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African penguins at Boulders Beach

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Last updated: 30 March, 2024

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.

Logistics

Price from: £8
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Cape Town

Discover the African Penguins in their natural habitat on a half day tour to Boulders Beach. You will explore, admire, and laze around on the beach, while surrounded by these friendly seabirds and visit a selection of stunning viewpoints. you can spend time swimming as well as sunbathing with our waddling friends.

Price ZAR 640

Min age 1

Rating 4.87 / 5 [214 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Discover the famed corner of Africa in the best comfort of a private vehicle and a well spoken guide. You shall leave no stone unturned. Explore the affectionately known Republic of Hout bay town and other similarly quaint towns along the peninsular of Cape town. Try some of the best roasted coffee at The Village roast company before you go on to explore every square inch of the Cape of good hope national park. Meet the African penguins at Boulders beach in Simon's town on your way back to Cape town via Muizenberg beach to complete an eventful tour.

Price ZAR 2,300

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Rating 4.96 / 5 [185 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Cape Town has one of the most scenic drives in the world! Enjoy the breath-taking views as we give you a local’s perspective of the must-see locations that our beautiful Cape Coastline has to offer! Experience a unique version of a Peninsula Tour as we take our guests to some of Cape Towns' bucket-list locations as well as a few of the best hidden gems that this route has to offer! Join our Peninsula road-trip and let the ‘locals’ show you how to travel the Cape the right way. Our goal is to create a 'road trip with new friends atmosphere'. Highlights: - St. James beach and the colourful houses (photo opportunity) - Kalk Bay (local fish and chips) - Boulders Beach penguin colony (viewing deck and beach walk) - Cape Point hike (lighthouse and cliff lookout) - Cape of Good Hope (picnic & local craft beer tasting) - Chapmans Peak Drive & viewpoint (sundowners - local gin and tonic tasting) Please note: This tour will only commence if 3 or more guests have booked.

Price ZAR 2,300

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Rating 4.82 / 5 [90 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Embark on an unforgettable journey and discover the iconic landmarks of Cape Town on our shared Cape Point, Penguins & Chapman's Peak Tour from Cape Town. This jam-packed day trip lets you experience the natural wonders, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery that the Cape Peninsula has to offer.

Price ZAR 620

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Rating 4.92 / 5 [79 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Explore the beautiful Cape Peninsula on this sightseeing private tour from Cape Town. Ideal for families with young children, couples or group of friends that want a more relaxed and flexible experience. With your own private and professional local guide, travel to Hout Bay and enjoy free time to wander independently or see the seals on Duiker Island. Then, cruise along Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope. Along the way, stop at Cape Point to admire the jagged scenery and wander amid the fynbos. Visit Boulders Beach, where you can get up close to African penguins.

Price ZAR 4,100

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [13 ratings]

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