Known due to the number of political figures; most famously ex-South African President; Nelson Mandela, that were imprisoned there during the Apartheid years, Robben Island has been a place of exile and isolation for over 400 years.

Located 12 kilometres from Cape Town’s shores, Robben Island meaning; ‘Seal Island’ in Dutch, is now a World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. Tours depart regularly from the Robben Island Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and last about 3.5 hours. The tour includes two half hour ferry rides across Table Bay to and from the Island. Once on the Island visitors will be given a guided tour of the Maximum Security Prison by an ex-political prisoner, allowing guests to gain an eye-opening understanding of the hardships these resilient prisoners had to suffer. The tour then ends with a 45 minute guided bus ride around the Island taking in the animal and bird life. Credit Card bookings can be made in advance and this is recommended as the ferry can become very busy in the Summer Season.