This post is part of a series called South Africa

Snorkelling Simonstown, South Africa

Snorkelling Simonstown is a great way to experience South Africa’s unique marine life. On False Bay near Cape Town, Simonstown’s sheltered coastline lets you swim among the Great African kelp forests at easy, close-to-shore sites like Windmill Beach and the A-Frame.

Looking back at Hout Bay and a beautiful day at Simonstown, South Africa.

About snorkelling Simonstown and False Bay

South Africa sits at the meeting point of two great ocean systems: the cool Atlantic and the warmer Indian Ocean. Nutrients carried by the Benguela and Agulhas currents support a huge diversity of marine life, including the giant kelp that dominates False Bay.

Simonstown is about an hour south of Cape Town. Unlike the Cape of Good Hope — where winds are often too fierce — Simonstown’s sheltered bay is ideal for exploring kelp forests. Parts of this coast fall within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, which helps protect kelp habitats.

Windmill Beach – snorkelling in Simonstown

Windmill Beach is a favourite for snorkellers and divers. Sheltered by granite boulders, it’s home to penguins, sea urchins, sea stars and forests of kelp. From the beach, it’s a gentle walk into the water past sandy patches and rocky outcrops before the bottom drops away for divers. Snorkellers can stay close to the boulders and kelp for plenty to see (aerial shot of Windmill Beach from Cape Town Freediving).

The A-Frame – False Bay snorkelling site

The A-Frame is one of Simonstown’s most popular dive sites, sitting in 7–8 metres with rocky outcrops and swim-throughs. For snorkellers, the real highlight is the nearby kelp forest — towering stalks swaying in the current with inquisitive fish darting between fronds (see aerial shot of the A-Frame).

Why snorkel Simonstown’s kelp forests

If you’ve only snorkelled tropical reefs, Simonstown’s cold-water kelp forests offer a completely different experience: cathedral-like fronds, rocky gullies and curious reef fish in clear green-blue water. Sites are close to shore and inside a protected coastline — perfect for a half-day adventure near Cape Town.

Here’s a video we put together.

Snorkelling amongst the giant kelp at the A-Frame snorkelling (and diving) site.

The snorkel experience in Simonstown

We visited in late September and the water was a bracing 13 °C. Pisces Divers provided 8 mm wetsuits (hoods, gloves, booties) — even so, the first dip takes your breath away.

At Windmill Beach, we swam among granite boulders while divers explored deeper in the opposite direction. Despite rain and runoff reducing visibility, we still saw plenty of life — the photos don’t quite do it justice.

At the A-Frame, we snorkelled twice: once at the site and once further along the bay. Both times, we were immersed in giant kelp, with mussel walls, sea stars and sandy-bottom drop-offs, and visibility to ~8 metres. Magical.

In 13 °C water we needed 8 mm wetsuits at Windmill Beach, Simonstown.

Getting there – how to reach Simonstown snorkel sites

Drive about an hour from central Cape Town via M3 or M4. Park near Windmill Beach or the A-Frame. Weather can change quickly; if swell or wind rises on the Atlantic side, False Bay is often calmer.

Season & water temps: Expect 10–18 °C year-round. A hooded wetsuit, gloves and booties make a big difference. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a thermos for a post-snorkel warm-up.

Tour operator – Pisces Divers Simonstown

We’d planned to snorkel Hout Bay, but bad weather canned that idea. Pisces Divers in Simonstown welcomed us instead, and we were lucky to have Shannon as our snorkel guide.

At Windmill Beach, we walked in from the shore.
At the A-Frame, a small boat dropped us straight into the kelp beds.

Pisces Divers kept things relaxed, professional and safe — and the hot tea after getting out of the freezing water was very welcome!

Shannon, our Pisces Divers snorkelling guide, and walking to the boat for our second snorkel day.

Snorkelling with seals, Simonstown (almost)

We hoped to snorkel with seals (usually relatively safe here in shallow water), but all trips were cancelled during our visit due to a rabies outbreak among colonies — a reminder of how dynamic the marine environment is.

Looking back at the shore, south of Simonstown, where we dropped into the water.

Despite the cold and some poor weather, snorkelling Simonstown was unforgettable. Swimming amongst the Great African kelp forest was a unique experience, completely different from tropical reefs.

Highlights: giant kelp forests, clear cold water, dramatic scenery and friendly local operators.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5).

If you’re travelling all the way to South Africa, make time for snorkelling Simonstown. It’s not the easiest from Australia, but gliding through these underwater forests is worth it.

FAQs – snorkelling Simonstown, South Africa

Is Simonstown good for snorkelling?
Yes. False Bay’s kelp forests offer accessible shore entries (Windmill Beach, A-Frame) and protected conditions compared to the Atlantic side.

Do I need a wetsuit?
Absolutely. Plan for 10–18 °C water; a hooded suit, gloves and booties are recommended.

When is the best time to snorkel?
Conditions vary year-round. Clear days with light wind are best; local operators advise on swell and visibility.

Is it inside a marine protected area?
Yes — parts of Simonstown’s coast fall within the Table Mountain National Park MPA.