About
Simon's Town is a historic naval town on the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape of South Africa. It sits on the shore of False Bay, a short drive south of Cape Town, and it is the headquarters of the South African Navy, so a visit here combines seaside scenery with a working port town.
What draws visitors
- Boulders Beach is the town's best-known attraction, home to a colony of African penguins that walk, nest and swim among the granite boulders and sandy coves.
- The naval harbour gives the town its character, with naval vessels and the maritime activity that comes with a base.
- The coastline of False Bay offers views across the water and a relaxed pace compared with the city.
Planning a visit
Simon's Town suits a day trip or a slower stop on a tour of the Cape Peninsula. Many visitors combine a visit to the penguins with a walk along the waterfront and time to look out over the bay. Because the town is compact, most of its places can be reached on foot once you arrive, and the surrounding peninsula offers further coastal and mountain scenery to explore nearby.
If you want a quiet seaside setting with a distinct naval identity and the chance to see penguins up close, Simon's Town is a rewarding place to include in your Cape Town itinerary.