Boulders Beach

Public beach · Cape Town

Boulders Beach

Public beach · Cape Town

Simon's Town, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa

Highlights

Boulders Beach in Cape Town offers a stunning mix of giant granite boulders, pristine white sand, and charming wild African penguins waddling and swimming in turquoise waters.

Simon's Town, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa Get directions

sanparks.org

@afar

"Cape Town's penguins come to Simon's Town to breed. In the early 1980s, an enterprising pair mated for the first time on Boulders Beach, and their tuxedoed descendants now number several thousand. To see the penguins in their natural habitat, make the one-hour drive from Cape Town and stroll the wooden pathway, part of Table Mountain National Park. Park employees patrol the beach, keeping an eye out for the little guys—they were classified as an endangered species in 2010—so the penguins feel safe enough to leave their protected area and waddle onto the sand or splash in the Caribbean-blue water. Robben Island is another great spot to view these stars of the Southern Hemisphere; tours depart daily from Cape Town's Nelson Mandela Gateway."

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@travelleisure

Cape Town Travel Guide - Vacation & Tourism

"Billed as the only place where you can get close to African penguins in the wild, Boulder Beach is a must if you find yourself on the False Bay side of Cape Town. For a small entrance fee, visitors can observe the comings and goings of the colony who live on this white sand beach named for its truck-sized boulders. It's also possible to swim with the penguins, but be forewarned; the water is frigid." - Katie Jackson Katie Jackson Katie Jackson is a New York City-based writer who covers travel, food, and more. Her work has appeared in USA Today, The Sunday Times, Esquire, Outside, New York Post, and Travel + Leisure,

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/cape-town

View Postcard for Boulders Beach

QASIM ALI

Google

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!

Prasad K

Google

Adorable experience – penguins up close! Boulders Beach is one of the most unique and charming places in South Africa. Seeing African penguins so close in their natural habitat is truly special! The boardwalk lets you watch them nesting, swimming, and waddling around without disturbing them, and the beach itself is stunning with soft sand and crystal-clear water. Great for families, couples, and nature lovers—plus, it’s a perfect photo spot. There’s a small conservation fee, but it’s well worth it to support the protection of these beautiful birds. Tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and have a quieter, more peaceful experience. The penguins are often more active then, and you’ll enjoy better views and photos without the big tour groups. A must-do if you’re anywhere near Cape Town!

saydoppa

Google

This is one of the main reasons I booked the tickets to Cape town The penguins were so adorable!! 🐧💕 They were so tiny, you need to walk on the path and watch them from afar But that’s also understandable, to give them some space to live in their natural habitat The weather was nice, the penguins were cute — nothing to complaint 😊

duaa hefne

Google

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!

Brad

Google

Unmissable experience – penguins, scenery, and more! Boulders Beach is an absolute must-visit! Watching the penguins up close in their natural habitat was such a joy – they’re incredibly cute, waddling around, swimming, and even nesting. There’s a great mix of boardwalks and beach areas where you can observe them without disturbing their environment. The drive to Boulders Beach is equally amazing, with spectacular coastal views and plenty of scenic stops along the way. We took our time and explored some charming local markets and stalls — perfect for picking up crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. There are also a few lovely spots to grab a bite to eat, from fresh seafood to great coffee. One important tip: don’t lose your entrance receipt — there are spot checks between the different penguin viewing areas and you’ll need it to get through. Overall, a brilliant day out that’s fun, educational, and full of photo opportunities. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers!

Victoria Chirel

Google

It’s very beautiful, the entrance for tourists costs around 200 R, however, it’s packed with tourists—you just pay, take the photo, and that’s it. There are many other quieter beaches that are free, but it's harder to see the penguins there. On this one, you can see them.

Jamie O'Donnell

Google

I'm a bit torn about our visit to see the penguins. Certainly, I was delighted to see them. They are adorable. Keeping people at some distance and protecting the penguins within the park is positive. However, the species is described as critically endangered, and stressors like the noise and presence of hundreds or even thousands of visitors each day must be a risk factor. I don't have an answer, but I'm grateful that I had an opportunity to see these beautiful creatures. June 30, 2025 C & J

Anastasia Travkina

Google

Boulders Beach is famous for its adorable African penguins, but it's actually split into two separate beach areas, each requiring a separate entrance fee – something that’s not clearly advertised. The first beach, Foxy Beach, is the more "touristy" one. You walk along a wooden boardwalk and can take nice photos of the penguins from above. It’s good for quick viewing but feels more like a penguin exhibit than a beach experience. You can’t get very close to the penguins here. The second beach, simply called Boulders Beach, is a much more beautiful and immersive experience. You can actually swim and get close to the penguins – but only if you're willing (and able) to crawl under huge rocks, scramble across boulders, and navigate some tricky terrain. It’s not ideal for everyone – definitely not stroller- or mobility-friendly, and you'll need to be reasonably fit and agile. Tip: If you're after an up-close and more natural penguin encounter, skip Foxy Beach and head straight to the second entrance. I wish I had known this in advance – it would have saved both time and money. Still, seeing the penguins in such a wild, beautiful setting is unforgettable.