F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions

Robben Island Museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 8h to 17h.

No, the Robben Island Museum is open every day except on Christmas Day, 25th December.

The only way to get to Robben Island is by ferry, departing from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Ferries are included in the price of your ticket.

The standard Robben Island Ticket includes a guided tour led by ex-political prisoners and the roundtrip ferry to the island. During this journey, you will discover the past of Robben Island, step into Mandela’s infamous cell, and uncover South Africa’s fight for liberty.

If you don’t want to miss the two top highlights, we recommend the Cape Town Super Combi so you can guarantee the Robben Island visit and the fast-track Table Mountain roundtrip ticket that allows you to skip the line to access straight onto the Cable Car.

In order to guarantee your spot, especially during peak season we strongly suggest you to book your tickets in advance.

The standard Robben Island Museum Tour takes about 4 hours, which includes the ferry ride to and from Cape Town, and a Guided tour by a former inmate. Currently the ferries operate at 9h, 11h, 13h and 15h.

If you want to see Table Mountain and Robben Island all in one day, you should take the 8h Full Day Tour.

No, the official tours are the only way to experience Robben Island. These are all-inclusive tours with a guide.

Cancellation and rescheduling are possible until 24 hours before your visit.

The best time to visit Robben Island depends on whether you prioritize avoiding crowds or having pleasant weather.

For nice weather but crowded, you can visit Robben Island in summer (Dec-Feb). For fewer crowds but cooler weather, go for spring (Sept-Nov) or autumn (March-May). Winter (June-August) is the least crowded but has the chance of bad weather and cancellations.

No, pets are not allowed on Robben Island.