Here you will find general information about visiting Robben Island and the Nelson Mandela Gateway.
If you are pregnant, it is advisable to first consult a medical practitioner before booking a trip to ensure that it is safe and comfortable to travel during your pregnancy.
We recommend the wearing of comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun protection cream.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your camera to the island but no pictures may be taken for commercial use. No drones or tripods are allowed.
Please check the Tour Types page for more information.
The standard tour to Robben Island is about 4 hours long with two half hour ferry trips, this is only true for the Krotoa as other boats take longer, between 30 min and 1 hour.
Currently the ferries operate at 09h00, 11h00 and 13h00. Passengers should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled times of departure, boarding gates close 10 minutes before departure time.
Yes, this must be done 48 hours in advance and is subject to an administration fee.
Yes, if a tour is cancelled you will be refunded. Refunds will only be issued against the return of your ticket and proof of identification.
If you are prone to seasickness it is advisable to drink sea sickness an hour prior to boarding the boat.
If you are pregnant, it is advisable to first consult a medical practitioner before booking a trip to ensure that it is safe and comfortable to travel during your pregnancy.
We recommend the wearing of comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun protection cream.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your camera to the island but no pictures may be taken for commercial use. No drones or tripods are allowed.
Please check the Tour Types page for more information.
The standard tour to Robben Island is about 4 hours long with two half hour ferry trips, this is only true for the Krotoa as other boats take longer, between 30 min and 1 hour.
Currently the ferries operate at 09h00, 11h00 and 13h00. Passengers should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled times of departure, boarding gates close 10 minutes before departure time.
Yes, this must be done 48 hours in advance and is subject to an administration fee.
Yes, if a tour is cancelled you will be refunded. Refunds will only be issued against the return of your ticket and proof of identification.
If you are prone to seasickness it is advisable to drink sea sickness an hour prior to boarding the boat.
All customers who pay by credit card or debit card, either at the ticket office or on the website, shall be refunded to the credit card which was used to purchase the tickets.
All customers who pay via EFT for their tickets shall be refunded via EFT.
All customers who pay cash for their tickets shall be refunded in cash if RIM initiates the refund by cancelling a ferry on the day of performance of tour. Customers who paid via cash who seek a refund on any day after performance date of tour shall be refunded via EFT and the EFT procedures as noted below shall be followed. All customer who booked via third party outlets will be refunded cash if RIM initiates the refund by cancelling a ferry on the day of performance the tour.
1. Drones may not be flown 10 kilometers (6 miles) or closer to an airport without special permission from the SACAA.
2. Drones weighing more than 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) may not be flown.
3. Drones may not be flown within 50 meters (164 feet) of people or private property (without permission from the property owner).
4. Drone pilots must maintain a visual line of contact with their drones at all times while in flight.
5. Drones may only be flown during daylight hours.
6. And according to the SANPark website, “The use of drones inside (and over) our national parks is strictly prohibited.” (http://www.caa.co.za/Pages/RPAS/Remotely%20Piloted%20Aircraft%20Systems.aspx)
