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African penguins at Boulders Beach

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

  • Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 30 March, 2024

Most visitors on the way to Cape Point stop off to see the heart-warming penguin colony at Boulders Beach – a 2,500-strong African Penguin breeding colony, one of the largest in the world. These charismatic critters that will charm adults and kids alike.

A number of operators also offer kayak tours to see the colony – without the crowds. Tours will take you past the breeding area and around to Boulders Beach.

Also stop by the adjoining boulder-strewn Seaforth Beach, which boasts picturesque, family-friendly coves where the penguins often swim freely with bathers in the sheltered water. In winter, there are also seals and whales. In summer, there’s snorkelling.

Logistics

Price from: £8
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s an easy, scenic 45-minute drive from the city along the M3 towards Muizenberg, and then along Boyes Drive. The turning to Boulders Beach is well signposted, once through Simonstown and past the naval base. Parking is at the foot of the hill next to the sea. Day tours are widely available, but it’s just as easy to self-drive independently (as part of a day trip to Cape Point) if you have a car.

When to do it

The penguin colony and beach are accessible all year round, seven days a week, but the gates open and close at usual business hours. The beach gets very crowded on weekends and public holidays. If you can, go on weekdays and/or out of school holidays.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Penguin Encounter Boulders Beach Half Tour Day from Cape Town

  • Cape Town

Penguin Encounter Boulders Beach Half Tour Day from Cape Town

Viator

Discover the African Penguins in their natural habitat on a half day tour to Boulders Beach. You will explore, admire, and laze around on the beach, while surrounded by these friendly seabirds and visit a selection of stunning viewpoints. you can spend time swimming as well as sunbathing with our waddling friends.

Price ZAR 640

Min age 1

Rating 4.88 / 5 [162 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope & Boulders beach Penguin colony

  • Cape Town

Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope & Boulders beach Penguin colony

Viator

Discover the famed corner of Africa in the best comfort of a private vehicle and a well spoken guide. You shall leave no stone unturned. Explore the affectionately known Republic of Hout bay town and other similarly quaint towns along the peninsular of Cape town. Try some of the best roasted coffee at The Village roast company before you go on to explore every square inch of the Cape of good hope national park. Meet the African penguins at Boulders beach in Simon's town on your way back to Cape town via Muizenberg beach to complete an eventful tour.

Price ZAR 2,200

Min age 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [156 ratings]

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Journey to CapePoint&BoulderBeach:Exploring theMajesticPeninsula

  • Cape Town

Journey to CapePoint&BoulderBeach:Exploring theMajesticPeninsula

Viator

Meet new friends when joining us on a small group tour to the romantic rendez-vous of the mighty Oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian at the Cape of Good Hope. Follow this up with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to come within meters of the endangered African Penguins at Boulders Beach, Baboons, Elands at Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This tour is perfect for solo-travellers who want to explore in a safe environment. Enjoy the sights with an experience Tour Guide who is eager to answer your questions and make sure you have an experience you will never forget.

Price ZAR 834

Min age 3

Rating 4.93 / 5 [76 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Peninsula Roadtrip: Boulders Beach & Cape Point

  • Cape Town

Peninsula Roadtrip: Boulders Beach & Cape Point

Viator

Cape Town has one of the most scenic drives in the world! Enjoy the breath-taking views as we give you a local’s perspective of the must-see locations that our beautiful Cape Coastline has to offer! Experience a unique version of a Peninsula Tour as we take our guests to some of Cape Towns' bucket-list locations as well as a few of the best hidden gems that this route has to offer! Join our Peninsula road-trip and let the ‘locals’ show you how to travel the Cape the right way. Our goal is to create a 'road trip with new friends atmosphere'. Highlights: - St. James beach and the colourful houses (photo opportunity) - Kalk Bay (local fish and chips) - Boulders Beach penguin colony (viewing deck and beach walk) - Cape Point hike (lighthouse and cliff lookout) - Cape of Good Hope (picnic & local craft beer tasting) - Chapmans Peak Drive & viewpoint (sundowners - local gin and tonic tasting) Please note: This tour will only commence if 3 or more guests have booked.

Price ZAR 2,300

Min age 18

Rating 4.78 / 5 [76 ratings]

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1 day Cape Peninsula and Boulders Tour with Private Transfers

  • Cape Town

1 day Cape Peninsula and Boulders Tour with Private Transfers

Viator

Explore the beautiful Cape Peninsula on this sightseeing private tour from Cape Town. Ideal for families with young children, couples or group of friends that want a more relaxed and flexible experience. With your own private and professional local guide, travel to Hout Bay and enjoy free time to wander independently or see the seals on Duiker Island. Then, cruise along Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope. Along the way, stop at Cape Point to admire the jagged scenery and wander amid the fynbos. Visit Boulders Beach, where you can get up close to African penguins.

Price ZAR 4,100

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [13 ratings]

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

  • Western Cape, South Africa

Aerial view of the whole city at dusk

Destination guide

A vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art scene, golden beaches world-class wine regions and outstanding gastronomy. All in the shadows of the mighty Table Mountain.