About this Experience
Uncover 200 years of maritime history, meet the famous Just Nuisance dog statue and browse quirky harbour shops in Cape Town's oldest naval base town.
Tour Highlights
Guided walk of historic quarter | - Navy dockyard viewpoints | - Just Nuisance legend retold
Your Journey
Stop 1
Hotel pickup
Stop 2
scenic Boyes Drive
Stop 3
heritage walking tour of St George’s Street & naval docks
Stop 4
Just Nuisance statue photo stop
Stop 5
coffee & harbour browsing
Stop 6
return.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Transport, expert guide, coffee, bottled water
Not Included
- Lunch, gratuities
Important Information
Seasonal Notes
Weekends busier; morning slots quieter.
Child Policy
All ages welcome; under‑5 free.
Accessibility
Mostly level paths; some cobblestones.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancel up to 24 h.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simon's Town is 40km from Cape Town city center, about 45-60 minutes by car via the M3 and M4 coastal road. You can also take the scenic train from Cape Town station (1.5 hours) or join a guided tour that includes transport and stops at multiple attractions.
Yes! Boulders Beach in Simon's Town is home to over 3,000 African penguins. The colony is accessible via boardwalks with two entry points. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best viewing when penguins are most active.
Boulders Beach entrance costs R190 for adults and R95 for children (international rates). This includes access to boardwalks and viewing areas. The ticket is valid all day, and there are three access points with different penguin viewing experiences.
While you can't swim directly with the penguins at the main colony, you can swim at Boulders Beach swimming area where penguins occasionally visit. Windmill Beach and Seaforth Beach nearby also have penguins that sometimes swim near people.
Simon's Town offers the South African Naval Museum, historic Victorian architecture walking tours, Jubilee Square shopping, seafood restaurants, kayaking tours to see penguins from water, and nearby Cape Point Nature Reserve - easily a full day of activities.
Visit year-round, but September to February offers warmer weather for beach activities. Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM) provides best penguin viewing. Avoid December-January peak crowds if possible.
The Salty Sea Dog offers harbor views and fresh seafood. Bertha's Restaurant is famous for seafood and navy history. The Lighthouse Café provides casual dining. For fish and chips, try Salty Sea Dog or The Sweetest Thing café.
Absolutely! Kids love the penguins at Boulders Beach, the beaches are safe for swimming, and Seaforth Beach has tidal pools perfect for children. The compact town is easy to navigate with stroller-friendly boardwalks at the penguin colony.
Allow minimum 3-4 hours: 1-2 hours for Boulders Beach penguins, 1 hour for lunch, and 1 hour exploring the town. A full day lets you add beach time, kayaking, or combine with Cape Point visit.
Yes! Simon's Town and Cape Point are 20 minutes apart. Start early with penguins at Boulders Beach, then Cape Point for hiking and lighthouse views, returning via Chapman's Peak Drive. Many tours combine both destinations.
Parking is available but limited during peak season. Boulders Beach has paid parking (R20-40). Simon's Town center has street parking and public lots. Arrive early in peak season or consider the train to avoid parking issues.
Bring sunscreen, hat, camera with zoom for penguin photos, swimming costume if planning beach time, comfortable walking shoes, and cash for parking and small vendors. Binoculars enhance penguin watching from boardwalks.
Tour Location
Tour Meeting Point
Cape Town hotels
Getting There
Free hotel pickup included
Duration
3 h including transfers
Meeting Point
Cape Town hotels
Guest Reviews
This simon s town tour was absolutely fantastic! The organization from start to finish was flawless. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the area's history, ecology, and culture. The experience exceeded all our expectations - from the convenient hotel pickup to the carefully planned itinerary that maximized our time. The small group size made it feel personal and exclusive. Photography opportunities were abundant with the guide knowing all the best spots. Safety was clearly a priority throughout. The value for money considering everything included was outstanding. This is a must-do experience when visiting Cape Town. We've traveled extensively and this ranks among our best tour experiences globally!
Magnifique! The simon s town experience was exceptional from beginning to end. Our guide's passion and expertise made every moment special. The attention to detail was impressive - from comfortable transportation to perfectly timed stops. We learned so much about local culture, history, and nature. The scenic views were breathtaking and photo opportunities endless. The tour was well-paced, never feeling rushed yet covering everything promised. Safety standards were excellent throughout. This experience offered incredible value and created lasting memories. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cape Town!
素晴らしい! The simon s town tour was perfectly executed! The organization and attention to detail were impressive. Our guide was professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating. The experience showcased the best of what Cape Town has to offer. Transportation was comfortable and punctual. The itinerary was well-designed to maximize our experience. Photo opportunities were excellent with the guide's expert positioning advice. Safety was never a concern with clear instructions and professional management. Excellent value for the comprehensive experience provided. This is an essential Cape Town experience!