If Robben Island had a voice, it would speak both of bygone times and its most famous resident, Nelson Mandela. Discovered in 1488 by a Spanish explorer, for 400 years Robben Island has had many functions: as an outpost used by passing ships to replenish fresh water and meat, as a post office, as a mental hospital, where chronically ill, mentally unfit, paupers, lepers, and the criminally insane saw out their days. Its last usage was most famously as the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for eighteen long years.
In 1999 Robben Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to this day the historic site and its surrounding waters are internationally protected.
The Swim
One of four Jail Break Swims in Africa, Robben Island (RI) is a recognised swim. The 7.4 km distance swim to Big Bay (BB) averages water temperatures of 12-15 degrees Celsius. This challenging swim is equally attractive for domestic and international swimmers. With an iconic view of Table Mountain on your right, you might encounter one of the many schools of dolphins or herds of seals which frequent the Bay. The swim has its proper place in one of the top 100 Open Water Swims in the world.
Your swim from Robben Island to Big Bay will probably start just after sunrise when the conditions are most likely to be favourable.
Open Water.Africa can offer you:
- Full support with a pilot and lifeguard;
- Options of two (+) way on request;
- Ratification by the Cape Town Long Distance Swimming Association (a small additional fee);
- Emergency on standby.
- Balance to be paid on day of swim
- Swim is subject to weather
Details:
- Email: howard@openwater.africa for more details