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 entrance to the Boulders Penguin Colony is at Seaforth Beach, with a boardwalk leading through the nesting area. 

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.

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  and fine walks. Boat trips head off in different directions from the Simon’s Town jetty. These range from 40 minute harbour cruises, voyages to Seal Island in the middle of False Bay or down to spectacular Cape Point itself. Book a whale watching boat trip for a close encounter with the gentle giants of the sea. You can even get closer to the water in a stable sea kayak that leaves from the Simon’s Town jetty and can give you the edge on penguin viewing.

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 , a dive centre, baboon walking  and a new hot spot for night life and live evening entertainment.

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Simon’s Town Accommodation:
Simon’s Town accommodation is plentiful but sought after. Reserve your Cape Point Route stay early!

Simon’s Town Restaurants:
Simon’s Town has a vast array of local and international cuisine. Seafood is often the speciality, but you will find everything from fine dining to take aways and a choice of French, Japanese, Italian, Chinese and Deli options. 

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony:
Boulders has become famous for its thriving colony of African Penguins and sheltered safe beaches where you can even swim with the penguins! The waters are calm and family friendly due to the giant granite boulders that shelter it. Elevated boardwalks to Foxy Beach provide excellent viewing opportunities for penguins and whales. Boulders is a pay for entry beach to protect one of the worlds only land based penguin colonies.

Just Nuisance and Jubilee Square:
Jubilee Square has statue of Able seaman Just Nuisance, a great dane dog that befriended the royal Naval sailors during World War 2 and was buried with full military honours. He has become a Simon’s Town mascot. There is an African curio market on Jubilee Square.

Simon’s Town Waterfront:
This small and tasteful centre boasts an interesting variety of shops, restaurants, and a hotel with conference facilities.

Simon’s Town Beaches:
Millers point is a family friendly recreational area, it has a childrens tidal pool, snorkeling, scuba diving and a boat launching slipway.  Fishermans beach with undulating grassy slopes is a small secluded family beach in Murdoch valley.   Seaforth Beach is an ideal family setting, natural swimming bay and picnic lawn.  Boulders Beach,  swim at this safe family beach with the African penguins.   Foxy Beach is the main breeding colony of penguins.  Long Beach is the walking, doing, playing beachof Simon’s Town. Glencairn Beach for kitesurfers, windsurfers, paddlers, snorkelers and families love this beach. Great for a sneaky swim!

Roman Rock Lighthouse:
South Africa’s third oldest lighthouse and the only one built on a rock! A true Simon’s Town landmark.

Simon’s Town Boat Trips:
Boats head off in various directions from the Simon’s Town jetty and cover harbour tours, whale watching, seal island and trips to Cape Point

Seal Island, False Bay:
Home to 74 000 Cape Fur Seals, 24 bird species and is a natural hunting ground of the Great White Shark. 

Simon’s Town Museum:
Depicts the history of the Simon’s Town community, past and present, with an emphasis on the town’s diversity of origins, cultures and religions.  Guided tours available. Simon's Town Museum offers regular walking tours of the historic town centre.

Heritage Museum:
Discover the rich heritage of the Muslim generations of Simon’s Town.

Warrior Toy Museum:
This museum showcases a unique collection of toy cars and trains, dolls and lead soldiers.

The South African Naval Museum:
Archives both British and local naval history and houses a submarine diorama. The museum is the custodian of the Martello Tower.

Church of St Francis:
This is the oldest Anglican church in South Africa.

Simon’s Town Golf Club
Overlooks False Bay and offers you the experience of an uncrowded 9 hole golf course with unsurpassed sea and mountain views. Be careful to avoid any African penguins that may be cruising the fairways.

Mineral World & Scratch Patch:
Take a fascinating tour through a gemstone tumbling factory, scratch for your own gem stones at the  scratch patch (a family favourite) and browse through the unusual jewellery and gift shop.

Bronze Age Sculpture House & Bronze Age Art Foundry:
Bronze sculpting is a  unique art form with complex techniques. Visit this working foundry or take lessons for something completely different.

Simon’s Town Sea Kayaking:
Get close to the water in a stable sea kayak and visit the African penguins from the water.

Southern Right Whales:
These gentle giants of the sea can be seen from land from June – November, or you can get up close and personal on a whale watching boat trip.