Robben Island

From the 17th to the 20th centuries, South Africa's Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town, served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. Today it is a World Heritage Site and museum, a poignant reminder to the newly democratic South Africa of the price paid for freedom.

During the island's history indigenous African leaders, Muslim leaders from the East Indies, Dutch and British soldiers and civilians, women, and anti-apartheid activists, including South Africa's first democratic President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and the founding leader of the Pan Africanist Congress, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, were all imprisoned on the Island.

Since 1997 Robben Island has been a museum and a heritage site. The museum is a dynamic institution, which acts as a focal point of South African heritage. It runs educational programmes for schools, youths and adults, facilitates tourism development, conducts ongoing research related to the Island and fulfils an archiving function.

The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. Ferries depart at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, weather permitting, from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town. The Robben Island Tour includes:

• A return boat trip across Table Bay
• A visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison
• Interaction with an ex-political prisoner
• A 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary
• The opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.

To secure a place for yourself or your group on the ferry during the busy summer season, we recommend you book early.

Educational Tours are also available for schools

Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa.

• Return trip across Table Bay (30 mins both ways)
• A visit to the Maximum Security Prison
• Interaction with an ex-political prisoner
• 45 minute bus tour with a guide providing commentary.

Everyone of all ages, physical abilities and nationalities is encouraged to come to Robben Island for its powerful and moving Apartheid Era historical experience.

Concession rates to schools and disadvantaged groups are also considered. Tours operate all year round, weather permitting.