Robben Island “Seal Island”, off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, is a place brimming with history and intrigue. This island isn’t your run-of-the-mill spot – it’s got tales to tell and secrets to share. Get ready to uncover the past and soak up the sun as you embark on a journey filled with penguins, political stories, and panoramic views. Historical Robben Island is more than just a dot on the map – it’s a slice of South African history waiting to be discovered.
To reach Robben Island, visitors can take off on a guided tour from the V&A Waterfront. Ferries depart regularly from this popular spot, offering travelers a straightforward and convenient mode of transportation to the island. The guided tour typically includes a ferry trip to and from the island, with disembarkation at Murray’s Bay Harbour followed by a short walk to buses that transport visitors to various historical sites on the island. These tours usually last around 3.5 hours, providing ample time to explore and learn about Robben Island’s significant past. The island is a sought after tourist destination, so make sure to book your tickets in advance!
Info and Tips to Visit the Island
- Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Book tickets well in advance.
- Regular guided tours start from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
- In order to avoid losing their paid ticket, passengers are required to arrive no later than 30 minutes before the specified departure time. The boarding gates close 10 minutes prior to departure.
- Guided tours last around 3.5 hours.
- Remember to put on some sunscreen, cover your head against the sun, and wear comfortable shoes!
- Keep your camera or cell phone ready for some memorable pictures.
- Basic Snacks and Drinks available to purchase on ferry and Robben Island cafeteria – you can bring your own snacks, drinks, and litter disposal bags.
- There are Dining Options available at the V&A Waterfront before or after the ferry ride to and from the island.
- Unfortunately NOT wheelchair accessible.
What to Expect on a Guided Tour to Historical Robben Island
- Get ready for an eye-opening and educational adventure, filled with tales of resilience and courage!
- Visit the graveyard of people who died from leprosy – the island housed a leper colony from the 1840s to the 1930s.
- Get a close-up look at the cell where the legend himself, Nelson Mandela, spent 18 of his 27-year prison sentence.
- Check out the Maximum Security Prison that housed political prisoners during the Apartheid era, giving you a spine-tingling glimpse into the island’s darker days.
- Wander around the Lime Quarry where Mandela and other prisoners endured harsh conditions, chipping away at the limestone under the blazing sun.
- Get a feel for the island’s religious history with a visit to the Garrison Church, which dates back to the early 19th century and holds its own unique stories.
- About 132 bird species, including several endangered ones, find refuge and safety on the island.
- Say hello to the adorable African penguins colony that call the island home – they sure add a splash of charm to your tour!
INTERESTING FACTS
Marking the first recorded European landing on the island – in 1498, a group of Portuguese mariners sought sanctuary on Robben Island and spent the night in a cave. A prisoner named Jan Rykman made the first known swim from Robben Island to the mainland in 1690.
