Cole Point · Simon's Town

Step inside a real South African Navy submarine.

One-hour guided tours of SAS Assegaai, the only surviving Daphné-class submarine of the South African Navy.

Plan your visit Explore the tour
The black bow of SAS Assegaai on its dry berth at Cole Point under a blue sky, with the S99 conning tower behind S99 · On display at Cole Point
Open
Tue–Sun · 09:30–15:30
Last tour
15:00
Guided tour
About 1 hour · max 10 people
Admission
From R40 · cash or card

The boat

The last of South Africa's Daphné-class submarines

SAS Assegaai's story is one of courage, precision and technological mastery, and a proud testament to South African submariners and naval professionalism.

She is the sole preserved survivor of the South African Navy's three Daphné-class submarines and now provides a tangible link to the country's naval heritage.

1 of 3
Daphné-class boats, the only one preserved
32yrs
In service, 1971 to 2003
58 m
Length of the submarine
A Daphné-class submarine on the surface with crew on the bridge and mountains across the bay behind
The submarine's bow breaking through the surface of a blue sea

The tour

One hour aboard a Cold War-era submarine

Guided tours make complex topics understandable while preserving the atmosphere of a genuine operational boat.

  • Authentic surroundings

    Move through the control room, machinery spaces, accommodation and torpedo compartments of a real submarine.

  • Remarkable engineering

    A technology-dense environment where every system, procedure and crew member had a vital purpose.

  • Submariner stories

    How discipline, endurance, teamwork and intensive training let crews operate safely, with little margin for error.

Explore an Operational Submarine

Choose a compartment to see how submariners live and work.

Tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes, with a maximum of ten visitors.

How to plan your visit

Plan your visit

Everything you need before you arrive

  1. Get your tour time

    Tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes, with up to ten visitors each. Without a booking, you join the next available tour.

  2. Explore the display area

    Free and wheelchair friendly. See submarine models, combat systems and the technology that kept the air breathable underwater.

  3. Take the guided tour

    About one hour inside the submarine with an experienced guide. Photos are welcome.

  4. Before you leave

    Pick up a keepsake from the shop and sign the visitors' book. Your comments encourage our guides.

Is the tour right for you?

The tour takes place inside an authentic submarine. Check these points so you can decide what suits you and your group.

  • Steep entry stepsSteps required to enter and exit.
  • Uneven deckHatches you step through and step over.
  • Narrow passagewaysSingle-file movement through the boat.
  • Confined spacesSmall compartments.

Please

  • Wear practical footwear
  • Leave bulky bags at reception
  • Follow your guide's safety instructions

Can't manage steps? The display area is free and wheelchair friendly. Questions about access?

Send us an accessibility question

Who visits

A smiling group of visitors in the operations room, one sitting in the periscope chair while a museum guide explains the equipment

Children enjoy sitting at the controls and imagining life on board, while adults appreciate the humour, stories and practical detail shared by experienced guides.

A memorable stop on a Cape Town day trip, and great for tourists looking for something different.

Ask us a question

History

From Johanna van der Merwe to Assegaai

The submarine was named after Johanna Cornelia van der Merwe (1825–1888), remembered in Afrikaner history as a young survivor of the 1838 attacks on Voortrekker parties at the Bloukrans and Bushmans Rivers.

During the 1970s and 1980s she undertook routine patrols, exercises and operational deployments. In 1975 she deployed to Angolan waters during the period surrounding Operation Savannah, and during the Border War she was involved in a number of covert special-operations deployments.

Some of these little-known missions, involving South African naval forces and Special Forces, are described in the book Iron Fist from the Sea: South Africa's Seaborne Raiders 1978–1988.

Later renamed SAS Assegaai, she served until 2003.

Colourised photograph of the submarine entering the water at her launch, dressed overall with signal flags and with people standing on deck
21 July 1970 · Nantes, France · colourised Johanna van der Merwe (S99), the third South African Daphné-class submarine, is launched from the covered building slip at the Dubigeon-Normandie yard.

Timeline

  1. 1969Keel laid at Dubigeon-Normandie in Nantes, France.
  2. 1970Launched as SAS Johanna van der Merwe.
  3. 1971Commissioned into the South African Navy.
  4. 1999Renamed SAS Assegaai.
  5. 2003Decommissioned after more than three decades of service.
  6. 2024Moved overland to her permanent site at Cole Point.
  7. TodayPreserved in Simon's Town as an immersive museum exhibit.
SAS Assegaai raised on hydraulic transporters in the Simon's Town dockyard, with the mountain behind

2024 · The final move

The last voyage was 350 metres

The overland journey to Cole Point was only about 350 metres, but it was a highly complex operation. The transporter had to manoeuvre the 58-metre submarine through confined areas of the dockyard and negotiate a particularly difficult turn towards the museum site. Heavy winter rain and squalls added to the challenge.

  1. 25 June 2024

    Positioned so that Vanguard Heavylift could place its specialised hydraulic transporters beneath the submarine.

  2. 20 July 2024

    The final and most critical stage. She was aligned with her permanent supports and slowly lowered into position, clearing the foundations with great precision.

Life aboard

Glimpses of a life well lived

Shop & gift vouchers

Take a piece of the story home

The book Iron Fist from the Sea on a small easel, with the submarine's hull behind it

Iron Fist from the Sea, signed

An epic narrative of South African naval operations, including covert missions in which this submarine took part. Signed copies are sold at the museum.

An embroidered SAS Assegaai beanie, a gold submarine pin and an embroidered patch

Souvenirs

Travel-friendly keepsakes, small mementos suitable for all ages.

Gift vouchers

Give someone a tour or gift. Ask at the front desk, or call or email us about vouchers.

The shop is at the museum. We accept cash or card at the front desk.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you need?
Send us an enquiry.

01Do I need to book a tour in advance?

Bookings are recommended, especially for larger groups and school visits.

02Is the submarine suitable for everyone?

The experience is particularly suited to visitors with an interest in military history, naval history and technology. Please also keep in mind that exploring a real submarine involves confined spaces, uneven decking and steep entry steps.

03How long does the tour take?

Tours generally take around one hour, although this may vary depending on the time available and the level of interest and engagement from the tour group.

04Can children visit the SAS Assegaai Museum?

Yes, children are most welcome. While there is no minimum age requirement, children aged 8 and older generally tend to get the most out of the experience.

05Where can I park when visiting SAS Assegaai Museum?

Municipal parking is available directly in front of the submarine.

Parking location 1067 King George Way, Simon's Town, Cape Town, 7995 (opens Google Maps)

06Can I arrange a private or group visit?

Yes. Private and group visits can be arranged. Simply email or call us with the details of your group and visit requirements, and we'll assist with the arrangements.

Schools and other educational entities must book via email.

Google Reviews

What visitors say

Recent reviews from Google Maps.

  • ★★★★★

    Very informative tour. Absolutely a must for young kids. Price reasonable. Friendly and experienced guides.

    Frederick

  • ★★★★★

    Very interesting. Pops was our guide. He was very knowledgeable and has served on the submarine when it was in commission.

    Phyllis

  • ★★★★★

    Incredibly impressive and informative experience about South African naval history. Definitely worth a trip.

    cellini13

More reviews on Google Maps

Read reviews on Google (opens Google Maps)

Find us & contact

Make the museum part of your Simon's Town visit

Illustrated map: from St George's Street (Main Road), pass Jubilee Square, turn onto King George Way, and follow it to the museum at Cole Point next to the NSRI station and False Bay Yacht Club.
Cole Point, King George Way
Simon's Town, Cape Town
  1. Follow the main road through Simon's Town towards the harbour.
  2. Just past Jubilee Square, turn at the marked Submarine Museum turn-off onto King George Way.
  3. The submarine stands on land next to NSRI Station 10, easy to spot from the parking area.

The parking area in front of the museum entrance is controlled by the municipality.

Get directions (opens Google Maps)
Telephone
021 787 4786During opening hours, 09:30–15:30

Send an enquiry

For group bookings, school visits, accessibility questions or anything else. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

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Come aboard

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 15:30. Last tour at 15:00.

Call 021 787 4786 Get directions (opens Google Maps)