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 to M3 south, then over Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) to Sun Valley and down to Simon’s Town via Glencairn. This is often the smoothest route.
- Via the False Bay coast: Take M5 to Muizenberg and follow M4 along the water past St James, Kalk Bay, and Fish Hoek. Expect slower traffic but gorgeous sea views.
- From the Atlantic Seaboard: If you’re touring Chapman’s Peak Drive, you can loop through Noordhoek to join Ou Kaapse Weg, then continue to False Bay. Allow extra time and check the Chapman’s Peak toll road status.

Parking: Street parking is available around the Simon’s Town historic centre and near Jubilee Square. Always allow a few extra minutes to find a bay and walk to the meeting point.

Public transport:
- Train: The Southern Line runs from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. Services can be variable; check the latest timetable and operational notices before committing. From Simon’s Town Station, it’s a 10–20 minute walk uphill through town to typical meeting points, or a short ride‑hail trip.
- Ride‑hailing and taxis: Uber and Bolt operate across the peninsula. For a return trip, request pick‑up from a clearly marked civilian location like Jubilee Square.

What to expect inside the submarine

This is a real working warship preserved in time, not a gallery replica. Expect tight spaces, the scent of oil and metal, and a web of pipes, dials, and cables that speak to the boat’s purpose and period.

Highlights usually covered by guides:
- Torpedo room: See bow tubes and learn how crews handled loading and balance. It’s a visceral introduction to the sub’s offensive capability and the precision it demanded.
- Control room: The nerve centre, where navigation, depth control, and attack plotting took place. Dials, valves, and plotting tables fill the space, and the complexity is eye‑opening.
- Sonar and operations: Hear how sound rules the underwater world and how operators interpreted faint echoes to track targets or evade detection.
- Periscope: If conditions allow, you may get to look through the optics for a unique view of Simon’s Town and False Bay.
- Engine and battery compartments: Learn how diesel‑electric propulsion works, why battery management mattered, and what daily routines kept the sub alive beneath the surface.
- Living quarters: Bunks stacked three high, a compact galley, and the mess. This is where the human side of the story comes through — watchkeeping, hot‑bunking, limited privacy, and the rituals that kept morale afloat.

Photography: Handheld photography is generally fine, but space is limited — avoid tripods and large bags. As always, follow your guide’s instructions regarding what can be photographed on the day.

Practicalities and who should go

Because this is a confined, vertical environment with steep ladders and narrow hatches, the submarine is not suitable for everyone.

Before you book or board:
- Mobility: You must be able to climb ladders unassisted and bend through tight hatches. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is challenging if you have knee, hip, or back issues.
- Claustrophobia and anxiety: Consider whether a confined steel tube is for you. You can explore the excellent shore‑based naval exhibits in town if you decide to skip the sub.
- Footwear and clothing: Closed‑toe, non‑slip shoes are essential. Avoid loose scarves or dangling accessories. A light layer is useful; interior temperatures can vary.
- Age and size: Minimum age or height rules may apply due to safety ladders. If you’re visiting with children, confirm the policy when booking.
- Bags: Bring only essentials. There’s limited space aboard and storage may be minimal.
- Facilities: Use restrooms before the tour; there are none on the submarine for visitors.

Where to eat nearby

Simon’s Town has a compact, walkable centre with several reliable eateries within minutes of most submarine tour meeting points.

Top picks:
- Bertha’s Restaurant, Jubilee Square: Classic harbourfront spot with sweeping bay views. Think calamari, line fish, mussels, and crisp salads. Great for a lazy lunch.
- The Salty Sea Dog, Simon’s Town Pier: A local favourite for fish and chips and fresh hake or snoek when in season. Casual, quick, and good value.
- The Lighthouse Cafe, St George’s Street: Bistro‑style plates with a Mediterranean lean, solid coffee, and warm service. A nice option for brunch or an early dinner.
- Seaforth Restaurant, Seaforth Beach: Close to Boulders Beach, ideal if you’re pairing penguins with your submarine visit. Seafood platters and a sea‑breeze setting.

Book in advance on weekends and holidays, and check current hours — coastal kitchens sometimes close earlier on stormy evenings.

Pair it with a Simon’s Town mini‑itinerary

Make a half‑day of it by adding one or two of these nearby stops:
- South African Naval Museum: Free, donation‑supported exhibits in historic buildings that round out the submarine story with models, uniforms, and naval lore.
- Jubilee Square and the statue of Just Nuisance: Meet the famous Great Dane mascot of Simon’s Town; a lighthearted slice of local history.
- Boulders Beach penguin colony: A 5–10 minute drive south. Boardwalks take you through coastal fynbos to see African penguins up close.
- Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek: On your return along False Bay, stop for coffee, browse antique shops, or catch golden‑hour views over the working harbour in Kalk Bay.

Where to stay for an easy Simon’s Town day trip

Base yourself in Cape Town with simple access to the M3 and coastal roads, plus dining and attractions on your doorstep. For a comfortable, self‑catering stay with secure parking and sea views, consider:
- Walk to the V&A Waterfront from a Charming Apartment — Ideal for couples who want a central base steps from the Waterfront, with straightforward access to the M3 for Simon’s Town day trips.
- Large Apartment Stunning Ocean Views. — Two bedrooms and sweeping Atlantic views in Milnerton; a serene coastal perch that still keeps the entire peninsula within easy driving reach.
- Postcard Views of Table Mountain. Generator for elevator. — A spacious Milnerton option with reliable power backup for hassle‑free mornings before you head south.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to book in advance? Yes. Capacity is limited and the site is linked to secure naval facilities; walk‑ins are rarely possible.
• How long is the tour? Plan for about 90 minutes including briefing and movement time, with roughly 45–60 minutes inside the submarine.
• Are children allowed? Policies vary. Due to ladders and tight spaces, a minimum age or height may apply. Confirm at the time of booking.
• Is the submarine accessible? Unfortunately, no. Steep ladders and narrow hatches mean the tour is not suitable for visitors with mobility impairments.
• Can I take photos? Handheld photos are generally fine. Tripods, drones, or bulky camera rigs are not suitable inside.
• What else can I see nearby? Combine your visit with the South African Naval Museum, Jubilee Square, and Boulders Beach.

Final tips for a seamless visit

• Read your booking confirmation carefully for meeting point, ID requirements, and arrival time.
• Wear closed‑toe shoes and bring minimal luggage; you’ll climb ladders and squeeze through hatches.
• If you’re sensitive to confined spaces, decide in advance whether to board; you can always enjoy shore‑based naval exhibits instead.
• Allow time for traffic or a scenic meander along the False Bay coast; the journey is half the fun.

Visiting the SAS Assegaai isn’t just about rivets and rivalling sonar — it’s a time capsule of discipline, ingenuity, and the daily rhythms of life underwater. With a little planning, you’ll step off the gangway with a deeper appreciation for Simon’s Town’s maritime soul and a newfound respect for the submariners who served beneath the surface.