Robben Island Boat Trip & Museum Tour and Diamond Museum Shared Experience
Active
5h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Robben Island is one of the biggest attractions for tourists when visiting South Africa and on this tour, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the prison museum, take the Long March to Freedom in the footsteps of former president Nelson Mandela and view his prison cell where he lived for 18 years of his 27 year sentence. The Robben Island tour takes up to 4 hours including return ferry boat transfers.
The tour also offers a unique experience to explore the Cape Town Diamond Museum for a 1-hour tour and learn more about the history of the South African Diamond industry. Travellers will also walk the working factory and showroom at Shimansky Jewellers.
Available options
Robben Island Boat Trip & Museum Tour and Diamond Museum Shared Experience
Pickup included
What's included
Mineral water in the vehicle.
Entrance ticket to Robben Island boat trip & museum tour
Tour Guide-Driver, Shared Vehicle and Fuel
Pick up and drop off at hotels in Cape Town.
Detailed itinerary
1
You will be picked up at your accommodation in Cape Town between 8:00 and 9:00am in a shared vehicle and set off for the V&A Waterfront on this half day Robben Island boat trip & museum tour with Diamond Museum experience.
2
Stop 2
We will walk to the Robben Island departures point, where we will proceed directly to the boat departures line. You will sail for 30-minutes on the open sea to Robben Island Museum. Upon your arrival, you will disembark the boat and be guided on a bus by a resident Robben Island Tour Guide for a tour of the island. Here stories about Robben Island and its history, indicating the various homes of ex-political prisoners and other landmarks. The tour culminates with a view of the prison cell where former President Nelson Mandela was held as a prisoner and an opportunity to take a walk in his historical footsteps on The Long Walk to Freedom. Once the tour of Robben Island has come to an end, you will return to the Jetty where you will charter the ferry for your return journey back to the V&A Waterfront. The entire tour duration including the boat trips is approximately 4-hours. Upon disembark, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the entrance.
3
Once you disembark from the boat at the Clock Tower precinct, V&A waterfront, we will walk to the Cape Town Diamond Museum, which is adjacent to the Shimansky Jewellery Showroom.
Listen to the story about the 3 billion-year-old history, from the diamond’s formation to the final polished stone. Explore the origins of South Africa’s diamond industry and learn about Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and the Oppenheimer family.
The Cape Town Diamond Museum also pays tribute to the most famous South African diamonds, such as the 3,106 carat Cullinan rough diamond.
Please note that visitors will have the option to purchase exquisite jewelry pieces from Shimansky Jewellers that is adjacent to the Cape Diamond Museum. However, visitors are under no obligation to make any purchases of jewelry.
What's not included
Food and drink
Gratuities - optional
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
You entry ticket into Robben Island will be handed directly to you by your tour guide-driver on the day of the tour.
About Cape Town
Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.
Top Attractions
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.
Nature
2-4 hours
Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.
Entertainment
Half day to full day
Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining
Robben Island
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.
Historical
3-4 hours
Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bunny Chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.
Cape Malay Curry
A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.
Biltong
A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.
Snack
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Paragliding
Shark cage diving
Surfing
Mountain biking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
November to March
This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Afrikaans
- Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
- • Use reputable transport services
Getting there
By air
- Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Cape Town Station
By bus
Cape Town Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Cape Town City Centre
Camps Bay
Bo-Kaap
Day trips
Stellenbosch
50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.
Hermanus
120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
Festivals
Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual)
Cape Town Carnival • January (annual)
Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)
Pro tips
- Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
- Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
- Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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