Boulders Beach
Walk alongside a thriving colony of African Penguins in their natural habitat. Book your unforgettable encounter at Cape Town's famous Boulders Beach and witness these charming birds up close.
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Step into a world unlike any other at Boulders Beach, a sheltered cove in Simon's Town where a colony of over 3,000 endangered African Penguins have made their home. A series of wheelchair-friendly wooden boardwalks allows you to wander through their nesting grounds and onto the beach, getting incredibly close to these charismatic birds without disturbing them. Watch them waddle, preen, socialize, and swim in the clear, protected waters of False Bay. This is more than just a sightseeing stop; it's a heartwarming and educational experience, offering a rare chance to observe a thriving wild penguin colony against the stunning backdrop of ancient granite boulders and pristine white sand.
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The penguins are present year-round. For the best weather, visit during Cape Town's summer (December to February). For specific penguin activity, the breeding season is from February to August, offering chances to see nesting pairs. September to October is when you'll see chicks fledging. The molting season is from November to January, when birds look scruffy and may be less active on the beach.
Wear light, comfortable layers as the weather on the Cape Peninsula can be unpredictable and change quickly|A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential year-round|Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the boardwalks and pathways|Always bring a windbreaker or light jacket, as it can get breezy by the coast.
The African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach is relatively new, having started in 1982 with just two breeding pairs. The colony grew rapidly, and today it is home to between 2,000 and 3,000 birds. The location is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, ensuring the long-term protection of these endangered birds and their unique coastal habitat.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the specific tour or ticket option you choose. Many of our partners offer a free cancellation policy when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Always check the specific terms and conditions on the booking page before confirming your reservation.
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Real experiences from real travelers
I booked a half-day peninsula tour that included Boulders Beach, and it was the highlight of my trip. Seeing the penguins in their natural habitat, just going about their day, was incredible. The boardwalks are fantastic and get you so close. Our guide, booked through a partner on this site, was brilliant and shared so much information. Booking online was easy and saved us from the ticket queue which was quite long.
I thought we'd be there for 20 minutes, but we stayed for over an hour. It's not just the penguins; the beach itself is stunning with the giant boulders and beautiful water. It's so well-managed. We just bought the entry ticket option and drove ourselves. It was magical watching them surf the waves and waddle up the beach. Worth every penny!
This place is amazing, and the penguins are hilarious to watch. My only advice is to get there as early as possible. We arrived around 11 am and it was packed, which made getting clear photos a bit tricky. The system for viewing is great though, and you are guaranteed to see hundreds of them. The booking process was smooth and the mobile voucher worked perfectly.
The beauty of this place is breathtaking. The contrast of the black and white penguins, white sand, blue water, and green bushes is a photographer's dream. I was so happy. I chose a small group tour, and it was the right choice. Our driver handled the parking, which looked chaotic, and we walked right in. A truly special place for animal lovers.
I visited with my husband and two young children, and they were absolutely captivated. The boardwalks are very safe and stroller-friendly, which was a huge plus. The kids loved watching the 'tuxedo birds' swim and play. It's a very clean and well-maintained facility. A fantastic family outing that was both fun and educational.
The penguin colony is undeniably charming and a unique sight. The conservation efforts here are commendable. However, be prepared for crowds, especially on a sunny day. It can feel a bit like a human colony observing a penguin colony. Despite that, it is well worth the visit. My advice is to be patient, and you'll get your chance for a great view. The tour we booked provided excellent context on the drive down from Cape Town.
We spent two weeks in South Africa and this was one of our favorite experiences. It felt so surreal to be so close to so many wild penguins. We saw them nesting with their chicks, which was just adorable. We booked a full-day Cape Peninsula tour which was fantastic value and included this stop. Highly recommend!
An incredible place. The penguins are the stars, of course, but the entire cove is beautiful. It's a perfect combination of wildlife and stunning scenery. We spent ages just watching them. Booking our tickets in advance was a very good idea, as we bypassed a huge line. Don't miss this if you're in Cape Town.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The best time to visit is either early in the morning (just after opening time around 8 AM) or late in the afternoon. Early morning offers softer light for photos and fewer crowds. In the late afternoon, you can witness hundreds of penguins returning to shore after a day of fishing, which is a fantastic spectacle.
While swimming is permitted at the adjacent Boulders Beach (the second beach past the main entrance), you are not allowed to touch or approach the penguins. They are wild animals. If a penguin happens to swim near you, you can enjoy the moment, but you must maintain a respectful distance.
We recommend allowing at least 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit. This gives you plenty of time to walk the full length of the boardwalks, observe the penguins' behavior, take photos, and soak in the beautiful scenery without rushing.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets or a tour that includes tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (December to April) and on weekends. This allows you to skip the often long ticket purchasing queue and guarantee your entry.
The main viewing boardwalk at Foxy Beach (the primary penguin viewing area) is fully wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to get fantastic views of the main colony. Access to the secondary beach for swimming may be more challenging as it involves sandy paths and stairs.
Yes, the penguins are resident birds and can be seen at Boulders Beach 365 days a year. However, their numbers and activities vary. You'll see the most birds during the breeding season (March-May) and fewest during the molting season (November-December) when they are a bit more reclusive.
Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. The daily conservation fee you pay is managed by South African National Parks (SANParks) and goes directly towards the protection of the endangered African Penguin and the maintenance of their habitat and the visitor facilities.
They are part of the same protected area. Foxy Beach is the main viewing area with the boardwalks that take you right into the heart of the colony. Boulders Beach is the adjacent cove where you can access the beach and swim. Your conservation fee grants you access to both areas.
Boulders Beach is located in the historic naval town of Simon's Town, which has charming shops and museums. It's also a key stop on the Cape Peninsula route, which includes attractions like Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, and the stunning Chapman's Peak Drive.
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