Discover the elusive charm and aquatic wildlife of False Bay with daily boat cruises operated by Simon’s Town Boat Company. Founder Dave Hurwitz has been running the business for over 23 years and remains fascinated by this historic gulf. Here’s the chance to see Cape Fur seals, penguins and a range of rare whale species just 20 minutes from the Cape Town city centre.
“Besides the marine fauna and the birdlife, you also have the mountains surrounding False Bay, which are exceptionally beautiful,” says Dave. “Also, False Bay is sheltered, so you have much calmer seas than you’d find elsewhere.” While any Simon’s Town Boat Company cruise is bound to impress, you cannot go wrong with a boat ride during sunset in summer or winter, both providing painting-like scenes.
“Winter is our whale season, so then you’ll see three species of whales – the Blue whale, Humpback whale, and Southern Right whale,” explains Dave. “We’ll also see dolphins over the period, and we’ll see killer whales probably about 10 times a year”.
Seal Island Cruise
The Seal Island Cruise is one of Simon’s Town Boat Company’s most adventurous experiences. It is sure to be a hit with both kids and anyone fascinated by these semi-aquatic mammals. Take in amazing scenery as you head 16 kilometres to this rarely-visited gem. The tour is hosted by an expert marine guide, who provides interesting commentary and trivia throughout the trip.
The Seal Island is home to approximately 75,000 Cape Fur seals who coexist with many sea bird species, including penguins, in their most natural, undisturbed environment. “This is the largest seal island in the Cape, and totally unspoiled,” says David. The space becomes a hunting ground for the great white shark in winter.
En route to the island, the views are truly spectacular, especially during sunset. Speed past a desolate lighthouse and see epic views of Cape Point, Table Mountain and the Constantia wine valley in the distance. The majestic Hottentot’s Holland mountain range towers up ahead.
The Simon’s Town Boat Company team uses permitted whale-watching boats for this trip outside of the traditional whale season and is legally permitted to approach and interact with them.
Cost: R725pp for adults, R580pp for kids. Book via Activitybridge
When: Daily, various times. Cruise runs for 1.5 hours
Where: Departs from The Town Pier, Wharf Street, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Cape Point Cruise
Looking for a fresh way to experience the spectacular beauty of Cape Point? Simon’s Town Boat Company runs daily boat tours to one of the city’s most popular attractions.
The journey kicks off from the pier in Simon’s Town, and then heads to Boulders Penguin Sanctuary to view the African penguins from the seaward side. Next on the itinerary is a trip to the small Cape Fur seal colony at Partridge Point and onto marvelling at the cliffs and caves leading up to Cape Point.
On fine weather days, the boat may enter a sea cave for a truly thrilling encounter. The cruise includes plenty of opportunities to take photos and listen to informative commentary on the history, sea and bird life of the region. The offshore route back to Simon’s Town may well pass dolphins and whales.
Cost: R970pp for adults, R800pp for kids. Book via Activitybridge
When: Daily, various times. Cruise runs for 1.5 hours
Where: Departs from The Town Pier, Wharf Street, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
