OFFICIAL 2026 VISITOR GUIDE

Boulders Beach Penguins

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

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LOCAL EXPERT INSIGHTS

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.

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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)

POINTS OF INTEREST

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.

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🏊

Boulders Beach Cove

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

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🏖️

Seaforth Beach & Tidal Pool

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

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🚣

Windmill Beach

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

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🏛️

Simon's Town Historic Mile

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

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🌅

Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope

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

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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.

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

Foxy Beach Boardwalk & Sanctuary Protection

Winding elevated boardwalks allow visitors to experience close encounters with breeding pairs of African Penguins while protecting their fragile dune nesting habitat. Massive ancient granite boulders form natural sheltered micro-climates along the beach, offering peaceful sanctuaries for wildlife observation and swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Swimming is permitted at Boulders Beach proper. Visitors can wade into calm, sheltered cove waters alongside 540-million-year-old granite boulders where wild African Penguins frequently swim past.

International adult entry costs R245 ZAR (~ USD), while international children (ages 2-11) pay R120 ZAR (~ USD). South African residents pay R55 ZAR upon presenting a valid RSA ID card or passport.

No. SANParks turnstiles enforce a mandatory cashless policy at all entrance gates. Transactions strictly require Visa, Mastercard, or debit cards.

Early morning (07:00 – 09:00 AM) and late afternoon (after 16:00 PM) are ideal. Penguins are most active as they leave or return from sea fishing, and crowd levels are significantly lower than midday.

Boulders Beach is located in Simon's Town, approximately 40 km (25 miles) south of Cape Town CBD. Driving takes about 45 to 60 minutes via the scenic M4 coastal road or M3 highway.

No. Touching or feeding penguins is strictly prohibited by law to protect this endangered species. African Penguins have powerful, sharp beaks that can deliver painful bites. Visitors must maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters.

Yes. The elevated wooden boardwalks leading to the main Foxy Beach viewing platforms are fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, equipped with gentle ramp gradients from the Kleintuin Road entrance.

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.