LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Penguin Interaction
Visit the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Enjoy interacting with the penguins in their natural habitat and learning more about these delightful highly endangered birds.
Your best viewing is along the walkways of the South African National Parks penguin colony Visitors Centre, but you can also just meet them on one of the beaches or even in the street.
Whale Watching
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet up with these gentle giants. This is not your average experience! You can see whales all year-round, but females usually come to False Bay to have their calves in the September/October period, which is the highlight of the whaling season.
Sometimes it is possible to spot the whales from your balcony, but there are several companies that go see the whales up close.
Cage Diving
Try the ultimate in adventure experiences with a combined Great White Shark breaching,, viewing, and cage diving trip out of Simon’s Town. Take Great White Shark cage diving to another level with scuba; no experience necessary. There are several companies in town that can take care of your shark cage diving experience.
Boating
There are all kinds of boat trips one can make out of Simon’s Town. Whether you take a trip to Seal Island or try your luck at deep-sea fishing, there is always a good chance you will run into a whale or a pack of dolphins. Boating can be arranged at several locations in Town.
Scuba Diving
Scuba Dive and get up close and personal with the rare Sevengill Cowsharks. Experience the Dolphins, Cape Fur seals, Kelp forests, and shipwrecks. Graduate from lessons in an onsite diving pool or your training on Long Beach, the perfect beginners’ site. Already qualified? Daily shore dives and boat dives to exciting and fascinating dive sites are available in Simon’s Town.
Kayaking
You can hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board by the jetty in Simon’s Town Harbour, and make a tour to admire our beautiful coastline and some of our marine life. Pull into Boulders Beach to visit with the penguins or proceed to Windmill beach to take a break and relax.
Cape Point
Your visit is absolutely incomplete if you don’t visit Cape Point. It is part of the Table Mountain National Park and the most southern point of the Cape Peninsula.
If you’re an outdoors person, you may want to set aside sufficient time for this. The reserve is only a short drive from Simon’s Town. However, with a fascinating maritime history, numerous virgin beaches, dozens of amazing viewpoints, and plenty of the unique Cape fauna and flora, it’s impossible to fit everything that Cape Point has to offer in one visit.
Hiking and Biking
For old buildings and lovely views don’t miss out on a stroll along the historic streets and hidden steps, which are tucked away just behind Main street.
Fancy a short (or longer) scenic walk? Then why not check out some of our favourites?
Boulders Penguin Colony boardwalk
Admirals Waterfall
Swartkop or Smitswinkel
Steps to “Just Nuisance’s Grave”
Elsies Peak
Heed special attention to the “fynbos”, the unique natural shrubland vegetation located only in South Africa. “Fynbos” constitutes about 80% of the Cape floral kingdom and counts more than 8,500 species. “Fynbos” flowers throughout the year, which means you will always find flowers in bloom.
Just around Town
For the history buffs, there is also plenty on offer in Simon’s Town. Reaching back to around 1650, Simon’s Town boasts a wealth of historic and strategic interests. It has been a naval base and harbour for more than two centuries and is home to beautifully preserved buildings, a colourful military past, several museums and a rich and culturally diverse heritage.
Shopping
Simon’s Town has a great selection of gift and vintage shops, antiques and arts. Spend a morning wandering through town taking in Main street and its surroundings. Visit the “Just Nuisance statue” on Jubilee Square where traditional arts and crafts are always on sale. Watch your purse, because Simon’s Town is a paradise for shopaholics! Sometimes you may want to sit at one of our many coffee shops and just watch the world go by.
Eating Out
There is a good choice of restaurants in Simon’s Town, from Fish & Chips to great steaks, you’re bound to find something you will enjoy.
Some places we are happy to recommend are: Bertha’s, The Black Marlin, Boulders Beach Cafe, Cafe Psecado, The Cattle Baron, Fran’s Place, Hickory Shack Smokehouse BBQ, The Lighthouse Cafe, The Peckish Penguin, The Salmon Run, The Salty Sea Dog, The Savuer Restaurant, and The Seafront Restaurant.
Oceans Drift will be delighted to assist you with additional information on everything that is going on in Simon’s Town.
We will gladly help you with the planning of your stay, and are happy to make activity-, event- and restaurant-bookings for you before or during your stay.
What People Are Saying
“We went out with the Boat Company and saw a whale and her offspring real close to the boat. We also stopped by Boulders Beach to see the penguins, and sailed by a group of seals sunbathing on a rock. The staff were very experienced and extremely knowledgeable. Smooth ride, nice sightings. Recommended!”
— davidspJ475HH
“We went along hoping to see at least one penguin, not realising that you are practically guaranteed to see loads of them. If you go around 3pm-ish you will see the ones that have been out at sea and are returning to their nests. We saw several pairs with chicks as well. Amazing nature! Could have stayed there for hours.”
— Hallimad, Maryland, US
“Cape Point nature reserve is breathtaking!
I wish I stayed longer as there is so much to do there, you could spend at least full day, if not more! You are surrounded by beauty and you feel so extroverted there. The sights are priceless and it gives you an idea of just how beautiful this part of the world is. It was a great bonding time with my family and I will definitely go again. The reserve is very well kept and it is a safe environment for everyone.”
— Pieter Y, Durban