Here you will find general information about visiting Robben Island and the Nelson Mandela Gateway.
No. Visitors may bring their own interpreter at no additional cost. Arrangements must be made through DeafSA Western Cape: provincialdirector.wc@deafsa.co.za
No. Visitors may bring their own interpreters. Future solutions such as multi-language audio headsets are being considered.
No, both digital and printed tickets are accepted.
- Duration: ~3.5–4 hours (includes two ferry trips of 30–60 minutes depending on the boat)
- Recommended attire: Comfortable shoes and clothing
- Offered: 09h00 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
- Duration: 5 hours (includes two 30-minute ferry rides)
- Recommendations: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sun protection cream
Tickets are subject to availability; early booking is recommended.
Yes. Book at Nelson Mandela Gateway and provide a birth certificate for free tickets.
No restaurants; a small shop sells snacks and drinks.
Yes, except alcohol.
Comfortable attire suitable for walking.
Only South African Rands and credit/debit cards accepted.
Yes, for local visitors aged 60+ on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Pricing is based on visitor category and policy; further review is ongoing.
- Four times daily: 09h00, 11h00, 13h00, 15h00
- Off-peak: 09h00, 11h00, 13h00
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; gates close 10 minutes prior
Only for private charter bookings
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.
- Credit/debit card payments: via ticket office or refunds@robben-island.org.za
- EFT: refunded via EFT
- Processing time: 7–14 business days; cash refunds immediate
Log in to “My Booking,” click the three dots, select “Refunds,” or email refunds@robben-island.org.za
- Cameras allowed for personal use only; no drones or tripods
- For commercial photography, contact RIM: infow@robben-island.org.za
Consult a medical practitioner first; an indemnity form is required
Inform RIM prior to booking to ensure safety and support
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.
Yes, this must be done 48 hours in advance and is subject to an administration fee.
If you are prone to seasickness it is advisable to drink sea sickness an hour prior to boarding the boat.
- Please report any soliciting of tips
- Tour guides are accredited and sign a code of conduct
- Disclaimer boards and POPIA compliance observed
- Intellectual property applies to events and tours
No. Visitors may bring their own interpreter at no additional cost. Arrangements must be made through DeafSA Western Cape: provincialdirector.wc@deafsa.co.za
No. Visitors may bring their own interpreters. Future solutions such as multi-language audio headsets are being considered.
No, both digital and printed tickets are accepted.
- Duration: ~3.5–4 hours (includes two ferry trips of 30–60 minutes depending on the boat)
- Recommended attire: Comfortable shoes and clothing
- Offered: 09h00 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
- Duration: 5 hours (includes two 30-minute ferry rides)
- Recommendations: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sun protection cream
Tickets are subject to availability; early booking is recommended.
Yes. Book at Nelson Mandela Gateway and provide a birth certificate for free tickets.
No restaurants; a small shop sells snacks and drinks.
Yes, except alcohol.
Comfortable attire suitable for walking.
Only South African Rands and credit/debit cards accepted.
Yes, for local visitors aged 60+ on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Pricing is based on visitor category and policy; further review is ongoing.
- Four times daily: 09h00, 11h00, 13h00, 15h00
- Off-peak: 09h00, 11h00, 13h00
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; gates close 10 minutes prior
Only for private charter bookings
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.
- Credit/debit card payments: via ticket office or refunds@robben-island.org.za
- EFT: refunded via EFT
- Processing time: 7–14 business days; cash refunds immediate
Log in to “My Booking,” click the three dots, select “Refunds,” or email refunds@robben-island.org.za
- Cameras allowed for personal use only; no drones or tripods
- For commercial photography, contact RIM: infow@robben-island.org.za
Consult a medical practitioner first; an indemnity form is required
Inform RIM prior to booking to ensure safety and support
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.
Yes, this must be done 48 hours in advance and is subject to an administration fee.
If you are prone to seasickness it is advisable to drink sea sickness an hour prior to boarding the boat.
- Please report any soliciting of tips
- Tour guides are accredited and sign a code of conduct
- Disclaimer boards and POPIA compliance observed
- Intellectual property applies to events and tours
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)
