FerryConnect

South Africa

Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) → Robben Island

The only way to visit Robben Island, the UNESCO-listed prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years, is on a Robben Island Museum tour: the ferry leaves the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and lands at Murray’s Bay Harbour.

⏱ Crossing time not published (3h 30m round tour including the island visit)🚢 1 operator📅 4 tour departures a day: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00
Book with Robben Island Museum→

Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island takes Crossing time not published (3h 30m round tour including the island visit) across the Table Bay (Atlantic Ocean), operated by Robben Island Museum. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: 4 tour departures a day: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: robben-island.org.za · robben-island.org.za · How we verify

Return crossing: Robben Island to Cape Town (V&A Waterfront)

Robben Island Museum also sails Robben Island to Cape Town (V&A Waterfront), taking Crossing time not published (3h 30m round tour including the island visit).

Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

4 tour ferries daily at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 (weather permitting)

Published departure times

  • 09:00
  • 11:00
  • 13:00
  • 15:00

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Robben Island Museum timetable →Check prices & book on Robben Island Museum →

Source: Robben Island Museum tours page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) and Robben Island

📐 6 Nautical Miles
Cape Town (V&A Waterfront)⇄Robben Island
⏱ Crossing time not published (3h 30m round tour including the island visit) · 📐 6 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island?

Book your crossing with Robben Island Museum: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Robben Island Museum→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Robben Island MuseumNot published (part of a 3h 30m tour)Museum tour ferries

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

6 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town
  • On the island, visitors walk a short way from Murray’s Bay Harbour to buses that tour the historic sites
  • The 3.5-hour total depends on the boat used, as the ferries have different crossing times

Related Ferry Crossings

⚓ Murray’s Bay Harbour, Robben Island guide🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Robben Island ferry without a tour?
No. Robben Island Museum sells the crossing as part of its guided tour; general tours run at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 and last about 3.5 hours including the ferry both ways.
How long is the ferry from Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island?
The crossing typically takes Crossing time not published (3h 30m round tour including the island visit). Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island ferry sail?
4 tour ferries daily at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 (weather permitting). This is the pattern published in the Robben Island Museum tours page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island?
Robben Island Museum operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) to Robben Island ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) from Robben Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 6 nautical miles (roughly 11 km).