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.
What's Included & Excluded
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
Simon's Town is wonderful for families! Kids love the naval museum with its submarines and maritime artifacts. The penguin colony nearby is a huge hit. The town is safe and walkable with friendly locals. The beach areas are good for swimming (much warmer than Atlantic side). Great fish and chips at the harbor restaurants. The train journey from Cape Town is an adventure in itself that kids really enjoy.
Simon's Town is absolutely delightful! The naval history is fascinating - the museum provides great context about the South African Navy and the town's strategic importance. The Victorian architecture is beautifully preserved and the harbor setting is picturesque. Don't miss the penguin colony at nearby Boulders Beach. The antique shops and cafes along the main road are charming. Perfect for a leisurely day exploring Cape Town's maritime heritage.
The train journey to Simon's Town from Cape Town is absolutely scenic! Traveling along the False Bay coastline with mountain and ocean views is magical. The town itself is charming with its naval character and historic buildings. Great base for exploring the southern peninsula including the penguins at Boulders Beach. The local restaurants serve excellent seafood and the harbor walk is lovely for sunset viewing.
Simon's Town has so much character! The mix of naval history, Victorian architecture, and working harbor creates a unique atmosphere. The setting on False Bay is stunning with mountain backdrops. Local people are friendly and proud of their town's history. Great seafood restaurants and the penguins nearby make it a perfect day trip destination. The train connection from Cape Town adds to the adventure and provides beautiful coastal views.
Simon's Town is the perfect base for visiting the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. The town itself has character with its naval heritage and Victorian buildings. The harbor is active with naval vessels and pleasure craft. Good selection of restaurants and shops. The train journey from Cape Town is scenic but takes time. Better to drive if you want to explore the broader False Bay area efficiently.
As someone interested in naval history, Simon's Town was fascinating! The South African Naval Museum is excellent with great displays about the naval base's history from British colonial times to the present. The town's Victorian architecture is well-preserved and the False Bay setting is beautiful. The naval dockyards are still active, giving the town an authentic maritime feel rather than just being a tourist destination.
Simon's Town has some excellent antique shops and boutique stores along the main street. Found some unique South African maritime memorabilia and local crafts. The cafes are cozy and serve good coffee with harbor views. The town has maintained its historic character while catering to visitors. It's a more relaxed pace than Cape Town city center. Perfect for a leisurely browse and lunch after visiting the penguins.
Simon's Town is pleasant enough but doesn't have a huge amount to keep you busy for a full day. The naval museum is interesting if you're into military history, and the town has character. The main attraction is really the penguin colony nearby. The town itself can be covered in a couple of hours. Nice for a half-day trip combined with other False Bay attractions, but not a destination in itself.