Simon’s Town • Cape Town
Step inside a real South African Navy submarine.
A memorable, guided museum experience for families, tourists, school groups, veterans, and anyone curious about life beneath the waves.
Guided tours by people who know submarines from the inside.
Real stories. Real controls. Real history.
Day trippers, tourists & families
Visit
Perfect for a short Simon’s Town stop, a family outing, or an indoor activity after Boulders Beach or the Naval Museum.
Why families and tourists love it
Children enjoy sitting at the controls and imagining life onboard, while adults appreciate the humour, stories, and practical detail shared by experienced guides.
- Family-friendly guided tours, best suited to children aged 8 and older.
- Memorable stop for Cape Town day trips
- Great for tourists looking for something different
- Visitors are welcome to explore the museum’s display area free of charge. The exhibits offer an introduction to South Africa’s submarine heritage and provide an interesting glimpse into the equipment, technology and traditions of the submarine service.
- Bookings are recommended during peak season, and are required for family or tourist groups of 10 or more. Contact and Visit Details
Naval heritage & veterans
History
A rare preserved submarine and a tribute to the people who served beneath the surface.
Cold War-era naval story
The museum brings South Africa’s submarine heritage to life through the stories of those who served, authentic equipment, and the unique atmosphere of a genuine operational submarine.
- Ideal for naval and military history enthusiasts
- Facinating stories about submarine life at sea.
- A tangible link to SA Navy heritage
- The Garden of Remembrance honours submariners who have crossed the bar and preserves their memory for future generations. It also pays special tribute to the three submariners who lost their lives aboard SAS Manthatisi off Kommetjie on 20 September 2023—a lasting reminder of their courage, service and sacrifice.
- Veterans will find the display area particularly interesting, with exhibits highlighting the origins and naming of South African submarines, a submarine battery, and examples of torpedoes. These displays provide a valuable link to the vessels, technology and traditions of the submarine service and may be viewed free of charge.
- Bookings are recommended during peak season, and are required for groups of 10 or more.Contact and Visit Details
Schools, scouts & students
Learn
A hands-on way to explore science, engineering, teamwork, navigation, and life at sea.
Education that feels like adventure
Guided tours explain how submariners live and work in a challenging, technology-dense and confined environment, where intensive training, strict discipline and teamwork are essential, and there is little room for error.
- Suitable for school and youth groups, particularly learners aged 10 and older or in Grade 3 and above.
- Useful for history, science, and technology themes
- School and youth groups will find the display area both educational and engaging. Exhibits include submarine models, the technical development of combat suites, and the technology used to manage oxygen and remove carbon dioxide while submerged. These displays offer a practical introduction to submarine science, engineering and life below the waves and may be viewed free of charge.
- Bookings are recommended especially during peak season, and are required for school or youth groups of 10 or more. Contact and Visit Details
Museum keepsakes
Shop
Take home a reminder of your visit and help support the museum.
Support the museum
Caps, T-shirts, books, badges, and other naval-themed items after your tour.
- Souvenirs for children and visitors
- Books and naval memorabilia
- Every purchase helps preserve the submariine for future generations.
Bookings & enquiries
Book your Visit
Open : Tuesdays to Sundays 09h30-15h30. Last guided tour 15h00.
Closed: Mondays except Public Holidays and School Holidays. Public holidays where the museum closes are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Day of Good Will.
Finding us in Simon’s Town
Location: The SAS Assegaai Submarine Museum is conveniently located at Cole Point, King George’s Way, Simon’s Town. Follow the main road towards the harbour and look for the clearly marked Submarine Museum turn off (King George Way) just past Jubelee Square. The submarine is displayed on land next to NSRI Station 10 and is easy to recognise from the surrounding parking area. The public parking area directly in front of the museum does not belong to the museum and may be full during busy periods.
Tickets
Entry to the museum is free. Tickets for the guided tour are:
- Adults - R80
- Seniors - R60
- Children (12 and under) - R40
Plan your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.
Please allow at least 90 minutes for your guided tour, when booking at reception on arrival. Tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes and are limited to a maximum of ten visitors. Visitors without a booking will be allocated a place on the next available tour. Once your tour time has been confirmed, you are welcome to explore the nearby attractions and return in good time for meet up with your guide.
The one hour guided tour is designed to provide an immersive experience into the history and operations of the submarine. Capture memorable family moments during your visit and share your photographs with friends and family on social media. Your guide will be happy to answer specific questions, provided this does not delay or inconvenience the groups following your tour.
Before you leave, consider purchasing a keepsake from our shop as a lasting reminder of your visit. Please also take a moment to sign our visitors book and share your comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and provides valuable encouragement to our guides and the museum team.
Contact Us - Book Now
Bookings are recommended - especially during peak season.
Phone: +27 21 787 4786
Email: admin@assegaai-submarine.co.za
Call us during our operating hours (09h30 to 15h30) to speak with a friendly staff member. Perfect for quick questions or booking inquiries.