Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach, located in Simon’s Town along False Bay, is home to a famous land-based colony of endangered African penguins. Surrounded by massive 540-million-year-old granite boulders, sheltered coves, and clear waters, it offers a rare opportunity to observe wildlife at close range in a protected national park environment.

Why visit Boulders Beach?

Managed by SANParks as part of Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach provides safe, non-intrusive penguin viewing via raised wooden boardwalks at Foxy Beach, as well as a family-friendly sheltered beach for swimming.

What to see and do

• Walk the Foxy Beach boardwalks: View hundreds of African penguins nesting, preening, and waddling along the shore from accessible raised platforms.
• Swim at Boulders Beach: Enjoy calm, sheltered ocean water protected from wind and currents by large granite boulders.
• Learn about penguin conservation: Discover the history of the colony—which grew from just two breeding pairs in 1982—and current protection efforts by SANParks and SANCCOB.
• Explore nearby Seaforth Beach: Visit adjacent public beach areas and coastal walking paths connecting toward Simon’s Town.

How long should you allow?

Allow 1.5 to 3 hours for boardwalk viewing, photography, and a beach pause. It pairs perfectly with a full-day Peninsula itinerary including Cape Point and Simon’s Town.

Weather and timing

Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for penguin activity as birds leave or return from feeding at sea. Morning visits also offer easier parking and quieter boardwalks before tour buses arrive.

Build it into a Peninsula route

Boulders Beach is located midway down the Peninsula route, making it an ideal mid-morning stop between Simon’s Town and Cape Point, or on the return leg via Kalk Bay.

Planning notes

• SANParks conservation fees apply at the entry gate; Wild Cards are accepted.
• Do not touch, feed, or corner penguins; their beak bites can cause severe injury.
• Parking near the main entrance is limited; arrive early or use designated municipal parking areas in Simon’s Town.

Sources and further reading

• SANParks Official Conservation Tariffs
• Cape Town Tourism Boulders Beach Guide
• South African Tourism Penguin Context
• Visitor Planning Discussion on Boulders Beach
• Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, public domain