Submarine Secrets in Simon’s Town: Visiting the SAS Assegaai Museum
Step aboard South Africa’s last Daphné‑class submarine in Simon’s Town. Here’s how to book, how long the tour takes, how to get there, what you’ll see and where to eat.
If you have even a passing interest in maritime history, the SAS Assegaai Submarine Museum in Simon’s Town deserves a prime spot on your Cape Peninsula itinerary. This retired Daphné‑class vessel is the last of her kind in South Africa, preserved so you can clamber through hatches, peer through a periscope, and hear first‑hand stories from guides who know life beneath the waves. The experience is immersive, compact, and surprisingly moving — a rare chance to feel the mechanics and camaraderie that defined the country’s early submarine service.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a seamless visit: how to book, how long to allow, the best ways to get there from Cape Town, what to expect once aboard, and a shortlist of excellent places to eat nearby.
What and where is the SAS Assegaai?
The SAS Assegaai is a decommissioned South African Navy submarine, part of the French‑designed Daphné class introduced to give the country its first modern underwater capability. After active service, she was preserved as a museum piece in Simon’s Town — the historical home of the South African Navy on the False Bay side of the peninsula.
Why it’s special:
• Last remaining Daphné‑class submarine accessible in South Africa
• Intimate, guide‑led tours that bring the boat’s systems and stories to life
• A hands‑on look at Cold War‑era technology: torpedo tubes, sonar, control room, and tight crew quarters
Useful context for your visit:
• Daphné‑class subs are roughly 58 m long and were crewed by around 45–50 submariners
• They carried multiple 550 mm torpedo tubes and relied on stealth, sonar, and teamwork to operate effectively in Southern African waters
How to book your tour
The submarine sits within or adjacent to secure naval facilities, so tour slots are controlled and capacity is limited. Advance booking is essential, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
Booking basics:
• Reserve online via the official Simon’s Town or naval museum channels listed on tourism sites. If online booking is not available, email or call the contact provided on the official page to secure a slot.
• Bring a valid photo ID or passport for all adults. Security rules can change; your confirmation will state what’s required on the day.
• Check your meeting point carefully. Tours often assemble at or near the South African Naval Museum on St George’s Street for registration and safety briefing, before walking or shuttling to the sub. Your confirmation will have the exact location.
• Group sizes are small. If you’re traveling with a larger party, arrange a private or back‑to‑back time slot well in advance.
Good to know:
• Schedules may shift due to maintenance or operational constraints in the naval precinct. Keep an eye on your email the day before, and build some flexibility into your plan.
• If you have specific mobility or medical questions, raise them during booking. Space is tight and ladders are steep; not all visitors will be comfortable aboard.
Tour length and timing
Most guided visits last around 45–60 minutes inside the submarine, preceded by a short safety briefing. Allow 90 minutes in total so you can move at a relaxed pace, ask questions, and take photos without rushing. If you’re pairing the sub with other Simon’s Town sights the same morning or afternoon, a two‑hour window is a comfortable buffer.
Timing tips:
• Morning slots are cooler and often quieter, with more even light if you plan to photograph the exterior.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your tour time to clear check‑in smoothly.
• Build in extra time if you’re coming by train or on a windy day when road traffic across the peninsula can slow down.
Getting there from Cape Town
Simon’s Town sits about 45–60 minutes’ drive from central Cape Town outside peak hours. The journey is a scenic highlight of any trip, hugging either the False Bay coastline or the mountain spine of the peninsula.
Best routes by car:
• Via M3 and Ou Kaapse Weg: City Bowl or Southern Suburbs…