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Boulders Beach penguins

A sheltered beach among granite boulders, home to a colony of endangered African penguins.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps

Time needed: 1–2 hours
Entry: Paid (park fee)
Best time: Morning
Area: Simon's Town

A colony of African penguins on a sandy beach.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Kleintuin Rd, Simon's Town, Cape Town

From Cape Town: About 45 minutes by car to Simon's Town.
Boardwalks: Viewing boardwalks at Foxy Beach give close views of the colony.
Swimming: You can swim at Boulders Beach itself, sometimes alongside penguins.

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The story of Boulders Beach

A pair of African penguins settled at Boulders in 1982, and the colony grew to a few thousand birds. African penguins are endangered, and their numbers have fallen sharply.

Boulders is part of Table Mountain National Park. The penguins nest among the dunes and bushes and swim in the sheltered coves.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year; breeding peaks around March–May.

Best time of day

Early morning, before tour groups.

Wind

The beach is sheltered from most wind.

Tips before you go

Use the boardwalks and go early.
Do not touch or feed the penguins; they can bite.
Combine with Cape Point on the same day.

Best hotels near Boulders Beach

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel

Clifftop hotel between Camps Bay and Llandudno.

See prices

Boulders Beach Lodge

Guesthouse beside the penguin colony.

See prices

All hotels near Boulders Beach

What's around Boulders Beach

Foxy BeachMain viewing boardwalk.
Simon's TownHistoric naval town.
Cape Point30 minutes south.
Kalk BayFishing village.

Questions travellers ask

Are African penguins endangered?

Yes.

Can I swim with them?

Sometimes, at Boulders Beach.

How far is it from Cape Town?

About 45 minutes.