A Visit to Simon’s Town and the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Boulders Beach is a small, sheltered spot with inlets between big granite boulders, which is where it gets its name.
It’s a really popular place because there’s a colony of African penguins living there. They’re native to the area and unfortunately critically endangered, so it’s pretty special to see them up close.
Blue Planet Travellers
Penguins enjoying the sunshine on the boulders at the beach.
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Viewing the penguins from one of the lookout points
The beach is part of Table Mountain National Park and is located on the Cape Peninsula, in Simon’s Town, about a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. It’s kind of in between Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope, so we decided to visit both on the same day.
Apparently, the best time to see more penguins is between March and May, but we went in late August and still saw a few.
If you are not driving, this is not an issue, as most tours to Cape of Good Hope take you to Simon’s Town penguin colony. Just be sure to confirm this in advance.
There were two main viewpoints to see the penguins, both offering great visibility. The beach itself, the boardwalks, and the viewing areas were all really well maintained. We spent about an hour just watching the penguins waddling around, making noise, fighting over who gets the best rock, and jumping into the water.
It was a nice, laid-back stop before heading down to Cape of Good Hope and not to be missed.
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Penguins relaxing on the shore.
The tickets to Penguin Colony at Boulders beach can be bought at South Africa National Parks official website or can be bought in person at the entrance. The tickets for international travellers cost about R255 per adult and they do accept credit cards.
Where We Stayed: Camps Bay
We chose to stay in Camps Bay, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better spot. Whether you stay in a hotel or a guesthouse, you’re almost always guaranteed stunning ocean views.
We stayed at 3 On Camps Bay in Camps Bay, Cape Town. The location close to the beach which made it easy to enjoy the ocean views and local cafés, and it was the perfect base for both relaxing and exploring the city.
If this hotel is fully booked or not the right fit, you can also check other hotels in Camps Bay to find something that suits your travel style and budget.
Prices can change quickly depending on season and dates, so it’s worth checking availability for your travel plans.
Tours We Recommend in Cape Town
Make the most of your Cape Town adventure with these unforgettable experiences:
- Table Mountain Hike or Cable Car Experience
See Cape Town from above with a scenic hike or the cable car, offering panoramic views of the city, beaches, and harbor.- Cape Peninsula & Cape Point Tour
Drive along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak, visit Cape Point, and enjoy stunning ocean views along the peninsula.- Simon’s Town & Boulders Beach Penguins
Meet the charming African penguins up close at Boulders Beach and explore the historic seaside town of Simon’s Town.- Optional Wine & Winelands Tours
Combine a half-day trip to nearby Stellenbosch or Constantia for wine tasting and local cuisine.These tours can easily be added to your 4-day Cape Town itinerary or enjoyed as stand-alone experiences.
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