What can you do in Town?
BERTHA’S RESTAURANT
Relaxed, warm, and informal with a cosmopolitan appeal, Bertha’s is a favourite place for visitors to pass a few leisurely hours. It’s bustling by day and a great place to enjoy a long, lazy lunch, cocktails at sunset out on the terrace, or be swept away by the sheer romance of the restaurant at night. Berthas Restaurant fronts the old Town Pier and boasts picturesque views of the yacht harbour and over False Bay.
BOULDERS BEACH
The famous Boulders Beach is home to a large colony of African penguins and a popular tourist attraction. Spend the day watching penguins or swim in the safe, sheltered, warm waters (by Cape Town’s standards).
The beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town’s most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you get close to African Penguins.
In 1982 a couple of these little crowd-pleasers settled on the soft white sand between the large granite boulders that protect the beach from wind and large, stormy waves, and currently the population is estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 birds. Sadly the African Penguin has been classified as an endangered species, due to things like over-fishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and irresponsible tourism activities, and the Boulders Beach colony has also felt the effect, with numbers dwindling over the last couple of years.
CAPE POINT
At Cape Point, jagged cliffs rise from the deep blue of the sea below, overlooking ocean as far as the eye can see. Wildlife scurries between wildflowers and the endemic Fynbos flora. The mountain path winds up to the top of promontories, offering 360-degree views of the Cape Peninsula. The natural splendour is reason enough to visit, but there are actually many things to do at Cape Point that make it a top destination for your Cape Town bucket list.
The views at Cape Point are truly breathtaking. As you climb to the lighthouse at the top, you’ll peer over cliffs where thousands of seabirds nest above the crashing waves. Looking back towards Cape Town, you can see the entire False Bay Coast. If you’re lucky, the endless blue of the ocean may just be interrupted by breaching whales or frolicking dolphins.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NATIONAL PARK
FALSE BAY YACHT CLUB
The False Bay Yacht Club offers sailing, angling, and fun for the whole family. Set sail and have a wonderful adventure in one of the most beautiful settings in the world!
JUBILEE SQUARE
Jubilee Square in the centre of Simon’s Town is the heart of this naval town and has been the meeting and market place of locals and visitors since the 1880’s. Visitors to Simon’s Town, whether on their way to the penguin colony at Boulders, or heading down to Cape Point, find this a perfect stop because there is a lot to see and do.
The square itself is full of surprises and you could come across a Great Dane parade in honour of Just Nuisance, a display of vintage cars, the Great Little Market under colourful bunting, carols on the square and other local community events and festivals.
The statue of Just Nuisance on Jubilee Square, Simon’s Town, is the most photographed and iconic feature of the square. Honouring the Great Dane who was enlisted as Able Seaman in the Royal Navy at the start of the Second World War, the bronze statue of this famous dog stands proudly overlooking the SA naval harbour and the False Bay Yacht Club. Another more sobering reference to SA’s naval history, is the dedication plaque to the sailors of the South African Native Labour Contingent, who died when the SS Mendi sank in 1917 during the First World War.
JUST NUISANCE GRAVE
The grave of this very famous dog is at the top of Red Hill in Simon’s Town and a frequent stop for visitors. While it is a tough climb up the steps to the top, the view is well worth it. The mountain steps begin on Barnard Street and lead up to the Navy Signals area where the grave is located. You’ll also find an impressive bronze statue of the dog on Jubilee Square.
MINERAL WORLD SCRATCH PATCH
Mineral World Scratch Patch is a fantastic way to spend a day with kids. Enter a pit of gorgeous polished gemstones and fill a bag with your favourites to take home, or visit the Mineral World shop for an incredible range of gemstone item, from affordable souvenirs to collector’s items and investment gems.
SHARK ENCOUNTERS
Shark Cage Diving in False Bay is a popular activity, an area made famous by the spectacular hunting behaviour of its white sharks. There are many service providers who can take you on an adventure into shark-infested water, with activities ranging from cage or scuba diving to breaching and predation tours. African Shark Eco-Charters, Apex Shark Expeditions, Pisces Divers, and Shark Explorers are all accredited organisations offering a variety of shark-based activities. Read more about shark diving and see a full list of operators here.
SIMON’S TOWN BOAT COMPANY
A cruise to Cape Point with Simon’s Town Boat Company offers everything from whales (in season) and exploring ocean caves, to stunning cliff faces and the most spectacular view of Cape Point from offshore. You will see many different bird species or may even meet up with a pod of dolphins. Captain Glen Knox, featured in the neighbourhood video above, is one of the highly qualified people guiding these adventures.
SIMON’S TOWN GHOST WALK
If you’re brave enough, join Simon’s Town Ghost Walk for a spooky evening adventure in the haunted village of Simon’s Town. The two-hour walk takes in the Old Burial Grounds, and you’ll hear tales of the strange occurences throughout Simon’s Town’s history.
SIMON’S TOWN JETTY
The jetty, in a picture-perfect setting, is a natural extension of the square and well worth a gentle stroll. For those who are not into gentle and want some action, there is the choice of kayaking, adrenaline boat trips, deep sea fishing, whale watching and Cape Point cruises.
A section of the Square is dedicated to the display and sale of African curios and craft while the trade in brightly coloured bead- and wirework spills over onto the jetty in front of the popular restaurant, Bertha’s, a perfect spot for a waterside brunch. Shopping at the Quayside Waterfront Centre or just breathing in the fresh sea air, will work up an appetite and the Simon’s Town Square & Jetty offers some great choices like Saveur for fine dining or the Salty Sea Dog—another Simon’s Town icon—for take-away hake and chips. Couple that with a fresh sea breeze and you are in for a fantastic day out.
SOUTH AFRICAN NAVAL MUSEUM
The South African Navy Museum in Simon’s Town is managed jointly by the South African Navy and the South African Naval Heritage Trust. We recommend this museum it has a lot of Naval exhibits, collections, and very interesting facts and knowledge both for old and young. You can visit free of charge.
SALTY SEA DOG
If you’re looking for takeaways or a sit-down meal, look no further than the Salty Sea Dog restaurant. Salties is Simon’s Town institution and conveniently located on the water’s edge at the Simon’s Town jetty and harbour. Pop in and enjoy your meal at one of the wooden tables, or dangle your feet over the edge of the dock.
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN FUNICULAR
The Flying Dutchman Funicular is the only one of its kind in Africa. It travels on a railroad up the mountainside at Cape Point, providing a novel and exciting way to see the sights. It leaves from the parking lot and takes you through dense fynbos to the upper lighthouse. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with those gorgeous views.
TWO OCEANS RESTAURANT, CAPE POINT
Overlooking the sea at Cape Point, the Two Oceans Restaurant is a unique venue with panoramic views of the ocean. The restaurant has been designed to give every table a great view and visitors can also enjoy views from the wooden viewing deck.
This restaurant at the most south-western tip of Africa is known for more than just the unrivaled views. Two Oceans also serves up a menu of the finest Cape seafood. The signature Two Oceans Platter is highly recommended and guests can also enjoy fresh sushi from the sushi bar. Two Oceans is an accredited supporter of WWF SASSI (Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) so you can rest easy that all menu items are from sustainable seafood sources.
