Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is a set of small, sheltered coves between huge granite boulders on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, in Simon’s Town. It is famous for its African penguins: the colony started with two breeding pairs in 1982 and has grown to around 3,000 birds. It is part of Table Mountain National Park, and for most visitors to Cape Town it is the easiest place to see penguins up close.

What to expect

The site has two parts covered by one ticket. At Foxy Beach, raised boardwalks take you over the dunes to within a few metres of the main nesting area. Boulders Beach itself is a swimming cove where penguins sometimes come ashore among the bathers. The granite boulders that shelter the coves are around 540 million years old. Penguins are present all year. Chicks are most likely between February and August, and breeding activity peaks from around August to November.

Practical details

• Location: just outside Simon’s Town, on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula. Published distances from central Cape Town vary.
• By car it takes around 45 minutes to an hour from the city, via Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek.
• MetroRail trains run from Cape Town to Simon’s Town in just over an hour, with the line hugging the shore after Fish Hoek.
• Opening hours change with the season, longer in summer and shorter in winter. Check SANParks before you go.
• Entry is paid, with lower rates for South African residents.

Good to know

Arrive early in the morning, when conditions are usually best for viewing. Never touch, chase or feed the penguins. They are wild, endangered and have sharp beaks. Stay on the boardwalks and paths. Smaller numbers of penguins can also be seen for free at neighbouring Seaforth Beach. Combine the visit with Cape Point further south for a full peninsula day.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Private Tours Cape Town.