Foxy Beach
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Foxy Beach Boardwalk

4.6
·536 reviews·Cape Town, South Africa

Home to thousands of African penguins, Foxy Beach Boardwalk offers an unforgettable wildlife experience with scenic boardwalks and stunning coastal vi...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds, active penguins

CrowdLow
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Foxy Beach

Foxy Beach Boardwalk

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds, active penguins

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to thousands of African penguins, Foxy Beach Boardwalk offers an unforgettable wildlife experience with scenic boardwalks and stunning coastal views. TikTok

4.6
(536 reviews)

"A must-visit in Cape Town! The penguins are so cute and not afraid of people at all. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore Both Platforms

Don't miss the second, less crowded platform for a different perspective on the penguins. :camerawithflash:

🅿️ Parking & Donations

Parking is available, often with a donation requested. Plan accordingly. :car:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

African Penguin Colony

African Penguin Colony

Foxy Beach Boardwalk

Witness thousands of adorable African penguins waddling on the sand and swimming in the ocean. A truly unique wildlife experience!

Dual Viewing Platforms

Dual Viewing Platforms

Foxy Beach Boardwalk

Explore two distinct viewing areas for penguins. One is popular and direct, the other offers a potentially less crowded experience.

Reddit
Boardwalk Access

Boardwalk Access

Foxy Beach Boardwalk

A well-maintained boardwalk allows for close-up views of the penguins without disturbing their natural habitat.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Penguin Encounters & Crowds

Foxy Beach Boardwalk is famous for its African penguins! While the main viewing area can get busy, exploring both platforms offers a chance for quieter penguin spotting. Arrive early or late to beat the peak crowds and maximize your viewing experience. Reddit

Getting to Foxy Beach

Accessing Foxy Beach Boardwalk is straightforward, often combined with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope. Parking is available, sometimes with a donation requested. Consider public transport or tours if you're not driving. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, active penguins
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend visitor surges
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This picturesque area, with enormous boulders dividing small, sandy coves, is home to a colony of some 3000 delightful African penguins. A boardwalk runs from the Boulders Visitor Centre at the Foxy Beach end of the protected area – part of Table Mountain National Park – to Boulders Beach, where you can get down on the sand and mingle with the waddling penguins #southafrica #penguin #bouldersbeach...
born2holiday
15 likes • 240 views

🎯 Explore Both Platforms

Don't miss the second, less crowded platform for a different perspective on the penguins. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🅿️ Parking & Donations

Parking is available, often with a donation requested. Plan accordingly. Reddit :car:

reddit.com

Visiting Cape Town: Please help with Boulders transportation and Safari Recommendations for Table Mont. Park

reddit.com

South Africa 2021, never thought I could love it so much

🚶‍♀️ Boardwalk Etiquette

Stay on the boardwalk to protect the penguins' environment and ensure safe viewing. TikTok :walking:

🎟️ Admission Fee

There's an entrance fee, typically around $12 USD. Reddit :ticket:

reddit.com

It's a bit surreal to see penguins sunbathing on a beach... Boulders Beach, South Africa

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore Both Platforms

Don't miss the second, less crowded platform for a different perspective on the penguins. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🅿️ Parking & Donations

Parking is available, often with a donation requested. Plan accordingly. Reddit :car:

🚶‍♀️ Boardwalk Etiquette

Stay on the boardwalk to protect the penguins' environment and ensure safe viewing. TikTok :walking:

🎟️ Admission Fee

There's an entrance fee, typically around $12 USD. Reddit :ticket:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(536 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the incredible opportunity to see thousands of African penguins up close at Foxy Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalks offer great viewing, though some find the main area can be crowded. Despite the crowds, the unique wildlife encounter is considered well worth the visit and admission fee. Reddit

"Foxy Beach is where you'll see the most penguins... but it's crowded with other visitors. Nevertheless, the experience is worthy of the time and effort."

nine2-5traveler

"Beach with colonies of african penguins. There is actually two platforms to view them, one is the popular one which goes straight down. The other one is this one where you immediately turn right from the entrance where there is way less people. But there are less penguins sometimes here. So recommend going to both platforms if you have time."

Anthony Chan

"A must to visit place in Capetown! The penguins are so cute and are not afraid of people at all. The area is all protected. Not too many visitors, you can always find a place to make a good photo or video with birds."

Nickolas Fisher

What People Like

Abundant penguins
Close wildlife encounters
Scenic boardwalks

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Foxy Beach Boardwalk is part of the Boulders area, often visited with the Cape of Good Hope. You can drive, take a guided tour, or potentially use local transport options. Many visitors combine it with a day trip to the Cape of Good Hope. Reddit

Yes, parking is available near the beach entrance. Sometimes a donation is requested for parking. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular stop on day trips from Cape Town, often combined with other attractions in the Cape Peninsula. Reddit

Options include self-driving, organized tours, or potentially ride-sharing services. Public transport might be less direct. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is approximately $12 USD per person. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check the official Table Mountain National Park website for any updates or special advisories. Reddit

There are two main viewing platforms. The main one is popular, and a second, less crowded option is available by taking a different fork from the entrance. Reddit

Operating hours typically align with Table Mountain National Park's general hours. It's best to check the official park website for the most current information. TikTok

🎫 🐧 Onsite Experience

Penguins are generally active in the early morning and late afternoon. Visiting during these times can also mean fewer crowds. TikTok

You can get quite close on the boardwalk, but maintaining a respectful distance is crucial to avoid disturbing them. They are known to be quite unafraid of people. Reddit

Yes, it's a fantastic spot for photography! The boardwalk provides excellent vantage points for capturing the penguins in their natural habitat. TikTokInstagram

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on boardwalks. Dress in layers as coastal weather can change. Reddit

Restroom facilities are usually available at the visitor center or near the main entrance points. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Foxy Beach Boardwalk is a fantastic destination for families! Kids will be absolutely delighted by the sight of thousands of waddling penguins. The boardwalks are safe and easy to navigate, making it accessible for strollers and little legs. TikTok It's a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about wildlife and conservation in a fun, engaging way. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, and consider visiting during off-peak hours to keep the experience enjoyable for everyone. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Foxy Beach Boardwalk is a dream. The close proximity to the African penguins, combined with the natural coastal backdrop, offers endless opportunities for stunning shots. Instagram Experiment with different angles from the boardwalks and try to capture the penguins in action – swimming, preening, or interacting. Early morning and late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful. TikTok Be mindful of other visitors and the penguins' space to ensure you get the best shots ethically.

🚗 Day-Trippers from Cape Town

If you're doing a day trip from Cape Town, Foxy Beach Boardwalk is an essential stop. It's conveniently located along the scenic route to the Cape of Good Hope, making it easy to combine with other attractions. Reddit Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the penguin viewing. Parking is available, and the entrance fee is reasonable for the unique experience. Plan your route to maximize your time and enjoy the stunning coastal drive. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Star Residents: African Penguins

Foxy Beach Boardwalk is renowned for being a breeding ground for the charming African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). This protected area is home to a significant colony, estimated to be around 3,000 individuals. Visitors can observe these charismatic birds as they waddle along the shore, interact with each other, and dive into the ocean. The boardwalk system is specifically designed to allow visitors to get remarkably close to the penguins without causing them any distress, offering an intimate wildlife viewing experience. TikTokInstagram

It's important to remember that these are wild animals. While they are accustomed to human presence, maintaining a respectful distance and refraining from feeding or touching them is paramount. The penguins are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times ideal for observation. You might also see them nesting or caring for their young, depending on the season. Reddit

The presence of these penguins is a testament to conservation efforts in the region. The boardwalks and visitor centers are part of the Table Mountain National Park, dedicated to protecting this vulnerable species and its habitat. Your visit contributes to these ongoing conservation initiatives.

Navigating the Viewing Experience

The Foxy Beach Boardwalk offers a unique dual-platform viewing system. The primary platform is the most popular and provides direct access to the main penguin viewing areas. However, as reviews suggest, this can become quite crowded, especially during peak times. Reddit

For a potentially more serene experience, visitors are advised to explore the second platform. This alternative route, often accessed by taking a different fork from the entrance, can offer fewer people and a different perspective on the penguin colony. While there might sometimes be fewer penguins visible from this spot, it provides a chance for more personal observation and better photography opportunities without the hustle of larger crowds. InstagramReddit

Regardless of which platform you choose, the boardwalks are well-maintained and offer excellent vantage points. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the coastal weather. The key is to be patient, observe quietly, and soak in the incredible natural spectacle unfolding before you.

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