Upon our arrival at the Waterfront, we will stop at the Cape Diamond Museum, situated in the Gateway to Robben Island Clocktower Center. Here you will learn 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 with an introduction to some of the great names in diamond history, like 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. This diamond was discovered in 1905 and showcases specimens of Kimberlite rock, dating back to billions of years. Life-size replicas of the famous diamonds worn by royalty, the rich and the famous are also on display. 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.

Upon your arrival at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, you will skip the ticketing line and proceed directly to the boat departures line. Upon your arrival at the Robben Island Jetty, you will disembark the boat and be guided on a bus by a resident Robben Island Tour Guide for a tour of the island. The guide will provide live commentary about Robben Island and its history. The tour will culminate 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 March to Freedom. Thereafter, you will return to the Jetty where you will charter the boat for your return journey back to the V&A Waterfront.