 · 15:00

    What's included

    • Return ferry from V&A Waterfront
    • Guided bus tour of the island
    • Prison tour led by a former political prisoner
    • Audio commentary on the ferry
    • Mobile e-ticket
    • Upper-deck reserved seating
  3. Table Bay seen from the harbour at golden hour
    03 Premium

    Sunset Tour

    Golden hour on Robben Island (Sep–Apr only)

    A seasonal sunset crossing. Departs in the late afternoon so you reach the island as the light turns golden over Table Bay. Includes the same heritage tour plus a sundowner refreshment on the return ferry.

    Price

    R 950

    adult · child R 480 · infant free

    Duration

    3h 30m

    Departures 17:00 · Sep–Apr only

    What's included

    • Return ferry from V&A Waterfront
    • Guided bus tour of the island
    • Prison tour led by a former political prisoner
    • Audio commentary on the ferry
    • Mobile e-ticket
    • Sundowner refreshment on the return ferry
    • Sunset photo stop on the island
  4. Stone prison building on Robben Island
    04 Premium

    Private Guided Tour

    Up to 6 guests, your own guide and vehicle

    A private guided experience for groups of up to 6. Skip-the-line boarding, your own bus on the island, your own private prison-tour guide, and a flexible 4-hour itinerary that includes Robert Sobukwe's house and other locations not on the standard route. Fixed price per package — additional guests by request.

    Price

    R 19 200

    per group of 6

    Duration

    4h

    Departures 09:00 · 11:00 · 13:00 · 15:00

    What's included

    • Skip-the-line boarding
    • Private bus and driver on the island
    • Private prison-tour guide (former political prisoner)
    • Robert Sobukwe's house visit
    • Flexible 4-hour itinerary
    • Up to 6 guests

Need help choosing?

The Standard Heritage Tour is the right choice for most travellers — it covers everything most people come to see. Upgrade to Upper Deck if you want guaranteed open-air seating with sea views, or to Private Guided for a small-group experience with extra island stops and a flexible schedule.