Simon's Town

Simon's Town has been home to navies for over 200 years — first the British Royal Navy, now the South African Navy. The result is a town dripping with maritime heritage: Victorian buildings, historic pubs, and tales of legendary ships.

But the real stars of Simon's Town are the African penguins. The colony at nearby Boulders Beach has made this one of Cape Town's most popular destinations. Arriving by boat gives you a unique perspective — watching the penguins waddle between boulders from the water, away from the crowds.

The False Bay waters here are warmer than the Atlantic side, fed by the Agulhas Current. This makes for more comfortable swimming and attracts different marine life, including the dolphins and, in season, the whales that move through the bay.