Boulders Beach
A sheltered cove of granite boulders and an African penguin colony, half an hour from central Cape Town.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
The penguin colony is genuinely singular — there is nowhere else you can share a beach with them this easily. The catch is the crowds and the ticketed boardwalk; arrive at opening or in the last two hours of light.
The penguin colony is genuinely singular — there is nowhere else you can share a beach with them this easily. The catch is the crowds and the ticketed boardwalk; arrive at opening or in the last two hours of light.
- Trip Role
- Trip Anchor
- Ideal Stay
- Half day
- Time Needed
- 2-3 hours
- Best For
- Wildlife viewing
- Skip If
- Solitude seekers at midday in season — try Stony Point instead.
- Go If
- You want to see penguins in their natural habitat.
- Worth Extra Drive
- 15 min
Why it's worth your time
A sheltered cove in Simon's Town famous for its colony of African penguins. The beach is protected by massive granite boulders.
What we love
Swimming alongside the penguins.
What to know
You must pay a conservation fee to access the main beach area.
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