Robben Island
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Port
Cape Town, South Africa
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$169.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
For over four centuries, Robben Island has been a place of punishment for exiles and prisoners as well as a place of confinement for lepers, lunatics and the sick. Since 1960, it has become synonymous with the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Political prisoners of the past have included Nelson Mandela and poet Dennis Brutus. The last political prisoners were released in 1991 and on 01 January 1997, the Robben Island Museum opened its doors to the public, with quite a number of the former political prisoners becoming island guides. In 1999, Robben Island was declared a Word Heritage Site.
Robben Island is an outcrop of rock formed by geological processes extending millions of years ago. Rising and falling sea levels have changed the appearance of the island periodically. Over the past 700,000 years, there have been 12 periods of lower sea levels during which the island has been linked to the mainland. Except for the administrative buildings and prison infrastructure, the island is primarily sand covered with somewhat limited vegetation.
It is home to penguins, seals, chameleons, lizards, snakes, seabirds and a variety of buck. Robben Island hosts about 23 mammals and 132 bird species including the African penguin. Robben Island hosts the third largest colony of African Penguins.
Depart on foot from the ship to the ferry terminal, located at the Nelson Mandela Gateway. After browsing through the museum, embark the ferry, which will transfer you across Table Bay to Robben Island. Upon arrival at the island, board a bus for a 45-minute orientation tour. Bypass the old leper colony, a Muslim shrine and a shipwreck. Also visit the lime quarry, where the former President's eyes were damaged permanently, and where personalities in the struggle were put to back breaking labor.
Thereafter, join a guided walking tour through the maximum-security block, led by a former political prisoner. A visit to Nelson Mandela's former cell is also included.
After your 2 ½ hour visit to the island, return to the mainland by ferry - and then back to the ship by foot.
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.