Simon van der Stel decided that Simons Town would be a perfect place for the Dutch fleet to anchor during the winter months when Cape seas can be very rough. The Baron von Imhoff built the first ort and dockland in 1743 and from there the town of Simonstown grew into what it is today. For 150 years it remained the South Atlantic base for the British Royal Navy and only came under South Africa’s control in 1957. The town is still very much a Naval town as it is South Africa’s main naval base.
Historical Buildings to visit in Simonstown are the Admiralty House of Station Road, the Church of St Francis and The Residency, which is home to the Simons Town Museum and tourism office.
A legendary dog named Able Seaman Just Nuisance was enlisted into the navy in 1943, he was much loved by his fellow sailors and would often chase men of the train in order to get seat for his fellow Seaman on the train to Cape Town. When Just Nuisance died in 1943 he was buried with full naval honors. A statue to Just Nuisance stands in Jubilee Square.
Penguins yes you heard correctly, Boulder Beach is home to the endangered Jackass Penguins and can be viewed either from the beach, which is very popular as it is warm sheltered beach or from raised wooden walk ways.
