History
Simon's Town (Simonstad in Afrikaans / Dutch), named after himself by erstwhile Dutch Governor Simon van der Stel (as with Stellenbosch), was established as a winter anchorage for the Dutch East Indian Company in 1687. In 1776 Lord Nelson, then a midshipman, passed through the harbour homeward bound from the East.

In 1795 the British initiated an occupation of the then Dutch Cape by sailing into the very same harbour. While the first British adventure in the Cape ended in 1803 they returned in 1806. Hundred and fifty years of Dutch colonialism at the southern tip of Africa came to an end, to be replaced by 150 years of British colonialism... Simon's Town remained a British base until 1957, when it was handed over to the Union of South Africa. For more on South Africa's History, click here.

Long & Seaforth Beaches
Simon's Town's two "town beaches" are not located in very pretty surroundings and we wouldn't recommend that you go to a lot of trouble to visit them. However, if you're staying in town they are good for swimming and hiking.

Long Beach is located close to the station, it offers no shade but can be pleasant for long walks, with views of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains across False Bay. It also features a tidal pool. There are changing rooms and toilets nearby, and fresh water.

Seaforth is a good swimming beach. It offers calm, protected and safe swimming but its proximity close to the harbour makes it less than pretty. There is a small lawn shaded by palm trees. On holidays and weekends the beach is sometimes a little over-populated and noisy. For information on other Cape Town beaches, click here.

Boulders Beach & Penguins

African Penguins at Boulders dry out in the sun after emerging from the ocean.

Boulders Beach, named after huge granite boulders strewn around, lies within a suburb of Simon's Town. It is one of two places in South Africa, some say in the world, where African (Jackass) Penguins have formed colonies on a mainland beach - they are normally based offshore. The fact that this colony established itself in the 1980's on a residential beach makes it unique. It is one of the most popular attractions in Cape Town. As the beach's popularity grew it became necessary for the authorities to institute measures to protect the Penguins from the growing crowds and boardwalks was erected. While you can get very close to the penguins on the main beach you are not allowed to step onto the sand, i.e. you have to stay on the boardwalks.

The main beach as well as one or two other coves have all been incorporated into the Table Mountain National Park and are thus officially protected areas. To support the conservation effort a small entrance fee is levied as you enter the area. On the southern side of, and away from, the main beach (Foxy Beach) one or two smaller coves, less populated by penguins are still accessible for swimming, tanning and picnicking. They go mostly unnoticed by the crowds attracted to the main beach and you can experience the thrill of the odd Penguin marching by while you sun yourself on the beach. For more on the Boulders Penguin Colony, click here.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
The southern part of the Cape Peninsula is a conservation area, managed as the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. It has a variety of antelope, amongst others the biggest antelope in South Africa - the Eland. The Reserve also provides a safe haven for big troops of baboon.