Sightseeing in Simonstown

Simon's Town is a lovely place for tourists; there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities and you may find that you'll need to spend more than a day here to explore. A boat charter company and train service is available to view the entire False Bay coastline and its many wonders on offer.

Whale watching
The best area to spot whales in Cape Town is on the warmer False Bay side, and Simons Town is a prime location for whale watching during the whale season. Whale Season runs from mid-August to mid-October when the Southern Right Whales return to these warm waters. Good points of view include Boyes Drive; which runs along the mountainside between Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay; the main coastal road running from Fish Hoek to Simons Town. There are plenty of view points and restaurant along the main road, where you can observe the whales, with good off road parking.

Just Nuisance
Found in the Jubilee Square of Simons Town stands the bronze sculptor of able Seaman Just Nuisance, the Great Dane naval dog. Just Nuisance is a true Capetonian icon; the statue is often visited by young and old. This is a spot of true Capetonian culture and history. Just Nuisance was the only dog ever to hold rank in the Royal Navy and died on the 1st April 1944 after a motor vehicle accident. His grave rests in the Simons Town Mountains which is still maintained by the SA Navy, and is also a popular stop off for tourists.

Boat trips
From Simon’s Town there are leisurely ways to look at Whales and other marine life from the Harbour boat cruises or whale watching boat cruises. The Various charters depart from the Simons Town harbour and head for Cape Point and Seal Island. Take a slow cruise around Simon's Bay to enjoy all the historic sites and splendid scenery that Simon's Town has to offer, along with an expert guided commentary.

Seal Island
The small Seal Island is located about 5.7 km off the northern beaches of False Bay. The Island is named after the number of Cape Fur Seals that occupy it. Seal Island is home to 75,000 Cape Fur Seals, 24 different bird species and is the treacherous hunting ground of the Great White Shark. En route to the island the views are truly spectacular, with Cape Point in the distance to your right, Table Mountain and the Constantia wine route to your left and ahead, the majestic Hottentot's Holland mountain range The main breeding season for the Cape Fur Seal is November and December when almost 20 000 pups are born.

Train Rides
Take the Sightseeing train to Simonstown from the False Bay station, the true sightseeing opportunities start when the train lines reach the sea at Muizenberg. You'll then pass along the coast through the sea villages of Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, St James, Clovelly and Glencairn. The final station is Simonstown which used to be a Royal Navy base and is home to the famous penguin colony. Each village you pass has its own distinct character, are situated along the False Bay coastline.

Roman Rock Light House
The Lighthouse is situated in False Bay at the entrance to the historical naval harbour of Simons Town. It is the only lighthouse in South Africa that is built on a rock and can only be reached by sea or air. This lighthouse was commissioned on 16 September 1861.

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