TGSA LOGO
The Winston Logo

Things to do in and around Simonstown

Simonstown is a popular destination that is enjoyed any time of year; as it is one of the most delightful villages in Cape Town to visit. Situated about 40 km outside of the city, en route to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, there are plenty of things to do in and around Simonstown. The beaches in the area are popular for a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed during summer and winter - from diving, to sailing and kayaking; Simonstown has it all. This is also one of the world’s best places for viewing the Cape Town's Southern Right whales from September to November. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll or swim at the nearby Boulders Beach (Cape Town's Penguin Beach) which is home to over a thousand Jackass Penguins. Do not miss swimming with the penguins at Boulders!

Cape Point Cape Point
Cape Point is one of Cape Town's Must dos, for visitors and locals alike. Tour the Cape Peninsula and enjoy one of South Africa's most spectacular coastal drives. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is where the cold Benguela current on the West coast and the warm Agulhas current on the East coast merge. Access this reserve via the beautiful scenery of Simonstown, and explore the many walking trails on offer.

Cape Point is home to the highest sea cliff in the world, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean. There is a total of 26 recorded shipwrecks along the shoreline, making it an ideal area for any scuba diving enthusiast.

The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a beautiful and rugged park offering a spectacular Bird watcher's paradise with at least 250 species. The funicular offers scenic trips to the old lighthouse where spectacular views of the looming cliff faces can be enjoyed.

Yacht Club
Simontown is the home of the False Bay Yacht Club which has keel boat regattas most Wednesday evenings and weekends. The club was founded in 1958 and is situated centrally in Simonstown. Visitors can be accommodated on either swing moorings or the walk-on marinas. The club house provides refreshment facilities and ablution facilities with hot showers.

Shark Cage Diving in Cape TownShark Cage Diving
The White Shark cage diving excursions to Seal Island in False Bay begin at the Simonstown harbour. Many shark dive operations to Seal Island operate within Simonstown and give visitors the experience of a life time to cage dive and come face to face with these misunderstood creatures of the deep. False Bay is famous for the “Flying sharks” a term used for the Great White Shark's highly athletic breaching and hunting behaviour.

Kayaking in SimonstownKayaking
Leave from Simonstown Waterfront on a rented a sea kayak, and paddle the warm waters of False Bay. There are a variety of trips on offer from the sedate to the more adventurous. The most popular trip is to visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, whilst paddling past the civilian and Naval Harbour. For the more adventurous you can take a trip to Cape Point on a kayak. No experience is necessary for this adventure.

Scuba Diving in Cape TownDiving spots
Scuba Diving Cape Town’s coastal village of Simontown, Glencairn, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg offer fascinating adventure experiences. Diving activities include shipwrecks, huge kelp forests, coral gardens and deep reefs and the scope is endless for beginners or advanced divers. False Bay offers the diver such variety and surprise that it is difficult to classify this coastline as any particular “type” of diving. Simonstown is a favourite diver training site because of the calm conditions and easy entry and exit points. Green seaweed, kelp, sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, urchins, pyjama sharks, dogfish and other marine life can be seen here.

Mineral World Scratch Patch
Mineral World Scratch Patch
Explore Mineral World Scratch Patch in Simonstown, South Africa’s largest gem stone factory. At the Mineral World shop in Simonstown you will find an incredible range of gemstone items from inexpensive souvenir items to genuine collector’s items. Have fun at the world-famous scratch patch searching through many gem stones to find your own personal treasure. The Topstones factory is on the same premises in Simon’s Town, and here you are able to tour the factory and watch gemstones being tumble-polished; and crafted into a wide variety of products. The scratch patch is an activity for the whole family.

PGolf in SimonstownGolfing
Play Golf at the Simonstown Country Club and Clovelly Country Club. This Simonstown golf course is located just outside of the area on sloping hilly terrain that allows for superb sea views. The seaside location is well protected from the prevailing wind and has stunning views of False Bay.

Clovelly golf course and facilities are consistently rated in the top fifty and the greens are in very good condition. The club house offers other sporting activities such a bowling and tennis courts.

SA Navy Days
The annual SA Navy Day festival is held in the historic navy base of Simonstown. The SA Navy Festival has become a highlight on the Cape's entertainment calendar; the festival opens the dockyard and naval vessels to the public. The navy performs various displays and allows the public onto their ships and submarines. With more than 100 000 people attending the three days of unique attractions, this is a well worth visit for families and children of all ages.

Surfing
Surfing in the Peninsula is good, no matter your skill level. Muizenberg Beach is known for its gentle sloping white beach and consistent waves making it conducive to learning the art of surfing. Muizenberg is the ideal as the water is warmer and the waves are gentle. The Muizenberg boardwalk offers ample parking, plenty of surf schools and local surf shops, where you can hire a board and jump directly into the water.
TGCSA on The Winston