Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Boulders Beach, Simon's Town

A white-sand bay among granite boulders beside Simon's Town, home to about 3,000 endangered African penguins. Wooden boardwalks offer close views, and you can swim alongside the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Boulders Beach lies south of Simon's Town on the eastern shore of the Cape Peninsula, about 40 kilometres from the city centre. It is named after the granite boulders that enclose its small bay. In 1982, two pairs of African penguins settled here. Today the colony numbers about 3,000 birds, making it one of the few places in the world where you can walk up close to penguins. It is managed by Table Mountain National Park. There are two entry points. At Foxy Beach, a wooden boardwalk leads to the main viewing area. At the end of the boardwalk, you will find a dense crowd of penguins, and the walk takes about 10 minutes. At Boulders Beach itself, you can swim in the shallow water between the boulders, and penguins will walk past you. Do not touch or feed them. A single ticket covers both entry points. Adult entry costs about ZAR 215 (2025 prices). Opening hours are 07:00 or 08:00 to 17:00, extended in summer to 18:30 or 19:30. Penguins are most active when they head out to feed at dawn and dusk. From November to January, you can see fluffy chicks during the breeding season. In January and February, adult birds gather on shore while they moult. Parking is limited. In peak season, you will queue after 10 a.m., so arrive early. On the way back from Cape Point, the crowds thin out after 4 p.m. Near Simon's Town, the Jubilee Square naval harbour has seafood restaurants where you can grab fish and chips. You can also take the Southern Line train from the city to Simon's Town station and walk 25 minutes, but train safety is a concern, so driving or taking an Uber is recommended.

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby