Simon's Town
Simon's TownThe charming naval town of Simon’s Town in False Bay has a distinctly colonial air with its small shops, cafes and quaint Victorian houses lining the main street. Named after the Dutch Governor Simon van der Stel, Simon’s Town has been an important naval base and harbour for both the Royal Naval and the Cape Town Navy. The harbour itself has a picturesque Waterfront area flanked by shops and restaurants that offer al fresco dining right on the waters edge.
Right next to the Harbour is Jubilee Square where the bronze Statue of Just Nuisance stands proudly. Immortalized in bronze – Just Nuisance was a famous seafaring Great Dane, the only canine to hold rank in the Royal Navy and well known for escorting ‘under-the-weather’ seamen home from the local pub. Jubilee Square also offers and open air craft market where visitors can browse and purchase hand-made African Curios.
Slightly further along the coastal road towards Cape Point, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony is a popular stop-off. The beach and surrounding coves are home to families of African Penguins and both the young and young-at-heart will enjoy the comical antics of the penguins in their natural habitat. Wooden walkways along the rocks and beach allow visitors up-close viewing and there is also an information centre open to visitors.