Boulders Beach

Advance planning can make a trip to Boulders Beach far easier and more enjoyable. While the landmark welcomes visitors year-round, seasonal changes alter the crowd levels and penguin activity. Ticketed entry keeps the area safe for both birds and people, but busy days often see lines and limited parking. The town of Simon’s Town, a short walk from the beach, serves as the practical hub for transport, snacks, and shade.

• Best time to visit: Autumn and spring (March-May, September-November) for fewer crowds and milder weather. Early mornings are best to watch the penguins when they are most active.
• How to get there: Accessible by car (with paid parking), train (via Simon’s Town station, then taxi or walk), or guided tour from Cape Town.
• Accessibility: Boardwalks and ramps make some areas friendly to strollers and wheelchairs, though sand sections may require assistance.
• Average visit duration: 2 to 3 hours, longer if including lunch or a swim.

Beyond postcard penguin sightings, Boulders Beach offers up-close encounters and a few unexpected gems. Wooden boardwalks lead through indigenous vegetation and vantage points reveal colonies of African penguins nesting, courting, or chasing after each other in the surf. The main swimming beach is separated from the best penguin viewing for respectful wildlife protection, while Foxy Beach provides excellent views for photography and nature study.

• Penguin Colony Viewpoint: Peer over the railings to watch hundreds of penguins in their element, just a few meters away.
• The Main Beach: Sheltered by boulders, perfect for swimming and paddling without strong currents—often with curious penguins nearby.
• Boardwalk Trails: Easy walks thread through quiet dunes, offering glimpses of nests, chicks, and native plants.
• Photo opportunities: Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the best detail on the penguins’ feathers and the granite rocks.
• Historical fact: The first African penguins arrived in the early 1980s, and the colony now supports conservation efforts across southern Africa.