Stony Point Penguin Colony
A quieter, cheaper African penguin colony on the Whale Coast at Betty's Bay — the alternative to Boulders.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
A peaceful, essential stop on the Whale Coast.
A peaceful, essential stop on the Whale Coast.
- Trip Role
- Worth a Detour
- Ideal Stay
- 45-90 minutes
- Time Needed
- 1 hour
- Best For
- Anyone driving the coastal route who'd rather skip Boulders' crowds.
- Skip If
- Those expecting the postcard setting of Boulders.
- Go If
- You're on the R44 and want penguins without the crowds.
- Worth Extra Drive
- 10 min
Why it's worth your time
Stony Point is what Boulders isn't: small, cheap, and quiet. The boardwalk runs over a breeding colony of African penguins on a rocky point at Betty's Bay, and you'll often have it largely to yourself. The setting is less photogenic than Boulders' granite boulders, but the birds are just as close and the experience is calmer. It's on the coastal route between Cape Town and Hermanus, so it costs you nothing in driving. The honest case for Stony Point over Boulders, on a busy day, is strong.
What we love
Penguins at close range without a crowd.
What to know
Smaller than Boulders and less sheltered — check the wind.
More wildlife experience in Western Cape
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Boardwalk among an African penguin colony on granite boulders — Cape Town's most accessible marine wildlife.
Cape Vulture Colony at Potberg
The last Western Cape breeding colony of Cape vultures — best viewed from the De Hoop hiking trails.
Dyer Island Marine Big 5
Whales, great whites, Cape fur seals, African penguins and dolphins around Dyer Island — the original 'Marine Big Five'.
Dyer Island Marine Reserve
Boat-based marine wildlife off Gansbaai — seals, seabirds, sharks, and whales around Dyer and Geyser Rock.
Gansbaai Great White Shark Cage Diving
Marine predator capital — cage diving with great whites and bronze whalers off Dyer Island, plus whales in season.
Hermanus Cliff Path
A 12km cliff walk where southern right whales surface meters offshore in season.