Boulders Beach

Public beach · Cape Town

Boulders Beach

Public beach · Cape Town

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

Highlights

Boulders Beach offers a stunning sheltered bay where you can soak up the sun, stroll along the boardwalk, and meet a charming colony of African penguins.

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."

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town

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@travelleisure

"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,

Cape Town Travel Guide - Vacation & Tourism

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Wayne

Google

This is a must do visit, to see the penguins in their natural environment is fantastic, we were lucky to be there for nesting and hatching time. (Early Feb) We even saw a seagull take an egg from a nest, fly off and drop it to crack it ready to eat. (Sad yet amazing). Only issue is that as a tourist you are charged R215 where as locals pay R50. The ticket does give you access to penguin beach where you might get an opportunity to swim/paddle with penguins.

Simon Bradford

Google

We saw penguins! A wonderful beach, clean well populated, very busy on this Sunday lunchtime, especially as it was really warm and people were enjoying the sand sun and having picnics on the beach. I managed to find a really good coffee shop heading away in the schooland I enjoyed a coffee, some water and an ice cream! My wife explored further on and found some wonderful penguins who were incredibly friendly.

Bluedolfins 10

Google

Builders Beach in Fish Hoek, Cape Town, is a summer paradise! This stunning beach is nestled in a picturesque cove, surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters. As you soak up the sun on the soft white sand, you'll be treated to a unique and unforgettable experience - the charming African penguins! These adorable creatures roam freely along the beach, adding to the area's natural charm. The beach itself is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, while the nearby promenade offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or an action-packed adventure, Builders Beach has something for everyone. Tips: - Be sure to visit during low tide to explore the tidal pools and spot the penguins up close. - Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales, which can often be spotted from the shore. - Don't miss the stunning sunsets, which paint the sky with hues of pink, orange, and purple. Builders Beach is a must-visit destination in Cape Town, offering an unforgettable summer experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

M Petersen

Google

Wonderful experience to observe penguins from a raised boardwalk so that we did not disturb them! Lots of signage explaining their behaviour and characteristics. Some huts were created to protect the eggs and parents from predators. The penguins were moulting when we visited so only a few were swimming. They get too cold swimming when they lose their feathers. Very educational experience. Money to enter park goes to keeping the penguins safe and educating the public. Dont hesitate to go!

Scott D (Rowingchamp79)

Google

A must visit. The beaches are stunning and the water is inviting. But of course you don’t go there for that… you go for the penguins. A few things: 1) if you buy a ticket, it gets you into both the beach area and the observation area. You don’t pay twice. 2) wild card holders get in for reduced rates or free. 3) the African penguins found here are becoming endangered so support the gift shop and the conservation efforts. (Buy a cute toy) 4) if you go to the beach you will see penguins sleeping and waddling. Be respectful and keep your distance. I don’t want to sound preachy because it’s not my business, but respect the nature. Enjoy 😍

Andreas

Google

What a wonderful experience to visit Boulders Beach. The area has two platforms where you can see the penguins at the beach. When you walk out to this platforms there are big chances that you will see penguins near the path. When I visited there was no line buying a ticket but a lot of people inside the area. But it didn’t feel cramped, except in the souvenir store where it was challenging to move around. If you are visiting the area I would recommend going here for an hour or so.

Tej Naik

Google

We enjoyed seeing all the penguins sun bathing and swimming in the ocean. Flocks of tourists so it’s hard to get really good pictures unless you wait. There’s restrooms and gift shop afte you pay the entrance fee to get in.

pegah esmaili

Google

Boulders Beach, located along Simon's Town's picturesque coastline in Cape Town, South Africa, is absolutely remarkable. This lovely stretch of beach is known for its remarkable residents, who include a healthy colony of African penguins. Boulders Beach, which is protected as part of Table Mountain National Park, provides a unique opportunity to see these cute critters in their native habitat. The beach gets its name from the large granite boulders that border the shoreline, forming a series of protected bays. These rocky outcrops provide perfect nesting places for African penguins, who have lived on Boulders Beach for millennia. Visitors may walk along wooden boardwalks and watch these fun birds waddle down the beach, dive into the freezing waters, and care for their eggs in their burrows. Boulders Beach's tranquil, turquoise waters are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in addition to being a home for penguins. The mix of craggy shoreline, lively penguins, and crystal-clear seas creates an enchanting ambiance.