Does spending your day at a beach filled with penguins sound like something that excites you? Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, we’ve got the perfect destination for you!
The penguins sure know how to attract crowds from all over the globe. Boulders Beach in Cape Town is known as the Penguin Sanctuary and it’s home to thousands of endangered land-based African penguins.
Boulders Beach received its name from the ancient granite boulders that protect the beach from strong winds and large waves, making it the perfect serene spot for swimming in the Indian Ocean. Rest assured that this beach will always be kept clean and safe, as it is fenced and declared a national park, managed under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. It is the ideal environment for the adorable penguins to thrive and lead happy lives.
Now, these penguins may be cute, but their beaks are VERY sharp! Please do not touch or feed them. Rather, follow the long boardwalk on your visit. You will also spot dassies nesting among the bushes. Making it a pleasant walk across the beach, leading you to the information centre. You will find knowledgeable guides sharing insights about the penguins.
A few important things to remember: no smoking or consumption of alcohol is allowed, and the parking spots are limited, so arrive early enough to secure your spot. Try visiting during low tide, it will grant you more beach access. Please leave your canoes and kayaks at home. This area is within the Marine Protected Area meaning that no marine life may be removed.
When to visit: You can plan your visit throughout the whole year, however, Summer is our favourite season with plenty of penguins and splendid weather for a refreshing ocean swim. In Spring, the birds head out to sea for feeding and fewer penguins are spotted on the beach. The best time to visit is in January when the younger penguins start shedding their feathers and enjoying the sandy beach, especially during the early mornings or late afternoons.
Prices: Spending your day at this beach paradise will come at a small price, which is a conservation fee charged to access the beach. Your contribution helps boost the penguin conservation efforts through South African National Parks (SANParks). (Please note that these fees are valid until the 31st of October 2023 and here are the opening times) For South African Citizens and Residents with SA ID, SA driver’s licenses, and SA Passport: Adult – R44.00 per day / Child – R22.00 per day. For International Visitors: Adult – R176.00 per day / Child – R88.00 per day.
There is a wide range of restaurants and accommodations near Boulders Beach. Here are a few:
Boulders Beach Hotel offers spacious rooms with great views.
Google 4.1/5 | Tripadvisor 4 / 5
Penguins View Guesthouse is a self-catering accommodation within a 3-minute walk from the beach. Most of their guests rave about their magnificent views!
Google 4,5/5 | Tripadvisor 5/5
Seaforth Restaurant has a selection of fresh seafood and salads to choose from their menu. You will surely be entertained by the gorgeous views of the mountains, sea, and penguins.
Google 4.2/5 | Tripadvisor 4/5
Penguin Beach Ice Cream Shop is a small local ice cream shop close to Boulders Beach. You cannot leave without trying a sugar cone ice cream with one of the multiple flavours they have! They also offer light lunches and drink refreshments.
Google 4,7/5
Boulders Beach is indeed a very special place, as it is the only place in the world where you can get close to these African penguins. Come and enjoy a day filled with penguins and beachfront bliss, you won’t regret it!
