Last updated Jan 2024
Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town has a lot going for it: the ancient granite boulders protect it from the wind and large waves, making it an ideal swimming spot for kids. The beach is always clean and safe, because it falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. It is rarely crowded, and kids will be delighted by the stunning rockpools.
But the soft white sand and warm(ish) waters are not the only reasons why 60 000 visitors a year make their way along the coast, past Simon’s Town, to Boulders Beach. The local inhabitants – African penguins in their thousands – know how to pull the crowds.
The Penguin Colony
African Penguins used to be known as jackass penguins because of their distinctive braying, and they’re the only penguins found on the continent. Colonies can be found from southern Namibia all the way around the South African coast to Port Elizabeth, but few places offer as remarkable a viewing point as Boulders Beach.
Conservation
The penguins first came to False Bay in 1983 from Dyer Island, which is near Gansbaai. Back then, there was plenty for them to eat and the colony grew rapidly. Sadly, commercial fishing, marine pollution, and habitat destruction have taken their toll on the colony. In 1910, it was estimated that there were approximately one-and-a-half million African Penguins; a century later, the aquatic bird was classified as an endangered species. By 1982 there were only two breeding pairs remaining. Incredible conservation efforts have grown the Boulders colony to over 3,000 birds in recent years.
Where to View the Penguins
Boulders Beach is a great spot to set up camp for the day, but it isn’t actually the best area for viewing the penguins. For this, there are three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks that make their way through the dunes and dense vegetation around Foxy Beach. If you want to get up close and personal with the penguins, make your way to Foxy Beach. Just don’t get too close—–those beaks are razor sharp! At the Boulders Visitors Centre, you’ll find information about the penguins and knowledgeable guides.
When to View the Penguins
Summer is prime time to visit Boulders, and its when you’ll see the most penguin action. However, you can see the penguins throughout the year. Between September and October the birds spend much time feeding out at sea, so there are fewer penguins on the beach. For a real treat, visit in January when the juvenile birds are moulting on the beach. If you’re after snapshots, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the birds are most active.
Prices
There is a conservation fee charged to access the beach, as follows:
Adults (12+ years) | Children (2 – 11 years) | |
|---|---|---|
| South African Citizens and Residents | R45 | R25 |
| SADC Nationals | R95 | R50 |
| International (non-South African) Citizens | R190 | R95 |
Please note:
- The standard rate is automatically applied to all visitors at the gate.
- If South Africans wish to claim the local rate at the gate, they must indicate this on arrival at the gate.
- To claim the local rate South Africans must provide Proof of South African ID ,South African Divers Licence or South African Passport on arrival. This proof is accepted in original, electronic or certified paper copy.
Website: www.sanparks.org
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