At Boulders Beach, get ready to capture that perfect penguin photograph as members of the large, African penguin colony that inhabit these sands waddle their way to and from the ocean. Few places in the world offer such intimate encounters with these creatures. With safe swimming and stunning scenery on offer as well, Boulders Beach is well worth the 25-mile (40-kilometer) trip from Cape Town. The penguin colony here began in 1983, from just two breeding pairs. Now, more than 2,000 penguins call this area home. Three boardwalks offer great views into their favorite spots on the beach. For the best views, follow the boardwalk through the dense bush and over the sand dunes towards Foxy Bay, where most of the birds congregate. While the colony is fenced off, you are more than close enough to look the birds in the eye. Once you’ve viewed the penguins, make your way back to Boulders Beach to enjoy a day in the sun. The large, shapely formations of the granite rocks for which the beach is named provide ample shade and the sparkling waters are safe for swimming. Being on the Indian Ocean side of the cape, the water is also much warmer than many of the other Cape Town beaches. Rangers patrol the beach daily.While the penguins are unquestionably the main attraction, the waters around this beach teem with life. Keep an eye out for whales, seals and dolphins as you enjoy your afternoon in the sun.Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park, and there is a small charge to enter. However, the park’s stewardship means that guided tours, as well as kayak and boating trips, are offered. Ask for details at the information center on entry if you are interested. Boulders Beach is located 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from Simon’s Town, which is the last stop on the Southern railway line from Cape Town. The beach is open daily year-round, with longer hours during summer.
Boulders Beach Tours
Visit Boulders Beach
Plan a trip to see Boulders Beach
Browse tours and tickets to explore Boulders Beach
Tours & day trips
See all 77 activitiesOpens in new tabCape Town Shore Tour: Table Mountain, Penguin & Cape Point
History & culture
See all 19 activitiesOpens in new tabBest of Cape Town Cape Point and Wineries Combined Private Tour
Water activities
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabCoasteering in Simons Town
Adventure & outdoor
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabSea Kayak and Cape Point Private Tour from Cape Town
Reviews of Boulders Beach
4/5 - Good
You can see the Penguins without entering the NP by going to the parking lot on the beach just to the south. Save you entry money for the Cape Point National Park which was magnificent.
4/5 - Good
Penguins are super-adorable. But notice entrance is expensive. Go to Betty's bay, same penguins, less crowded, less than half the price.
5/5 - Excellent
A must see! Don’t pet the penguins! You will regret it.
5/5 - Excellent
The boardwalk offers an excellent view of the penguin areas but protects the Penguins.
5/5 - Excellent
Stay at the Boulders Beach Lodge
5/5 - Excellent
It was very crowded at Boulder Beach, so I just entered, took photos and exited the area. Lol!
Popular places to visit
Foxy Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Foxy Beach during your trip to Cape Town? Wander the seaside and beaches in the area.
Fish Hoek Beach
Visit this attractive beach on Cape Town’s False Bay to enjoy safe swimming, shark cage diving, whale watching and beautiful mountain scenery.
Kalk Bay Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Kalk Bay Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Cape Town. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Simon's Town Country Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Cape Town at Simon's Town Country Club. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.
Boulders Penguin Colony
You can take time to visit Boulders Penguin Colony during your travels to Cape Town. Wander the seaside and beaches in the area.
Water's Edge Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Water's Edge Beach during your trip to Cape Town? Wander the seaside and beaches in the area.
Best Lodging Options Near Boulders Beach
Check availability on hotels close to Boulders Beach
- Vacations and getaways similar to Boulders Beach
- Other Hotels near Boulders Beach, Simon's Town
- Hotels near popular Cape Town Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Boulders Beach
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Camps Bay Beach
- Robben Island
- Cape Town Cruise Terminal
- Table Mountain
- Cape Town Stadium
- Cape Town International Convention Centre
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Cape of Good Hope
- Long Street
- Bloubergstrand Beach
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
- Stellenbosch University
- Clifton Bay Beach
- Chapmans Peak
- Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Blueline Villa
- Dunearn Simon's Town
- Boulders Beach Villa
- Spend the winter in the Cape of Good Hope
- Whale View Manor Guesthouse
- Magellan’s Hotel in Simons Town, Cape Town is a modern furnished Guest House.
- Mariner Guesthouse
- Cheriton Guest House Bed & Breakfast
- The Grosvenor Guest House
- Oceans Drift Guest House - Adults Only
- Seabreeze Luxury Two Bedroom Penthouse
- Port Of Call
- Hotels near Cape of Good Hope
- Hotels near Chapmans Peak
- Hotels near Cape Point
- Hotels near Muizenberg Beach
- Hotels near Groot Constantia Winery
- Hotels near Hout Bay Beach
- Hotels near Table Mountain National Park
- Hotels near Fish Hoek Beach
- Hotels near Noordhoek Beach
- Hotels near US Consulate General
- Hotels near Steenberg Vineyards
- Hotels near Steenberg Wine Estate
- Hotels near Kalk Bay Beach
- Hotels near Bay Harbour Market
- Hotels near Long Beach
- Hotels near Scarborough Beach
- Hotels near Kalk Bay Harbour
- Hotels near Cape Point Vineyards
- Hotels near Constantia Village
- Hotels near Simon's Town Museum