Robben Island was a prison long before the infamous apartheid period. In the 17th and 18th centuries the Dutch already sent prisoners from their colonies to the island. In the second half of the 19th century the island housed a colony of lepers and in the second world war it became a military base. But it was the 18 years (out of 27) that Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island that elevated it to the status of Unesco world heritage and an icon of resistance to the apartheid racial segregation regime.

As a result, it has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cape Town and a symbol of the new South African democracy. In addition to the visit to the museum, the cell where Mandela was held and other landmarks on the island, the view of Cape Town from Robben is unforgettable. The tour starts at the Waterfront and lasts an average of 3,5 hours, with several departures throughout the day. Due to the strong demand in high season and weekends, it is recommended to buy the tour in advance on the official Robben Island website.