Simon's Town

Simon's Town is a historic naval town on False Bay's eastern shore, home to the South African Navy since 1814. The main draw is Boulders Beach, where a colony of African penguins has thrived since 1982. The town offers a relaxed alternative to central Cape Town with a charming harbour, naval museum, and easy access to Cape Point.

The most scenic approach is via the Cape Town Southern Line railway from Cape Town station via Muizenberg and Kalk Bay to Simon's Town terminus. Trains run regularly and cost around R20-30 one way. By road, it's about 45 km from Cape Town city centre via the M4 scenic route along False Bay. The journey takes roughly an hour by car.

Simon's Town is walkable end-to-end in under 30 minutes. From the train station to the town centre is a 10-15 minute walk (turn left as you exit). "Rikki" taxis meet every arriving train—small white minibuses that cost R3 to central Simon's Town or R5.50 to Boulders Beach. Golden Arrow buses also run between Fish Hoek and Boulders Beach via Simon's Town.

The best time to see penguins is during their breeding season from February to August, when penguin numbers peak at Boulders Beach. Summer (December-February) offers warm swimming weather at Seaforth Beach but also draws crowds. Winter brings whale watching season in False Bay (June-November).

Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to upscale guesthouses. Simon's Town Backpackers (66 St George's St) offers dorm beds from R360 double, a 5-minute walk from the station. Boulders Beach Lodge sits directly above the penguin colony from R395 per person. For self-catering, British Hotel Apartments and Quayside Hotel offer waterfront options.

The Quayside Centre at the waterfront hosts multiple restaurants including Bertha's (large menu, free WiFi), Cafe Pescado (wood-fired pizzas), Just Sushi, and Harbour View (takeaway counter with springbok or crocodile pate). Salty Sea Dog on Wharf Road serves fresh fish and chips with recommended kingklip. Saveur offers midweek specials with Tuesday half-price steaks and Wednesday 2-for-1 burgers. Two and Sixpence tavern at 88 St Georges Street draws locals and naval visitors with screens and occasional live entertainment.

Visit Boulders Beach penguin colony (R176 per adult as of January 2023) to see African penguins waddling among granite boulders. The South African Naval Museum near the harbour is free and open 09:30-15:30. Sea Kayak Trips depart from Town Jetty to paddle near the penguin colony. The SAS Assegaai submarine museum (R40 adults, R20 children) is a former Daphne-class submarine preserved as a floating museum but currently closed for safety reasons. Cycle Cape Point rents bicycles from R150/day.

Simon's Town is relatively safe compared to greater Cape Town, but remain vigilant. ATM scams have targeted tourists—some 'helpful' locals change ATM screens to Afrikaans and grab cash dispensed. Hiking trails toward Red Hill Settlement have a history of violent crime and muggings. Keep valuables hidden and avoid isolated areas after dark.

Most restaurants including Bertha's, Cafe Pescado, Harbour View, and Two and Sixpence offer free WiFi, though it can be temperamental. SIM cards from South African carriers (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C) are widely available in Cape Town for data needs.

Cape Town is the main hub, 45 km north via scenic coastal road. The Cape of Good Hope within Table Mountain National Park is a short drive south. The Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl) offer wine tasting at local farms about an hour's drive inland.