Visiting the Penguins at Boulders Beach: What You Need to Know

When traveling to South Africa, a trip from Cape Town to see the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town is a must. Here you can get up close to the cutest birds in South Africa. I have been here six times, and I have a penguin tattoo that I got in Cape Town, and I keep coming back. The adorable African penguins will steal your heart. I've written down everything you need to know for your visit.

The Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon's Town is home to a unique and endangered land colony of African penguins. Each time I visit, the colony at Boulders Beach seems to be noticeably smaller. Since 1982, this section of the beach has been part of the Table Mountain National Park. It has been expanded in recent years, although I don't understand why swimming is allowed in the new area. Another colony can be found on the way to the Garden Route at Stoney Point Nature Reserve.

These two colonies are just two of the few places in the world where you can find them. They reside along the west coast of Africa on the islands of Angola and Namibia (Angra Pequena Islands or Guano Islands), as well as in the Western Cape of South Africa. In the east, you can find them around Natal and in Mozambique. While the penguin population in Namibia is starting to recover, unfortunately, the numbers in South Africa are declining sharply.

You can reach Simon's Town from Cape Town via the M3, M64, and M4. The drive takes about 1 hour (50 km). It's best to head to the penguins early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It gets very busy during the day. Be mindful of the opening hours.

There are two parking areas: a large one at the main entrance and a smaller one behind the beach. You should definitely combine your visit with a trip to the Cape of Good Hope and the highlights of the Cape Peninsula.

Admission is cashless at Boulders. You can only pay at the entrance with debit or credit cards. Currently, the admission fee is R190 for adults. You can check prices on the official SAN Parks website (they will likely increase on November 1, 2024).

The penguins here live in a protected area. Stay on the wooden walkways, which lead to the colony from two sides, to watch these adorable, smelly birds as they waddle, splash in the water, eat, or sit on nests and incubate (depending on the season). I could watch them for hours.

The walkways were built not only to protect the penguins and maintain a safe distance but also to protect the sand and eggs from disturbances.

At the rear beach, which was recently integrated into the protective barriers and has become famous for its gigantic boulders, you can swim. Depending on the tide, there is a wonderful beach there, or everything is surrounded by water. It's ideal for families, as the massive boulders shield the cove from strong currents and high waves.

Please always remember: Do not get too close to the penguins, keep your distance, and do not feed them. Although they look cute, they can bite, as their beaks are as sharp as razors, and also, penguins can have fleas.

Unfortunately, I have to put "protected" in quotation marks. I have already seen small children throwing stones, and there was no ranger nearby. Others waved their tissues (of another nationality, I have no idea what they were trying to do other than annoy the penguin). It seems to disturb no one, and I find that concerning.

A few years ago, I met Jon, who dedicated himself to the protection of these penguins. He offered tours and educated us. For example, this part of the Table Mountain National Park helps fund other SAN Parks (National Parks in South Africa). Little money, if any, goes to the penguin protection because they are a nuisance to the locals. They stink, poop in their gardens, etc. But hold on: Who was here first? Humans or animals? Unfortunately, Jon no longer offers the tours.

Even though you are here: Visiting the National Park still helps in a way that money can be invested in the protection of animals. Don't be stingy. Thank you.

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