Boulders Beach
Simon's Town, Cape Peninsula, South Africa
A sheltered cove inside Table Mountain National Park where over 3,000 African penguins live among granite boulders — one of the world's most extraordinary family beach experiences.
Simon's Town, Cape Peninsula, South Africa
A sheltered cove inside Table Mountain National Park where over 3,000 African penguins live among granite boulders — one of the world's most extraordinary family beach experiences.
Location
Simon's Town, Cape Peninsula
Best For
Families, Penguin Colony, Snorkeling
Water Temp
15–18°C (sheltered, calmer than open Atlantic)
Best Season
Year-round; penguins always present
Entry Fee
NP Conservation Fee (adults/children)
Facilities
Boardwalk, Café, Toilets, Visitor Centre
Boulders Beach is one of the most extraordinary natural encounters on earth — a small sheltered cove within Table Mountain National Park where a colony of over 3,000 African (jackass) penguins has nested since 1982. The penguins are completely habituated to humans and waddle freely across the beach, nest in burrows among the granite boulders, and swim in the same sheltered coves as visitors, creating an experience unlike anywhere else in Africa. The colony arrived naturally and has grown from just two breeding pairs to become one of the largest on the continent.
The beach itself is a classic Cape Peninsula scene — enormous smooth granite boulders create a series of small, calm, sand-floored coves protected from the open Atlantic. The water at Boulders is noticeably calmer and slightly warmer than the exposed beaches further north, making it pleasant for swimming and especially good for snorkelling. The underwater world around the boulders is teeming with fish, kelp, and the occasional penguin darting past at extraordinary speed — the contrast between their comical land-walking and their underwater agility is remarkable. Fins and a mask are well worth bringing.
Access to Boulders Beach is managed by SANParks and a conservation entry fee is charged. The well-maintained boardwalk system allows excellent penguin viewing without disturbing the nesting sites, and the on-site café serves refreshments. Simon's Town, a 5-minute walk away, is a charming Victorian naval town with excellent cafés, restaurants, and a fascinating naval museum — combine the two for a full day trip from Cape Town. It's worth arriving at or shortly after opening time (early morning) to see the penguins at their most active before the tour groups arrive.
Simon's Town is 40 km south of Cape Town city centre — about 1 hour by car. The most scenic option is to take the Southern Line train from Cape Town Station to Simon's Town (about 1 hour) — one of Africa's great scenic rail journeys along the False Bay shoreline — then walk or take a short taxi to Boulders. If driving, follow the M4 coastal route through Fish Hoek and Simon's Town. Paid parking is available at the NP entrance.
Boulders Beach is excellent year-round as the penguins are always there. The peak breeding season (October–February) is the busiest period when chicks can be seen. Summer (November–April) offers the best swimming conditions. Arrive at opening time (8 am) on weekdays in the shoulder season for the quietest experience. School holidays and weekends in summer are extremely busy — pre-book or arrive very early.
Don't approach penguins too closely — they can bite and scratch! The boardwalk keeps a safe, respectful distance. Bring your own snorkelling gear if you want to swim with the penguins — the water is clearer earlier in the day. Combine with a visit to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope (both within Table Mountain National Park) for a full Cape Peninsula day trip. Buy a wildcard pass if you plan multiple NP visits.