Boulders Beach Penguins

Walk along wooden boardwalks and swim in calm ocean coves alongside wild African Penguins.

Check Entrance Fees & Tickets → Book Guided Tours

Popular Boulders Beach Tours from Cape Town

Skip driving hassles and enjoy expert guided commentary with free 24-hour cancellation.

Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town Skip The Line

Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town

⏱️ 4 ★ 4.9 (3496)
Half Day Boulders Penguins and Cape Point Small Group Tour Skip The Line

Half Day Boulders Penguins and Cape Point Small Group Tour

⏱️ 4 ★ 4.7 (599)
Cape Town Private Tour: Cape of Good hope & Boulders Penguins Skip The Line

Cape Town Private Tour: Cape of Good hope & Boulders Penguins

⏱️ 4 ★ 4.9 (238)

Mornin', Y'all. I'm Alex Vance.

If you've spent any real time navigating the coastal roads of the Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town, you know the South Atlantic water can be brutal. But nestled in the sheltered curve of False Bay lies a coastal sanctuary that feels like a world unto itself: Boulders Beach in Simon's Town.

I've been charting these coastal waters and hiking the Table Mountain National Park trails for years. Every morning before I pour my coffee, I check the False Bay wind speeds and tide charts. And let me tell you, watching wild African Penguins waddle past granite boulders into crystal water never gets old. Whether you want to stroll the Foxy Beach boardwalks or swim alongside seabirds, let's get you ready for the trip.

Alex Vance

Boulders Beach Quick Facts

Location Simon's Town, Cape Town
International Ticket R245 ZAR (~$13 USD)
Payment Method Strictly Cashless (Card Only)
Opening Hours 07:00 / 08:00 AM - 17:00 / 19:30 PM
Penguin Species African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)
Year-Round Presence Yes (365 Days a Year)

Sub-Attractions & Nearby Landmarks

Explore the top 6 spots in and around Boulders Beach and Simon's Town.

🐧

Foxy Beach Boardwalk

Elevated wooden walkway winds above coastal dunes for dense nesting colony viewing without disturbing burrows.

Read Guide →
🏊

Boulders Beach Cove

Sheltered sandy bay enclosed by 540-million-year-old granite boulders, ideal for swimming near wild penguins.

Read Guide →
🏖️

Seaforth Beach & Tidal Pool

Family-friendly public cove with calm shallow waters, grassy lawns, and frequent wild penguin visitors with free gate access.

Read Guide →
🚣

Windmill Beach

Secluded granite cove south of Simon's Town Golf Course, offering crystal clear waters for snorkeling and sea kayaking.

Read Guide →
🏛️

Simon's Town Historic Mile

Historic naval town featuring Cape Victorian architecture, Jubilee Square, and the Just Nuisance Royal Navy statue.

Read Guide →
🌅

Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope

Dramatic southwestern tip of Africa located 25 minutes south, featuring ocean cliffs and the Flying Dutchman Funicular.

Read Guide →

Chart Your Course & Location Map

Interactive map showing Boulders Visitor Centre, Seaforth parking, and turnstile entrance gates.

Captain's Weather Check

Real-time coastal weather forecast from Open-Meteo. Check wind speeds before your beach trip.

Loading live weather data...

The World-Famous Boulders Penguins Colony

Boulders Beach sits in Simon's Town along the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula. The area is home to a wild breeding colony of over 2,000 endangered African Penguins. Visitors can observe these seabirds up close from elevated wooden boardwalks at Foxy Beach or wade into the sheltered waters at Boulders Beach proper.

The colony began in 1982 when two breeding pairs settled on the mainland. Massive 540-million-year-old granite boulders protect the cove from rough waves, creating calm swimming water and ideal nesting grounds. Today, the park operates under South African National Parks (SANParks) management as part of Table Mountain National Park.

The World-Famous Boulders Penguins Colony
Photo by Joseph Phillips / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, swimming is permitted at Boulders Beach proper. Visitors can wade into the water alongside granite rocks where penguins frequently swim past.

International adult entry costs R245 ZAR (~$13 USD), while international children (2-11) pay R120 ZAR (~$6 USD). South African residents pay R55 ZAR with valid RSA ID.

No. SANParks turnstiles enforce a mandatory cashless policy. Gate transactions strictly require Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards.

Alex Vance

Written by Alex Vance

Expat travel writer and marine wildlife enthusiast living in Simon's Town. Specializing in South Peninsula coastal travel, penguin conservation, and insider visitor tips.