Simon's Town hideaways

Simon's Town is a historic naval town on the False Bay coast of Cape Town's Southern Peninsula, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. The harbour sits at its heart, the Boulders penguin colony lies on the edge of town and the road south leads on to Cape Point. Outside peak traffic, allow about 40 minutes to an hour from the city centre and 45 minutes to an hour from Cape Town International Airport. Weekday rush hours add time.

See African penguins at the Boulders Penguin Colony, on the edge of Simon's Town in the Table Mountain National Park. The colony was established in 1983, and three boardwalks around Foxy Beach bring you close to the nesting birds without disturbing them. Stay on the boardwalks, and never touch or feed the penguins, whose beaks can nip. A daily conservation fee applies, and in summer it pays to arrive early, as parking is limited. The IUCN listed the African penguin as Critically Endangered in 2024.

Yes. Boulders Beach, beside the penguin colony in Simon's Town, is a cove sheltered by huge granite boulders, which makes it a calm swimming spot for children. It lies inside the paid conservation area; come at low tide, when there's more beach space. Neighbouring Seaforth Beach is a 600m stretch of sand with shaded, grassed picnic areas and toilets. Swim only when and where a lifeguard is on duty, with an adult always close by when children are in the water.

Simon's Town has been a naval town for more than two centuries. Simon van der Stel visited Simon's Bay in 1687, and the Dutch East India Company made it an official winter anchorage in 1743. In 1814 the town became the headquarters of the Royal Navy's South Atlantic squadron, and the naval base passed to the South African Navy in 1957. Wander through the South African Naval Museum, in the old Royal Navy Mast House and Dutch Store House on St George's Street, then step into the Simon's Town Museum in The Residency, built as the winter residence of the Dutch East India Company's governor at the Cape.

Jubilee Square, on St George's Street beside the harbour, is the heart of Simon's Town and home to the statue of Able Seaman Just Nuisance. The Great Dane was enlisted in the Royal Navy on 25 August 1939 and served until 1944, and the Simon's Town Museum tells his story. Linger over the harbour views from the waterfront restaurants nearby, and pick up maps and local advice at the visitor information centre on the square. Jubilee Square also makes a fine starting point for the penguin colony at Boulders.

Yes. Simon's Town Boat Company runs seasonal whale-watching trips from Simon's Town, on Wharf Street by the harbour, with southern right whales in False Bay from about June to November. For a slower view of the coastline, Kayak Cape Town leads guided kayak tours from the Simon's Town jetty. Both depend on the weather and sea conditions, so book ahead and keep your plans flexible. Our concierge team can arrange a trip for you.

Drive south from Simon's Town along the False Bay coast, past Smitswinkel Bay, about 20 minutes from town, to the entrance of the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park, where a conservation fee applies. At Cape Point, ride the Flying Dutchman funicular or walk up to the lighthouse, and look out for eland, bontebok, red hartebeest and zebra along the way. Swimming isn't allowed at Diaz Beach because of strong rip currents, and baboons are attracted by food, so keep yours locked in your car.

Simon's Town is a year-round seaside escape. Summer, from about November to February, brings long, warm days, with January temperatures in Cape Town typically between 17°C and 28°C, and the False Bay water is warmer in summer than on the Atlantic coast. January is peak season, so book well ahead. From June to November, southern right whales visit False Bay, although June to August are the coldest and wettest months.

Wake in Simon's Town and the penguins, the harbour and the museums are all close at hand, with the road to Cape Point leading south. Our five hideaways here sleep from six to 14 guests. Boulders House, a heritage home for 14, and Baxter House, set above Boulders beach and sleeping 10, suit larger families. Simons Kloof House, tiered into the hills above the harbour, and Boulders Cottage each sleep eight, while Blue Waters, for six, stretches along the coastline.

Send an enquiry or call the Perfect Hideaways team on +27 21 790 0972 (Monday–Thursday 8.30am–5pm, Friday 8.30am–4pm SAST). Book early for December and January, the busiest months on the coast. Our reservations consultants can match you with the perfect hideaway. Through our bespoke travel service, we also craft custom itineraries for our guests, shaped around their own dreams and desires.