6 Robben Island Ticket Prices 2024 | Best Trips

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Robben Island is at the core of South Africa’s rich history and culture. The tiny island located just off of the coast of Cape Town is home to a large amount of history and tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s captivity – and subsequent freedom – which became iconic for the democracy of South Africa.

Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction for those with a passion or interest in history and human justice. The only way to reach the island is by boat or air. Here we will discuss Robben Island ticket prices and the variety of ways to visit the island by ferry – and even by helicopter.

Know before you book:

  • The ferry is subject to weather and trips may be canceled
  • There is a two-tier price system and Non-South Africans need to make sure that they select the correct option for the ticket to be valid
  • The tour ends at the Robben Island Ferry gateway

Highlights:

  • Learn about life on Robben Island
  • Discover aspects of South Africa’s intricate history
  • Visit the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned

Table of Contents: (Jump to)

Robben Island Tour Prices 2024

  • Total tours cost R550 ($35 / €34) for non-SA adults and R310 ($18 / €18) for non-SA children that are between 2 -18.
  • SA adults pay R400 ($24 / €23) and SA children pay R210 ($12 / €12) for 2 – 18 years.
  • Robben Island tour with hotel pickup costs up to $160 USD per person for the more exclusive helicopter ride.

Robben Island: Ferry Ticket and Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup

Ferry to Robben Island Times

You’ll depart to Robben Island on a boat trip from the V&A Waterfront at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm daily. Note that these trips are weather permitting. The gates close 10 minutes prior departure, so make sure that you arrive early. The trip duration is approximately three-and-a-half hours – including your tour around the island.

Robben Island Tours Times

There are several ferries leaving for Robben Island throughout the day. Ferries typically depart at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm so pre-booking is essential to secure your spot. It is important to arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Best time to go to Robben Island

The tour – including the two ferry trips – is normally around three and a half hours. In order to make the most out of your day, it’s suggested that you go earlier rather than later. When booking your trip, try to check the weather forecast. The experience is best when the sun is out and the winds are soft. If the weather is really bad, the tour may be canceled for the day and you will need to reschedule it.

Robben Island Tickets & Prices 2024

Boat trips to Robben Island from V&A Waterfront prices are R400 per adult and R210 per child for South Africans. Robben Island boat trip prices for non-South African visitors cost R600 per adult, and R310 per child. As mentioned above, hotel pick-ups are available at a small additional fee.

Robben Island Tours

Depending on the time and budget you have available, you may want to simply tick off the island, or expand on its learnings and visit the surrounding townships in Cape Town. Alternatively, if you are really pressed for time, you can take a scenic Cape Town helicopter ride over the island.

Robben Island Boat Trip and Hotel Pick-Up

This is the standard Robben Island ferry and tour of the museum, with the luxury of a hotel pick-up included. Enjoy a sea-breezing boat trip to the island on a dedicated ferry before exploring the history that is dictated on the island.

Listen to stories of South Africa’s apartheid past as told by an ex-prisoner on the island, and visit the infamous cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in jail.

Get picked up in comfort from your hotel in the city center and nearby surrounds and be transported to the ferry boarding where your pre-booked ticket has secured your spot for the journey.

  • Pick-up from central Cape Town accommodation
  • Return Robben Island ferry ticket
  • Tour of the island and prison
  • Food and drinks

An incredible experience for those interested in the underlying history and culture of South Africa. Robben Island is an iconic landmark in Cape Town and a must-see for anyone wanting to truly experience the city.

Township and Robben Island Tour Combination

Visit different townships around Cape Town and witness the after-effects of the struggles of apartheid before hopping on a ferry to Robben Island and discovering the story of one of the men who played a vital role in overcoming the social injustice.

The eight-hour tour includes a guided visit to the most important townships in Cape Town, a ferry ride to Robben Island and an unparalleled historical and cultural experience.

  • Vehicle and driver guide
  • Robben Island ferry ticket
  • Passenger liability insurance
  • Return transfer to hotel

Helicopter Ride – Robben Island by Air

Jump on board a helicopter and enjoy a 20-minute helicopter ride over Robben Island for an unparalleled view and alternative experience. Experience post-card views of the island first-hand from the air as the helicopter circumnavigates one of the most significant landmarks in South African history.

  • Shared helicopter flight
  • In-flight commentary
  • Free pick-up and drop-off from accommodation
  • In-flight video package (available for purchase)
  • Secure a ticket on the ferry to Robben Island
  • Discover the rich history of the island from a former prisoner
  • Learn about South Africa’s dramatic past
  • The tour may be canceled due to bad weather conditions

Specification: 6 Robben Island Ticket Prices 2024 | Best Trips

73 reviews for 6 robben island ticket prices 2024 | best trips.

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sherrylharvey – December 21, 2020

This tour far exceeded our expectations!! Quentin was our driver and tour guide, and we we so fortunate to have him. He was very knowledgeable about the process to get to Robben Island, and he was so kind to my friends and I. He accompanied us up Table Mountain and showed us around. Quentin was very patient and accommodating with us, even taking what felt like hundreds of pictures for us. I would highly recommend this tour with African Xplora!!! Thank you Quentin for helping to make our first trip to Cape Town so memorable!!

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Visiting Robben Island on a Tour from Cape Town: A Detailed Guide

Visiting Robben Island is definitely one of the top things to do in Cape Town and should be on any visitors’ itinerary for the city.

The Robben Island experience was firmly at the top of my list too during my recent visit to beautiful South Africa. It was a seriously insightful and interesting day, and so I thought I’d put this detailed guide on how to visit Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town.

Visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town

Why i wanted to visit robben island.

Whilst my knowledge of apartheid is reasonable thanks to my university degree (in International Politics), nothing can compare to learning and experiencing history first-hand in South Africa.

Fortunately, visiting Robben Island is a straight-forward experience.

Visiting Robben Island on a Tour from Cape Town

Robben Island has had various purposes through its history, which I will more on below. However, more recently, it was made into a museum in 1997 and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Robben Island has become a beacon for hope within South Africa, as it is where so many of its most influential political leaders were imprisoned at some point. Robben Island plays a very important role in South Africa’s journey for racial equality and tolerance.

Speaking to South African friends, it is shocking how few have ever been. But most recognised the need to go and to further understand their own country’s history and story. Some of my friends admitted they were due a return trip as they hadn’t visited since school.

We planned our time in Cape Town so that we incorporated visiting Robben Island during a day spent in the city. Visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town was a highlight of our time in South Africa for many reasons.

I’ve written a full guide to visiting Robben Island, so do take a look below and feel free to get in touch with any questions

Robben Island: Essential information

Can i visit robben island independently.

The first thing to know about visiting Robben Island is that the only way to visit is via an official tour, booked directly on their website, or through providers such as GetYourGuide. See below for bookable tours on their website:

Where is Robben Island located?

It is located 11.6km, or 7.2 miles from the mainland. The only way to get to Robben Island is by ferry, and this departs from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town CBD. The ferry is included in the price of the ticket.

The view from the ferry heading to Robben Island from Cape Town

How long does the ferry take from the Waterfront to Robben Island?

For us, in fairly choppy sea conditions on a sunny day in December, it took around 30-40 minutes in each direction.

Arriving on Robben Island

What time does the tour depart? And how often?

Tours leave every single day, at 9am 11am and 3pm.

How long does the overall visit to Robben Island take?

Allow for around 3.5-4 hours for the entire duration of your visit.

How far in advance do I need to book ahead?

During peak season (November – March), it would be advisable to book two or so days ahead. We couldn’t get our preferred time for two days ahead and instead went for the 3pm departure. This ended up being amazing as we sailed back to Cape Town for sunset. As mentioned above, you can also book with GetYourGuide which makes arranging your visit to Robben Island very straight forward.

How much does the tour cost?

The tour to Robben Island costs R360 for adults, or R200 for U18s. At the time of writing, this is about £20.50 or £11.40.

Where does the ferry for Robben Island depart from?

The ferry depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before departure as the queues are normally quite long and there’s a security checkpoint too.

Departing Cape Town for Robben Island

The Experience on Robben Island

What is the tour itinerary on robben island.

Once the ferry has arrived on Robben Island, visitors are directed to waiting buses. Once these are full, these depart one by one. On board is a local guide who will talk you through each of the various heritage sites as you drive by them. Although Robben Island is quite small, it is pleasant to visit the sites by bus as it provides shade from the heat and allows all mobility levels to experience it in the same way.

Entry sign at Robben Island

The first site was a graveyard for those who had died from leprosy. During the mid to late 1800s, lepers were sent here and Robben Island was a leper colony. Only once most the lepers had died was a cure found, where it had previously been thought of as incurable.

The next site is the Lime Quarry, the site where prisoners included Mandela spent most of their days. Our guide told us that forcing the prisoners to spend their days under the baking sun breaking down the rocks was not for any real constructive purpose, but instead to break down their minds and resolve. There were 3,000 or so prisoners on Robben Island during from 1960 to 1991, most of whom were political prisoners, known as South Africa’s freedom fighters. The baddies wanted the prisoners to sit in silence through most of their days so that they couldn’t share the ideas or thoughts.

The Quarry at Robben Island

Since the end of apartheid and Robben Island being used as a prison, Mandela and other prisoners have come back to each lay a rock and you can see this mound at the opening to the quarry.

We also saw the church, where the prisoners visited every Sunday, as well as other buildings and spaces used for various purposes.

The church on Robben Island

Robert Sobukwe’s House

Robert Sobukwe’s house was another place we stopped at. Sobukwe was another of the most well-known political prisoners on Robben Island. He strongly opposed apartheid and founded the Pan Africanist Congress, he was widely feared by the government who sent him to be imprisoned on Robben Island. He led several nationwide protests, however, unfortunately at one of the protests near Johannesburg, police opened fire on the crowd and almost 70 people were killed. Following this he was arrested and blamed for this massacre. Our guide told us that the guards were so worried Sobukwe and his ability to influence and impact the other prisoners with his ideology, they built him a separate guarded house to keep him in solitary confinement. This was located more than one hundred meters away from the Maximum Security Prison cells. His story is a sad one, as the guide told us that when he was finally released, his lived with his family but under house arrest. He finally died of lung cancer, long before it became apparent his positive impact on the end of apartheid and South Africa’s future.

Robert Sobukwe’s house on Robben Island

Following this, our tour proceeded to visit the prison where we saw the living quarters, dorm rooms and cells, including Nelson Mandela’s cell. This section of the tour was given by an ex-prisoner and it was incredible to hear their story and experience first-hand.

The exterior of the prison where Nelson Mandela was kept on Robben Island

There was also a brief toilet stop. The toilets are unexpectedly near a small penguin colony, and a famous Cape Town photo frame, with Table Mountain behind.

Visiting Robben Island on a Tour from Cape Town

Do people live on Robben Island today?

Around 100 or so people live here today.

Has Robben Island had any other purposes?

Indeed. During World War 2, Robben Island was chosen as a strategic site to protect the city of Cape Town. This means there was significant construction of artillery batteries, various fortifications and an airstrip. You can see a full timeline of Robben Island’s on their website here: http://www.robben-island.org.za/timeline

The primary use for Robben Island throughout time has been as place for banishment and imprisonment of criminal and political prisoners throughout South Africa’s colonial and apartheid eras. For example, from 1400-1823, the island was home to the indigenous Khoi-Khoi people, who were the first South Africans recorded to be on the island. Robben Island is a vital part of their heritage, as the Khoi-Khoi people were banished and imprisoned here for resisting European colonisation.

In fact, during the 500 year history of Robben Island, the only time it was not used a prison was when it was used for military purposes and as a base, between 1931 and 1960.

Visiting Robben Island on a Tour from Cape Town

What was the tour guide like?

Our guide was around 30 years old, mixed race and a Capetonian. Most crucially, he was completely knowledgeable about every aspect about Robben Island’s 500 year history, as well as balanced in his commentary. He had his audience completely captivated throughout the tour and made the heavy history interesting and relevant for everyone. you meet any ex-prisoners?

Robben Island

Would I meet any ex-prisoners?

Yes, as mentioned – the final segment of the trip is led by an ex-prisoner. We walked around the cells with an ex-political prisoner called Jama Mbatyoti. He had been incarcerated from 1977-1981.  As we moved from room to room, he shared his memories and experiences. He brought the whole experience to life for us and it was a very moving experience.

Robben Island talk with ex-prisoner

We were able to walk around the prison quite freely, including the bathrooms. Finally, we were led to a corridor where he pointed out Nelson Mandela’s cell. One by one, each guest on the tour had the moment to stop and take in where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. It was a humbling experience and one I felt we had enough time to slowly take in. It didn’t feel like a rushed experience at all.

Bathroom facilities in one of the prisons on Robben Island

We also saw the courtyard and the small garden that Nelson Mandela tended to, and it was here where he secretly started to draft his autobiography.

Nelson Mandela's gardening plot

Sadly, the number of ex-prisoners is declining as of course, they are growing old and sadly passing away. One day, there will be no ex-prisoners to hear first-hand stories and experiences from, so visit as soon as you can to learn about some of the most important lessons in South African, and global history.

Visiting Robben Island

As you can see, visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town city centre is pretty straight-forward. Spending time wandering through the prison buildings and hearing first-hand from an ex-prisoner gives an authentic understand and experience like no other of apartheid in South Africa.

I hope you’ve found my guide to visiting Robben Island on a tour from Cape Town useful and interesting, and that maybe I’ve inspired you to add this to your list of must see places in Cape Town. If you’re looking for another meaningful and insight experience, you should consider visiting a township in Cape Town too.

I’ve also written several other guides to Cape Town, including the best places to eat , must-see attractions , day trips from Cape Town and how to visit the penguin beach near the city. If you’re thinking of going on safari on your South Africa trip too, then don’t forget to check my guide on visiting Kruger National Park !

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: My visit to Robben Island was entirely paid for by myself and there was no involvement from the local tourism board. This is an independent guide.

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Robben Island, South Africa: The Complete Guide

robben island trip cost

Located in Cape Town 's Table Bay, Robben Island is one of South Africa 's top historical attractions. For centuries it was used as a penal colony, primarily for political prisoners. Although its maximum security prisons have now closed, the island remains famous as the place where former South African president Nelson Mandela was an inmate for 18 years. Many leading members of political parties like the PAC and ANC were imprisoned alongside him.

In 1997 Robben Island was turned into a museum, and in 1999 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It has become an extremely important symbol for the new South Africa, reflecting the triumph of democracy over apartheid and the ongoing journey towards racial tolerance. Now tourists can visit the prison on a Robben Island tour , led by ex-inmates with firsthand experiences of what life in the prison was like. 

Getting There

Robben Island is located several kilometers offshore and all tours start with a ferry ride from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront . The journey takes around 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to admire spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain and to look for the whales, dolphins, penguins and fur seals that inhabit Table Bay. The crossing can be quite rough, so those that suffer from seasickness are advised to take tablets. If the weather gets very bad, the ferries won't sail and tours are canceled.

Touring the Island

The trip begins with an hour-long bus tour of the island. During this time, your guide will tell you all about its history and ecology, including its use as a military base and leper colony. You'll get off the bus at the limestone quarry where Nelson Mandela and other prominent ANC members spent many years doing hard labor. At the quarry, the guide will point out the cave that doubled as the prisoners' bathroom.

It was in this cave that some of the more educated prisoners taught others how to read and write by scratching in the dirt. History, politics and biology were amongst the subjects taught at this "prison university" and it is said that a good part of South Africa's current constitution was written there. It was the only place that prisoners were able to escape the watchful eyes of the guards.

The Maximum Security Prison

After the bus tour, the guide will lead you to the maximum security prison where more than 3,000 political prisoners were held from 1960 to 1991. If your guide on the bus wasn't an ex-political prisoner, your guide for this part of the tour certainly will be. It is incredibly humbling to hear stories of prison life from someone who experienced it firsthand.

The tour starts at the entrance of the prison where the men were processed, given a set of prison clothes and assigned a cell. The offices of the prison include a prison court and a censorship office where every letter sent to and from the prison was read. The tour also includes a visit to the courtyard where Mandela later tended a small garden. It was here that he secretly started writing his famous autobiography Long Walk to Freedom . 

Experiencing the Cells

On the tour, you will be shown into at least one of the communal prison cells. Here, you can see the prisoners' bunk beds and feel the pitifully thin mats and blankets. In one block, there is an original sign displaying the prisoners' daily menu. In a prime example of apartheid racism, food portions were assigned to prisoners based on their skin color.

You will also be taken to the single cell in which Mandela lived for a time, although prisoners were routinely moved for security reasons. Although communication between the communal cell blocks was forbidden, you will also hear from your guide how prisoners came up with ingenious ways in which to continue their fight for freedom from within the prison walls.  

Practical Information

The entire tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from Robben Island. Tickets can be booked online or purchased directly from ticket counters at the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the V&A Waterfront. The tour costs R360 per adult (approximately $25) and R200 per child (approximately $15). Tickets often sell out, so it's advisable to book in advance or make arrangements with a  local tour operator .

The Robben Island ferry sails four times a day from the Nelson Mandela Gateway and departure times change according to the season. Make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled departure because there's an interesting exhibit in the waiting hall that gives a good overview of the island's history. Remember that although the guides on Robben Island will never ask for  tips , it is customary in Africa to reward good service. 

This article was updated and re-written in part by Jessica Macdonald on January 14 2019.

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Best time to visit, ideal duration, starting from, http://capetown.travel/, ideal for friends, robben island entry ticket.

Monday to Sunday

The Robben Island entrance fee via a boat has been categorised into two. For adults, the normal ferry trip costs R360 while for children it costs R200. A special tour with 10 highlights and 5 stops is also available and it needs the adults to pay R1050 and children below 12 years of age to pay R600 for the tickets.

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Robben Island has been used to isolate certain people since the end of the 17th century ... Learn More

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robben island trip cost

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Robben Island, the unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice” with a rich 500 year old multi-layered history, is visited every year by thousands of people eager to understand and honour the important aspects of South Africa’s history that the Island represents.

 The ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island (Depending on the boat used as they have different travel times). To book a tour click the button below .

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Tour Details

Cape Town 16° Light Rain 05:40 19:19 SAST Feels like: 15 °C Wind: 18 km/h NW Humidity: 90 % Pressure: 1017.27 mbar UV index: 0 Wed Thu Fri 20/14 °C 22/14 °C 27/15 °C Weather forecast Cape Town, South Africa ▸

South Africans R400 per adult R210 per child (U/18)

Non South Africans R600 per adult R310 per child (U/18)

Tour Times 09:00  |   11:00  |   13:00  |  15:00

robben island trip cost

Robben Island Tours

  • Robben Island Tickets

Robben Island Ferry Tour

Welcome to our guide on  Robben Island tickets ! If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and want to explore its historical landmarks, Robben Island should be at the top of your list.

This small island, located off the coast of Bloubergstrand, holds a significant place in South Africa’s history. From being a prison to a leprosarium, psychiatric hospital, and military defense post, Robben Island has witnessed it all.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Robben Island offers visitors the opportunity to delve into the country’s past. To make the most of your visit, it’s essential to secure  Robben Island tickets  in advance.

Click here to book your tickets now.

These tickets include a ferry trip from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and a guided tour of the island.

Exploring Robben Island will give you a unique insight into the struggles and triumphs of South Africa’s journey towards equality.

From the prison where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were held to the various historical sites on the island, you’ll be immersed in the stories of resilience and determination.

Ready to book your  Robben Island tickets ? Check availability below…

Key Takeaways:

  • Robben Island is a historic landmark off the coast of South Africa.
  • Purchasing Robben Island tickets is necessary to explore the island.
  • Tickets include a ferry trip and a guided tour of the island.
  • Visitors can learn about the struggles for equality in South Africa’s history.
  • The island offers a unique and educational experience for all.

Table of Contents

Robben Island Tours

Set Sail With The Robben Island Ferry

Experience the historic Robben Island through guided tours , where you can walk in the footsteps of those who fought for freedom in South Africa. Tours are available on Fridays to Sundays from 08:00 to 17:00, providing the perfect opportunity to delve into the island’s rich history.

During the tour, you will have the chance to visit various significant sites, including the prison where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were held. Immerse yourself in the stories and experiences of those who fought for equality and justice.

By booking in advance, you can ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience. Don’t miss out on this unique and educational opportunity to learn about South Africa’s struggle for equality.

Museum and Virtual Tour

Robben Island Museum

In addition to the guided tours, Robben Island also has a museum that showcases the history and significance of the island. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 17:00. Visitors can explore various exhibits and learn about the different aspects of Robben Island’s past.

For those unable to visit in person, there is also a virtual tour available on the official website. This allows people to explore the island and its historical sites from the comfort of their own homes.

Robben Island stands as a poignant symbol of resilience against injustice and is an essential historical site in South Africa.

By securing Robben Island tickets, visitors can embark on a journey through time, immersing themselves in the profound struggle for freedom that unfolded on this island. Through guided tours and the museum, a profound understanding of South Africa’s past is unveiled, making Robben Island a must-visit destination for those who seek to comprehend the nation’s history.

Exploring Robben Island opens the door to a profound experience where the echoes of the past resonate with every step. From the prison walls that once confined Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists to the scenic landscapes that served as both sanctuary and fortress, every detail paints a vivid picture of the resilience and determination that shaped South Africa.

It is a journey that educates, inspires, and moves visitors inextricably.

We invite you to purchase Robben Island tickets and be a part of this transformative experience. As you traverse the halls of history and take in the stories of heroism and sacrifice, you contribute to preserving the legacy of those who fought for freedom.

Robben Island is more than a tourist destination; it is a conduit to understanding the human spirit’s triumph against all odds.

Can I buy Robben Island tickets online?

Yes, you can book Robben Island tickets  here .

What is the price of Robben Island tickets?

The price of Robben Island tickets varies. It is best to check the official website for the most up-to-date ticket prices.

How long does the Robben Island tour take?

The Robben Island tour takes approximately 3.5 hours.

What days are the guided tours available?

The guided tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

What are the visiting hours of the Robben Island museum?

The  Robben Island museum  is open from Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 17:00.

Is there a virtual tour available for Robben Island?

Yes, there is a virtual tour available on the official website of Robben Island .

How can I contact the Robben Island museum?

You can contact the  Robben Island museum  via email at [email protected] or by phone at +27 21 413 4200.

Jan Pretorius

Meet Jan, the passionate author behind the insightful blog, “Robben Island Tours.” Hailing from the picturesque city of Cape Town, Jan is not just a resident but a dedicated local expert on Robben Island Tours. With an intimate knowledge of the island’s history, culture, and hidden gems, Jan brings to life the unique and profound experiences that this historical site has to offer. Having spent years exploring the depths of Robben Island and engaging with its rich narratives, Jan is not only a storyteller but a curator of the island’s vibrant past. His blog serves as a valuable guide for both tourists and locals, offering a blend of historical anecdotes, practical tips, and personal insights that make each visit to Robben Island a truly memorable journey.

Robben Island Tour

Robben island in cape town, south africa.

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Robben Island

Home » It just got more expensive to visit Robben Island: Here’s the new price structure

It just got more expensive to visit Robben Island: Here’s the new price structure

Operators of the Robben Island Museum say that “conservation and general upkeep” are the main drivers behind their new – and more expensive – price structures.

For the first time in 22 years, The Robben Island Museum (RIM) – which curates tours to the island that kept Nelson Mandela imprisoned for 18 years – has decided to split their price structure into two different tiers.

How much does it cost to visit Robben Island?

Officials for the tourist favourite have jacked up the prices for all visitors, but have decided to make their tickets more expensive for foreign nationals from Saturday 1 June. There’s a near-R200 increase for international customers, whereas domestic day-trippers still have to fork out an extra R20:

  • R550 ($40 / €35) for non-SA adults and R300 ($15 / €15) for non-SA children aged 2-18 years.
  • R380 for SA adults and R200 for SA children aged two to 18 years.

Why ticket prices are going up

Blayne Crocker is the Chief Financial Officer of the RIM, and he explained why the island tours feel the need to increase their revenue. One of the major influences comes down to conservation: Robben Island is a World Heritage Site, home to many indigenous birds, reptile and mammal species which require sensitive treatment and preservation.

An upturn in domestic visitors has also been pinpointed as an area RIM want to improve upon:

“We believe that this decision will have a positive turnaround on our long term financial sustainability as an organisation whilst also contributing to an increase in domestic visitors.” “With such factors in mind, a different pricing structure that can provide for additional revenue that will meet our rising conservation needs, had to be investigated. It is important that RIM has the financial backing to maintain a high standard of excellence with our tour experience.” Blayne Crocker

What you get from a Robben Island tour

Crocker also listed the logistics of the tour as something requiring more financial support: Your visit to Robben Island includes a ferry trip, a bus tour, a guided walking tour and the input of former political prisoners. It all adds up for the attraction, who stand to make R1100 per adult couple visiting from overseas.

So as it stands, you’ve got the rest of May to take advantage of the current R360-per-person tickets before the rates go up.

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Robben Island Tours & Trips

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