Scratch Patch and Mineral World
Dig for treasures at the Scratch Patch and play spooky cave golf in Simon's Town. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more digging space
Scratch Patch and Mineral World
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more digging space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dig for treasures at the Scratch Patch and play spooky cave golf in Simon's Town. Fun for all ages!
"A delightful gem of a place where visitors can pick up colorful mineral stones, exceeding all expectations."
💰 Bag Sizes Matter
Small bags fill up fast with bigger gems, but there are plenty of small stones too! Choose based on your gem preference.
⛳️ Golf for All Ages
Cave golf is a blast for kids and adults! It's a thrilling way to spend time after gem hunting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scratch Patch Gem Dig
Main attraction area
Dig for your own colorful semi-precious stones and fill a bag to take home. A tactile and exciting treasure hunt!
Spooky Cave Golf
Indoor mini-golf course
Navigate an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course with a fun, spooky theme. Perfect for all ages!
Gem Shop Treasures
On-site shop
Browse a stunning collection of polished rocks, minerals, and unique gem sculptures for sale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gem Digging & Mini Golf Fun
Simon's Town Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Bag Sizes Matter
Small bags fill up fast with bigger gems, but there are plenty of small stones too! Choose based on your gem preference.
⛳️ Golf for All Ages
Cave golf is a blast for kids and adults! It's a thrilling way to spend time after gem hunting.
💎 Gemstone Meanings
Learn about the names and meanings of the stones you find – it adds an educational layer to the fun!
☕️ Quick Refreshments
A small coffee or snack store is available on-site for a quick bite.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Bag Sizes Matter
Small bags fill up fast with bigger gems, but there are plenty of small stones too! Choose based on your gem preference.
⛳️ Golf for All Ages
Cave golf is a blast for kids and adults! It's a thrilling way to spend time after gem hunting.
💎 Gemstone Meanings
Learn about the names and meanings of the stones you find – it adds an educational layer to the fun!
☕️ Quick Refreshments
A small coffee or snack store is available on-site for a quick bite.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture sparkling finds and unique gem sculptures for memorable photos. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Scratch Patch and Mineral World for its engaging activities, particularly the gem digging and cave golf, making it a hit for families and all ages. The educational aspect of learning about minerals is a bonus, and the on-site gem shop offers unique souvenirs. While generally positive, some note that smaller gem bags can fill quickly with smaller stones.
"Coffee cave provides tasty coffee, scratch patch gives you pretty gems to sift through, cave golf provides entertainment for young and old alike and there is also a chance to see the gem factory and purchase rocks and minerals in various forms."
heather williams
"I recently visited a delightful gem of a place where visitors can pick up colorful mineral stones, and it exceeded all my expectations. Located conveniently with easy parking, this spot is an ideal destination for both families and avid collectors.
The area is beautifully set up with a naturalistic design featuring rock formations and a variety of vibrant mineral stones scattered across the ground. The atmosphere is both educational and recreational, making it a perfect spot for kids to explore and learn about different types of minerals while having fun.
The facility is well-maintained, and safety is clearly a priority, with ample seating and shaded areas for rest. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, offering insights into the different stones available and ensuring everyone has a great experience.
Overall, it's a fantastic place to spend a few hours, whether you're a geology enthusiast or just looking for a unique and enjoyable outing. Highly recommended for its combination of education, beauty, and fun."
Ernest Smit
"Lovely place to go enjoy the day with the family . Glow in the dark putt putt was really good , then the scratch patch was thrilling for the wife and kids. Overall good experience , must do when you are in the area"
Darren Pillay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scratch Patch and Mineral World is located in Simon's Town, easily accessible by car. There is convenient parking available on-site.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from Cape Town, often combined with other Simon's Town attractions.
Yes, besides the Simon's Town location, there's also a Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours are typically Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official channels for any updates.
A round of 18 holes at Cave Golf costs R40 per person. Groups of 10 or more can get a discounted rate of R35 per person.
Gem bag prices vary: a small bag is R35, a medium bag is R55, and a large bag is R160. There's also a cup option for R105.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Scratch Patch or Cave Golf, but it's recommended for larger groups.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
You can find a variety of colorful semi-precious stones. While bigger gems are more attractive, there's no shortage of smaller stones to collect.
Yes, it's a fantastic place for young children to explore and learn about minerals. Many visitors report their young children thoroughly enjoy the experience.
The atmosphere is educational and recreational, with a naturalistic design featuring rock formations. It's well-maintained and staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Yes, the Gem Shop offers many stunning goodies, including polished rocks, minerals, and unique gem sculptures.
The facility is well-maintained with ample seating and shaded areas for rest, making it comfortable for visitors.
🍽️ ☕️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small coffee or snack store on-site where you can grab a quick snack or drink.
📸 📸 Photography
Definitely! The colorful gem displays, unique sculptures, and the gem digging area offer plenty of visually appealing spots for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Spooky Cave Golf is another fantastic draw, offering a fun and slightly thrilling indoor activity that’s perfect for all ages. Combine these with the educational aspect of learning about minerals and the opportunity to buy unique souvenirs from the Gem Shop, and you have a recipe for a perfect family outing. The on-site snack store is also a bonus for quick refreshments.
💰 Budget Travelers
The Scratch Patch gem bags offer flexibility in pricing, starting at R35 for a small bag, allowing you to control your spending while still getting a fun souvenir. Even if you opt for a smaller bag, the experience of digging and discovering is well worth the cost.
👫 Couples & Date Ideas
Follow this up with the Scratch Patch gem dig – it’s a surprisingly satisfying and tactile activity that’s perfect for chatting and discovering treasures together. You can even pick out special stones for each other. The charming Simon's Town location also adds to the romantic potential of the outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gem Digging Experience
While the larger, more visually striking gems are often more sought after, there's an abundance of smaller stones, ensuring everyone can fill their chosen bag. The staff are knowledgeable and can offer insights into the various stones, adding an educational element to the fun. It’s a treasure hunt where the prize is a bag full of beautiful natural souvenirs.
Pro-tip: Consider the bag size carefully. While small bags are cheaper, they can fill up quickly with smaller stones. If you're after larger, more unique pieces, a medium or large bag might be more satisfying, though it comes at a higher cost.
Cave Golf: A Spooky Challenge
At just R40 per person, it's an affordable and engaging activity that appeals to all ages. The indoor setting means it's a great option regardless of the weather. Many visitors highlight this as a particularly enjoyable part of their visit, especially for keeping younger ones entertained.
Tip: The Cave Golf is often mentioned as a highlight for families, providing a good balance to the gem-digging. It’s a great way to spend a few hours and create lasting memories.
The Gem Shop and Beyond
The venue also offers a small coffee and snack store, providing a convenient spot for a quick refreshment during your visit. This ensures that you can comfortably spend a few hours exploring all that Scratch Patch and Mineral World has to offer without needing to leave the premises for basic needs.
Consider: If you're looking for unique gifts or want to expand your own mineral collection, the Gem Shop is a must-visit. The variety and quality of items are often praised by visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit