Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

The African penguin colony at Boulders started with just two breeding pairs in 1982, and it has grown into one of the best places anywhere to see this endangered species at close range. The colony sits on the edge of Simon's Town on the False Bay coast, among sheltered coves and huge granite boulders that protect the beaches from wind and waves. It is managed as part of Table Mountain National Park.

There are two main ways to see the penguins. Boardwalks run above Foxy Beach, where the birds nest in the dunes and vegetation and gather on the sand in large numbers, and viewing platforms give clear sightlines without disturbing them. Nearby Boulders Beach is a small swimming beach where you can sit on the sand or swim in calm, clear water among the rocks, sometimes with penguins wandering past.

African penguins are protected, and their numbers have fallen sharply in recent decades, so treat them with care. Keep a respectful distance, never touch or feed them, and remember that they can bite if they feel threatened. Stay on the boardwalks in the nesting areas and keep children close. An entry fee applies, payable at the entrance.

Boulders is about 45 minutes to an hour from the city centre by car, depending on traffic, or you can take the Southern Line train to Simon's Town and walk or take a short taxi ride. The best time to visit is early in the morning, before tour groups arrive, when the light is softer and the penguins are active. Allow about an hour for the boardwalks, and more if you plan to swim.

Most people combine Boulders with Cape Point on a day trip around the peninsula, often stopping in Kalk Bay or Muizenberg on the way. Simon's Town itself is worth a short stroll, with its naval history, harbour and main street of cafés and shops. Bring sun protection, as there is little shade on the beaches. Weekends and school holidays draw large crowds, so a weekday visit is usually calmer. Pack a towel and swimming things in warm weather, as the sheltered water at Boulders Beach is calmer than at many Atlantic beaches, although it is still cool by most standards.