Explore Simon’s Town: Tucked away along the scenic False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town is one of South Africa’s most historically significant towns. With roots dating back to the 17th century, it has grown from a modest maritime settlement into the heart of the country’s naval operations—while still maintaining its coastal charm and colonial architecture. Explore Simon’s Town with us.
A Strategic Seaside Town with Deep Naval Roots
Simon’s Town became a naval hub in 1814 when the British Royal Navy established a base and constructed a functional harbour. This strategic move turned the town into the main base for the South Atlantic squadron. The expansion of military infrastructure continued rapidly, especially during the Second Anglo-Boer War. New dry docks, workshops, and the renowned Selborne Dock were all established to meet growing military demands.
By the time World War I and II struck, Simon’s Town had solidified its reputation as a critical naval centre. Its dockyards served hundreds of warships and merchant vessels, with thousands of workers ensuring the fleet’s readiness. The town played a vital role in the Allied war effort, particularly when the Suez Canal was closed.
In 1957, control of the naval base was officially transferred from Britain to South Africa, although agreements allowed continued British use during peacetime and war. Today, Simon’s Town remains the South African Navy’s headquarters, with the impressive Admiralty House serving as the official residence of the Navy’s Chief.
Architectural Treasures & Maritime Landmarks
Simon’s Town is not just about military history—it’s also a town of well-preserved heritage buildings and landmarks. A highlight is the Martello Tower, built in 1796 after the British occupation. This unique structure, possibly the oldest of its kind still standing, was declared a national monument in 1972.
Colonial-era architecture is visible throughout the town, blending seamlessly with modern updates. One such example is the Lord Nelson Inn, a charming hotel built in 1929. This colonial-style establishment offers panoramic views over Simon’s Town Harbour and has been recently renovated to reflect its historic character with a contemporary twist. Although legend claims Admiral Lord Nelson stayed here in 1776, this remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, its atmosphere continues to draw history lovers and travellers alike.
Explore Simon’s Town | Beaches, Wildlife & Outdoor Adventures
Beyond its historical significance, Simon’s Town is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The area boasts several pristine beaches, including Seaforth and the famous Boulders Beach—home to a thriving colony of endangered African penguins. Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or kayaking alongside these charming birds, the coastline offers unforgettable experiences.
Anglers also flock to the rich fishing grounds surrounding the town, while others enjoy leisurely walks along the marine drive to Cape Point or train rides from Cape Town to the town’s suburban terminus. The nearby Long Beach and picturesque pier make for a perfect coastal stroll, with stunning views of the naval harbour.
A Blend of History, Nature, and Culture
Named after Simon van der Stel, a former Cape Colony governor, Simon’s Town remains a fascinating blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage. While it now caters mostly to the South African Navy and recreational vessels, its docks, museums, and local culture continue to tell the story of a town that once stood at the forefront of international naval strategy.
Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or simply seeking a serene getaway, Simon’s Town promises a rich, immersive experience.
Life in Simon’s Town Today: Where Heritage Meets Coastal Living
Modern-day Simon’s Town offers a rare combination of old-world charm and seaside tranquility. Though still an active naval base, the town has gracefully evolved into a thriving residential and tourist community. It’s a place where sailors, artists, and ocean lovers coexist—each contributing to the layered identity that makes Simon’s Town so unique.
Walking through its narrow, hilly streets feels like stepping back in time. Victorian houses painted in soft pastels line the roads, their wrought-iron balconies overlooking the sparkling False Bay. Boutique shops, antique dealers, and quaint cafés fill the main street, where locals greet each other by name. It’s the kind of town that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the rhythm of the sea guide your day.
The Simon’s Town Waterfront area has become a focal point for visitors, offering restaurants with sweeping views of the harbor. From here, you can watch the comings and goings of fishing boats and naval vessels while enjoying fresh seafood—mussels, hake, and calamari caught that very morning. Many restaurants take pride in sourcing ingredients from local fishermen and farms, contributing to the town’s authentic, small-scale sustainability ethos.
A Naval Town with a Soul
While Simon’s Town’s military history is impressive, its human stories are what truly capture the heart. Few tales are as beloved as that of Just Nuisance, the Great Dane who became the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Adopted by sailors in the 1930s, Just Nuisance became a local legend, known for escorting inebriated sailors safely home and riding the train to Cape Town without a ticket. Today, his statue stands proudly in Jubilee Square, a bronze tribute to loyalty and friendship that continues to delight visitors of all ages.
The South African Naval Museum, housed in the historic Dockyard Magazine, offers an intimate look at the country’s maritime past. Exhibits include naval uniforms, models of ships, photographs, and even recreated cabins from decommissioned vessels. The museum provides not only military insight but also a sense of how life at sea shaped the cultural and social fabric of Simon’s Town.
Diving into Adventure: The Marine Wonders of False Bay
Beneath the calm waters of False Bay lies another world—one that makes Simon’s Town a global diving destination. The bay’s rich marine ecosystem attracts divers from across the world, drawn by the chance to explore shipwrecks, kelp forests, and marine life up close. The Clan Stuart Wreck, lying just meters from shore near Glencairn, is a favorite dive site, its rusted remains now home to anemones, octopus, and schools of fish.
For the more adventurous, dive operators in the area offer shark cage diving and seal snorkeling trips. The colder waters of False Bay are famous for encounters with broadnose sevengill sharks, harmless to humans yet thrilling to observe. There are also excursions to Seal Island, where thousands of Cape fur seals bask in the sun, drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts year-round.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding have also gained popularity, allowing visitors to glide quietly across the water, often accompanied by penguins, seals, or even playful dolphins. During the annual sardine run, the ocean becomes a theatre of movement—gulls, whales, and seals all feasting in a dazzling display of natural coordination.
Penguins, Whales, and the Wild Coastline
Of course, no visit to Simon’s Town would be complete without meeting its most famous residents—the African penguins of Boulders Beach. This colony, established in 1983, is one of only a few mainland penguin colonies in the world and plays a crucial role in the species’ conservation. Boardwalks meander through the dunes, offering close-up views of these charming birds without disturbing their nesting sites.
During the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months, visitors can also spot southern right whales from the shore as they migrate to the warmer waters of False Bay to mate and calve. Sometimes they come so close to the coastline that their spouts are visible from the restaurants and walkways of Simon’s Town Harbour. It’s a sight that connects visitors directly to the immense natural forces that have shaped this part of the Cape Peninsula for millennia.
Art, Culture, and Community
Beyond its naval legacy, Simon’s Town is also a hub for artists and creatives inspired by its history and scenery. Galleries showcase local painters, potters, and photographers whose work often reflects the interplay between land and sea. Street murals celebrating the town’s multicultural roots can be found tucked between old buildings, offering splashes of color and storytelling in equal measure.
The town’s cultural life thrives through regular markets and events. The Simon’s Town Country Market, held in the Town Hall, is a lively affair featuring crafts, homemade treats, and live music. Meanwhile, the Simon’s Town Museum—housed in a Georgian-style building dating back to 1777—preserves centuries of human history, from the early Dutch settlers to the post-apartheid era. Exhibits on slavery, indigenous culture, and the town’s diverse maritime community provide an honest and inclusive narrative of the area’s past.
Exploring Beyond Simon’s Town
One of Simon’s Town’s greatest advantages is its location—it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the southern reaches of the Cape Peninsula. A scenic drive south leads you to Cape Point Nature Reserve, part of the Table Mountain National Park. Here, towering cliffs plunge dramatically into the ocean, and fynbos-covered slopes host baboons, ostriches, and antelope. David McLane’s blogpost about Simon’s Town gives it quite a unique British point of view.
To the north lies Kalk Bay, another coastal gem brimming with bohemian flair, while Fish Hoek offers one of the safest family beaches on the Cape coastline. The train journey between Cape Town and Simon’s Town remains one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, hugging the shoreline and offering panoramic views of False Bay.
Hikers will find numerous trails crisscrossing the area. The Klipgat Caves near Smitswinkel Bay reveal traces of early human habitation, while the Swartkop Peak Trail rewards the adventurous with sweeping views of the bay and mountains. Whether you’re walking, driving, or sailing, every turn around Simon’s Town reveals a new perspective of Cape Town’s southern coast.
Sustainable Tourism and Conservation
As tourism grows, Simon’s Town has made concerted efforts to balance economic development with environmental preservation. The local community actively supports conservation initiatives that protect marine biodiversity, coastal vegetation, and heritage architecture. Many guesthouses and tour operators have adopted eco-friendly practices—such as using solar power, reducing plastic waste, and partnering with marine conservation groups.
Visitors are encouraged to engage responsibly with the environment: to respect wildlife, support local artisans, and contribute to community-led projects that maintain the town’s cultural and ecological integrity. These collective efforts ensure that Simon’s Town’s beauty and legacy will endure for generations to come.
Where Time Slows Down
What makes Simon’s Town truly special isn’t just its naval history or natural beauty—it’s the feeling it gives you. There’s something profoundly grounding about standing on the pier at sunset, watching the light fade behind the mountains while fishing boats return home. The sound of distant gulls and the scent of salt air create a sense of calm that modern life often forgets.
Whether you’re sipping coffee in a harbor café, exploring a 200-year-old church, or walking barefoot along Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town invites you to pause and reflect. It’s a place where every corner tells a story—of sailors and settlers, of penguins and pioneers, of resilience and renewal.
For those seeking authenticity, connection, and a glimpse into South Africa’s maritime heart, Simon’s Town remains one of the Cape Peninsula’s most rewarding discoveries.
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