Simon's Town is a maritime naval town and home to the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach where humans and penguins share the sand and the sea. The swimming is fabulous – flat, calm and the warmest water in Cape Town as it is protected by giant boulders. The main viewing area has viewing platforms and boardwalks.

Charming Simon’s Town is steeped in history and tradition. It was named after the governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel - upon whose recommendation the Bay was used by the Dutch East India Company for winter anchorage. There are 4 museums in Simon’s Town.

The area known as the "Historic Mile”, is the heart of the town, boasting a great variety of architecturally interesting buildings, good restaurants (seafood is the speciality), antique shops, galleries and fine walks. Boat trips head off in different directions from the Simon’s Town jetty - harbour cruises, Seal Island boat trips, high speed boat trips to Cape Point or even whale watching and great white shark cage diving boat trips. Alternatively try sea kayaking in a stable sea kayak from Simon’s Town jetty.

At the edge of Simon’s Town you will find Mineral World, South Africa’s largest gem stone factory where you can "scratch" for your favourite gems and experience the magic of minerals. A very short distance beyond is the town of Glencairn, which is a hidden gem, with a great family beach, a wetlands area and a meeting place for most activities on the Cape Point Route. Here you will find the Cape Point Route information office and a dive centre.

Click below to listen to more interesting info on Simon’s Town.

  SAFM - Simon's Town.wmv