Robben Island
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Port
Cape Town, South Africa
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$150
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Robben Island, one of South Africa's more infamous landmarks, has served for more than 400 years as a place of crushing isolation and human despair. Once a place of confinement for lepers, lunatics and the mortally ill, Robben Island has been the punishment in itself for exiles and prisoners.
Since 1960, it has been synonymous with the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Political prisoners of the past who were once incarcerated here include Nelson Mandela and poet Dennis Brutus. The last political prisoners were released in 1991. In 1997, the Robben Island Museum opened its doors to the public, with quite a number of the former political prisoners becoming island guides. Home to about 23 mammals and 132 bird species including the third-largest colony of African penguins.
Board the ferry that will transfer you across Table Bay to Robben Island, you will hear some information about the island and the prison facility there. Upon arrival at the island, board a bus for a 45-minute orientation tour. You'll see the old leper colony, a Muslim shrine and a shipwreck. Also visit the lime quarry where those involved in the struggle against apartheid were put to backbreaking labor. Join a guided walking tour through the maximum security block, led by a former political prisoner. You will see and visit Nelson Mandela's former cell.
After your 2½-hour island visit, return to the mainland by ferry and back to the ship.
Please note:
Tour involves a substantial amount of walking. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes; bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a windbreaker. The Robben Island ferry ride is 30 to 45 minutes each way; it operates weather permitting and the journey time can vary. In the event of ferry cancellation, a visit to Company Gardens and the Slave Lodge Museum will be substituted. On Robben Island, the government provides the guide and vehicles; these are not exclusive to Seabourn guests. This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in Cape Town.