
Home to thousands of endangered African penguins, Boulders Beach offers a unique chance to see these charming birds waddle, swim, and nest in a stunni...

Must-see attractions
From TikTok & Reddit
Penguins return to shore

Penguins return to shore

Must-see attractions
Home to thousands of endangered African penguins, Boulders Beach offers a unique chance to see these charming birds waddle, swim, and nest in a stunning coastal setting.
"Visiting Boulders Beach was absolutely magical. Watching the penguins waddle and swim freely was a heartwarming moment."

Penguins don't move for you! Give them space and make way, as they can be surprisingly assertive.
Explore the public pathway for free penguin sightings, bypassing the main entrance fees.

4.6 · 29,338 reviews
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boulders Beach
Witness thousands of endangered African penguins waddling, swimming, and nesting in their natural, protected habitat.

Foxy Beach
Stroll along elevated boardwalks for excellent, up-close views of penguins without disturbing them.

Boulders Beach
Experience the unique thrill of swimming in the clear waters alongside curious penguins.
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Penguins don't move for you! Give them space and make way, as they can be surprisingly assertive.
Explore the public pathway for free penguin sightings, bypassing the main entrance fees.
Enjoy swimming in the bay, where curious penguins might join you in the water.
Get great photos of penguins in their natural habitat, but be mindful of their space.
from all over the internet
Penguins don't move for you! Give them space and make way, as they can be surprisingly assertive.
Explore the public pathway for free penguin sightings, bypassing the main entrance fees.
Enjoy swimming in the bay, where curious penguins might join you in the water.
Get great photos of penguins in their natural habitat, but be mindful of their space.
The penguin colony has a distinct, strong smell; it might not be comfortable for everyone to stay long.
Visitors rave about the magical experience of seeing African penguins in their natural habitat at Boulders Beach, praising the adorable wildlife and breathtaking scenery. While some find the main beach access challenging, the opportunity to swim with penguins and the conservation efforts are highly appreciated. The distinct smell is a minor drawback for some.
"You will learn so much about these magnetic and majestic creatures, this is an absolute must stop. The area itself is gorgeous and the beach has truly breathtaking views. We saw a lot of wildlife in the area besides penguins, but the penguins were the highlight. While a bit emotional learning of some of the statistics about the penguins, they seem to really try to be bringing the numbers up for the population. The penguins have little “houses” to help with breeding and caring for young. The signs have a lot of information and the walk to the actual penguins themselves is a comfortable walk down a slope. The price isn’t bad and helps conservation efforts. They have bathrooms and a small gift shop at the top. The penguins themselves were very pretty and even took a dip in the ocean when we were visiting. There are two viewing spots to see the penguins themselves, both are accessible from the same area. Make a stop to see the wonderful penguins and get some great photos of them in their natural habitat!"
Amber
"A lovely spot to visit if you're excited to see penguins 🐧 in their natural habitat! However, just a heads-up they do have a strong smell, so it might not be comfortable to stay for too long.
Interestingly, if your main goal is just to see the penguins, you can spot quite a few by simply walking along the public pathway, they were clearly visible during my visit. This way, you can enjoy the experience and even save on entrance fees.
Thanks!"
QASIM ALI
"One of the happiest and most unforgettable experiences of my life! Visiting Boulders Beach was absolutely magical. Watching the penguins waddle and swim freely in their natural habitat was such a heartwarming moment. The beach is incredibly clean, and the scenery is breathtaking — from the crystal-clear turquoise water to the giant boulders that give the place its unique charm. I highly recommend visiting in the early morning for a peaceful experience and closer views of the penguins. A must-visit spot if you’re in Cape Town!"
duaa hefne
You can reach Boulders Beach from Cape Town via Uber, a hired driver, or a tour bus. Uber rides typically cost around $20 USD each way. For local transport, consider a Simon's Town company like 'On The Go'.
Yes, driving to Boulders Beach is generally safe. If driving from Camps Bay, consider taking the M3 for a prettier route and avoiding potentially volatile areas. Enjoy the scenery and plan for stops!
Absolutely! Boulders Beach is a popular day trip destination. You can allocate about half a day, from 10 am to 4 pm, to see the penguins and explore Simon's Town.
While Uber is an option, local transport companies like 'On The Go' in Simon's Town can provide reliable ferrying services for your excursions.
Yes, guided tours are available and can offer a more comprehensive experience, especially if you have limited time. Some tours combine Boulders Beach with other attractions like Cape Point.
There is an entrance fee for the main Boulders Beach area, which contributes to conservation efforts. However, you can often see penguins for free by walking along the public pathway or visiting nearby beaches.
Yes, Boulders Beach is split into two areas, Foxy Beach and the main Boulders Beach, each potentially having separate entrance fees. It's advisable to check current pricing upon arrival.
South African residents can often benefit from a local entrance fee by presenting their ID. International rates apply for non-residents.
While specific hours can vary, Boulders Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Late afternoon is recommended for penguin activity.
Advance booking is typically not required for Boulders Beach, but it's always a good idea to check the official website for any updates or special advisories, especially during peak season.
Late afternoon is often the best time as penguins return to shore to forage. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds. Penguins are present year-round.
Yes, you can swim at Boulders Beach, and curious penguins may swim alongside you. However, access to the swimming area might require navigating some rocky terrain.
While generally not aggressive, penguins can bite if they feel threatened or if you get too close. It's important to maintain a respectful distance and let them pass.
At Foxy Beach, boardwalks allow viewing from a distance. For closer encounters, the main Boulders Beach area offers more natural interaction, but requires careful navigation.
Informative signs are available at the viewing areas, providing details about the penguins, their breeding habits, and conservation efforts.
The boardwalks at Foxy Beach offer good vantage points for photos. The main Boulders Beach area also provides opportunities, but be mindful of the terrain and the penguins' space.
It's generally advised to avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the wildlife. Focus on natural light and capturing candid moments.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing clear shots of the penguins from a distance. However, even smartphone cameras can capture great memories.
While there are no strict restrictions, always prioritize the penguins' well-being. Avoid intrusive behavior and respect their natural environment.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide softer light, which is ideal for photography. Golden hour can create beautiful shots of the penguins and the beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit