South African Naval Museum

About South African Naval Museum

Booking accommodation in Simon's Town usually means that you're ready for a quiet getaway in a town that is full of history and character. This spot is home to the South African Navy's Naval Base, and gives visitors a fantastic variety of Navy-related attractions to enjoy as part of its cultural experience.

The South Africa Naval Museum is on St George's Street, which is central and easily accessible. Originally, in 1966, there was a naval historical collection at the Castle Military and Maritime Museum (situated in Cape Town). This was transferred to Simon's Town in the ‘70's, and then back to Cape Town later. It was only in 1988 that the decision was made to set up a South African Navy Museum in Simon's Town that would focussed on and dedicated to all things naval.

Today, there are a number of fascinating exhibitions at this museum, each of which delves into a different side of the South African Navy and its context. These exhibitions include:

• The historic clock tower and part of the sail loft
• The Mast House
• The Submarine, Divers and Weapons branch
• The General Botha display
• The Mac Bisset Hall display: named after a key commander, this includes the Hydrographic Printing display
• The Russian Arctic Convoy display

The SA Naval Museum is a fabulous choice for families with children and for school groups. School group tours are conducted in the week and are suitable for learners in wheelchairs too. They are conducted in Afrikaans, English and Sepedi; and need to be booked in advance.

The museum is open from Monday to Sunday and entrance to the public is free of charge. After a visit here, head to the coast for whale watching or visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. Simon's Town is less than an hour from Cape Town, the V & A Waterfront, and Table Mountain.