Boulders Beach Penguins — African Penguin Colony near Cape Town

Boulders Beach is a colony of around 2,000 African penguins — also called jackass penguins for the braying call they produce — living on and around a small beach between granite boulders in False Bay, near Simon’s Town.

The penguins arrived here in 1982 when two breeding pairs settled on the beach. The colony has grown steadily since, and the boardwalks, fencing, and entry system were introduced to protect both the penguins and the beach. Unlike many wildlife experiences in South Africa, this one requires no 4x4, no early alarm, and no safari-level budget. It’s 40 minutes from Cape Town and completely accessible.

What to Expect

Entry to the beach area goes through a SANParks pay point on Boulders Place (the road parallel to the beach). Cost: R220 per adult, R110 for children 2–11. It’s cashless — card only.

From the pay point, a boardwalk leads through the fynbos to two beaches: Foxy Beach and the main Boulders Beach. Foxy Beach has a viewing platform over the main nesting area — penguins nest under scrubby bushes, in burrows, and occasionally in the open. The main beach (Boulders Beach) is where you share the sand with the penguins — no fences between you and them. They’re remarkably indifferent to people at close range. You are asked not to touch or approach them, which is the right call — they have sharp beaks and do bite.

The penguins swim regularly from the beach and return. On a good morning you’ll see them porpoising in the bay in groups of 10–20, preening on rocks, and waddling between the boulders.

African Penguins

African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are the only penguin species native to South Africa. They’re smaller than the Antarctic penguins most people picture — around 40–50 cm tall, with distinctive black and white colouring and a black stripe and spots on the chest. The spots are unique to each individual, like a fingerprint.

The species is endangered and declining on the broader South African coast due to overfishing of anchovy and sardine (their primary food source). The Boulders colony is one of the healthier populations, protected by its location within the national park.

Breeding season peaks February–March, when eggs are laid and chicks hatch. Chick fledgling happens June–November. The moulting period (around January–February) leaves adult penguins temporarily flightless (not that they fly) and looking dishevelled — interesting but not their best look.

Getting There

By car or Uber: Boulders Beach is 40 km south of Cape Town city centre via the M3 and M65 (the False Bay coastal road). The drive is scenic — the route passes through Simon’s Town on the coast. Parking at Boulders (R30) exists but fills up in peak season. An Uber from the City Bowl costs around R300–400.

By train: The Southern Line commuter train runs from Cape Town central station to Simon’s Town. Trains run hourly. From Simon’s Town station, Boulders Beach is 2 km south — a 25–30 minute walk or a short taxi ride. The train is used by commuters and backpackers; keep your belongings secure. Journey time from Cape Town: 1 hour.

The Boulders stop is on the Cape Peninsula day trip route — most people combine it with Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak, and Hout Bay in a full-day circuit.

Practical Tips

• Go early: The beach opens at 07:00 (summer) and the penguins are most active in the morning. By 11:00 in peak season, the beach is crowded and parking is difficult.
• Sunscreen: The False Bay sun is strong even in winter.
• Give penguins space: Don’t block their path between the beach and the fynbos. They will bite if they feel cornered. Give way.
• Photography: Excellent opportunities. Morning light is better from the Foxy Beach boardwalk (which faces east). Afternoon light works better on the main beach.
• Water: Bring your own — no facilities on the beach itself, though there are toilets and a small kiosk near the entry point.