Travel bucket list idea:
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Most visitors on the way to Cape Point stop off to see the heart-warming penguin colony at Boulders Beach – a 2,500-strong African Penguin breeding colony, one of the largest in the world. These charismatic critters that will charm adults and kids alike.
A number of operators also offer kayak tours to see the colony – without the crowds. Tours will take you past the breeding area and around to Boulders Beach.
Also stop by the adjoining boulder-strewn Seaforth Beach, which boasts picturesque, family-friendly coves where the penguins often swim freely with bathers in the sheltered water. In winter, there are also seals and whales. In summer, there’s snorkelling.
It’s an easy, scenic 45-minute drive from the city along the M3 towards Muizenberg, and then along Boyes Drive. The turning to Boulders Beach is well signposted, once through Simonstown and past the naval base. Parking is at the foot of the hill next to the sea. Day tours are widely available, but it’s just as easy to self-drive independently (as part of a day trip to Cape Point) if you have a car.
The penguin colony and beach are accessible all year round, seven days a week, but the gates open and close at usual business hours. The beach gets very crowded on weekends and public holidays. If you can, go on weekdays and/or out of school holidays.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Cape Town
Price ZAR 640
Min age 1
Rating 4.87 / 5 [241 ratings]
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Cape Town
Price ZAR 2,300
Min age 0
Rating 4.95 / 5 [220 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cape Town
Price ZAR 4,100
Min age 0
Rating 4.92 / 5 [13 ratings]
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