Cape Town - Simon's Town

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory

Geography and History

Simon's Town, sometimes spelled Simonstown, is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, near Cape Town which is home to the South African Navy. For more than two centuries it has been an important naval base and harbour (first for the Royal Navy and now the South African Navy). The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.

Simon's Town is a maritime naval town and home to the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach where humans and penguins share the sand and the sea. The swimming is fabulous – flat, calm and the warmest water in Cape Town as it is protected by giant boulders. The main viewing area has viewing platforms and boardwalks.

Accommodation

Simons Town has a variety of accommodation options available from Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts to Self-catering units.

Activities

For the tourist, Cape Town offers a variety of activities and attractions, such as the Two Oceans Aquarium, Ratanga Junction Theme Park, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, craft markets, the BMW Pavilion, IMAX Theatre and numerous shopping centres.

At the edge of Simon’s Town you will find Mineral World, South Africa’s largest gem stone factory where you can "scratch" for your favourite gems and experience the magic of minerals.

Simon's Town is the home of the False Bay Yacht Club which has keel boat regattas most Wednesday evenings and weekends.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants on offer to suit every visitors budget. There is a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and pubs to choose from!