Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Boulders Beach is one of the few places on earth where you can swim alongside endangered African penguins, set against a backdrop of ancient granite boulders and surging Atlantic swells.
What to expect
The colony is split into two primary areas: the Boulders Visitor Centre and Foxy Beach. At the visitor centre, a series of raised wooden boardwalks wind through the coastal dune vegetation, allowing you to observe the penguins—often affectionately known as "jackass penguins" for their mule-like braying—in their natural nesting burrows. Follow the boardwalk signs toward Foxy Beach for the most dramatic vantage points; here, the elevated platforms offer panoramic views of the entire colony lounging on the white sand and darting through the turquoise kelp forests. While you can walk on the beach at Boulders itself, the penguins are wild animals—maintain a respectful distance and never attempt to touch them, as they possess sharp beaks capable of delivering a painful nip.
History & significance
The colony began in 1983 when a single pair of African penguins arrived at Foxy Beach. Thanks to a lack of commercial fishing in the immediate vicinity and protected status under the Table Mountain National Park, the population grew rapidly to over 3,000 birds at its peak. Today, it serves as a critical monitoring site for the species, which is currently categorized as endangered due to oil spills, climate change, and dwindling food sources. It remains one of the world’s most successful examples of a human-wildlife cohabitation zone.
Practical tips
- Best Time: Arrive at the gates by 08:30. By 10:30, the overflow of tour buses from Cape Town congestion shifts the experience from serene to chaotic.
- Tickets & Hours: Entry requires a daily conservation fee (lower for South African residents). Tickets are sold at the gate, but during peak summer (December–February), it is recommended to book via the SANParks website to skip potential queues. The park generally operates from 08:00 to 18:30 in summer, closing earlier at 17:00 during winter months.
- Weather: Even on sunny days, the "Cape Doctor" wind can make it feel significantly colder; bring a windbreaker.
Getting there
The colony is located in the naval town of Simon’s Town, approximately 40 kilometers south of Cape Town. Most visitors drive via the M4 (Main Road), which snakes along the scenic False Bay coastline. If you prefer public transport, the Metrorail train line reaches as far as Simon’s Town station; from there, it is a 20-minute uphill walk or a five-minute Uber ride to the entrance at Bellevue Road.
Nearby
- Seaforth Restaurant: Located just a stone’s throw from the beach, this is the classic local spot for fresh hake and chips with an unobstructed view of False Bay.
- Just Nuisance Statue: Wander into the heart of Simon’s Town to Jubilee Square to see the bronze statue of a Great Dane, the only dog ever officially enlisted in the Royal Navy.
- Simon’s Town Museum: For history buffs, this building on Court Road reveals the town’s significant maritime heritage and colonial architecture.