About Simon's Town Boat Company
Simon's Town Boat Company is the only licensed whale watching operator in Simon's Town, running marine wildlife cruises from the historic Town Pier on Wharf Street. Operating two custom-designed vessels with expert commentary from qualified marine biologists, the company offers front-row encounters with Southern Right whales, Humpback whales, Bryde's whales, dolphins, and Cape fur seals in the sheltered waters of False Bay.
Their flagship whale watching trips depart twice daily during the June-to-November season and run for approximately 2.5 hours, with a reported sighting success rate above 95 percent. Outside whale season, they operate year-round eco cruises that visit seal colonies and African penguin breeding sites around Boulders Beach. Private charters and sunset cruises are also available for groups wanting an exclusive experience on the water.
What makes Simon's Town Boat Company stand out is their permitted proximity to whales — as a licensed operator, they can approach and observe whales at close range rather than keeping the 300-metre distance required of unlicensed boats. Combined with the calm, deep waters of False Bay and the spectacular backdrop of the Cape Peninsula, their trips are consistently ranked among the best marine wildlife experiences in South Africa.
