Most of you know about the penguins in Cape Town, as this is quite a popular attraction for tourists who visit the Mother City.
Visitors to the city can encounter these charismatic African Penguins at two must-visit spots: Boulders Beach and Stony Point Penguin Colony. Both offer unique and up-close experiences with these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy
PIN IT for later!
Boulders Beach
Nestled in the charming town of Simon’s Town, (📍) Boulders Beach is perhaps the most famous spot to see African penguins in Cape Town. The beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park and offers a stunning mix of large granite boulders, soft white sand, and calm waters. However, this beach is unique because of its colony of over 2,000 African penguins!
At Boulders Beach, you can walk along boardwalks that take you through the penguin colony without disturbing their natural behaviour. It’s an experience like no other. The viewing platforms give you a chance to observe them up close, whether they’re sunbathing on the rocks or swimming gracefully in the turquoise waters.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, as the penguins are more active during cooler parts of the day. Don’t forget to bring your camera—the photo opportunities are endless.
A real highlight at Boulders Beach is that, unlike many wildlife encounters, you can actually swim alongside the penguins. While the majority of the colony sticks to their secluded areas, some penguins venture into the public part of the beach, allowing you to share the waters with these playful birds. It’s a surreal experience to paddle in the cool Atlantic waters with a few penguins swimming nearby.
READ MORE:
Cost:
- SA Citizen and Residents – R45 Adult / R25 Child
- SADC Nationals – R95 Adult / R50 Child
- International Visitors – R190 Adult / R95 Child
If you are a South African visiting the beach, do make sure to take your ID with you as they do ask for it at the gate.
Operating hours:
Monday to Sunday from 8h00 to 17h00
Check out their website under Boulders for more information.
Stony Point Penguin Colony
While Boulders Beach gets a lot of attention, (📍) Stony Point Penguin Colony in Betty’s Bay offers a more serene and equally charming penguin-watching experience. Located about 90 minutes from Cape Town, Stony Point is one of the largest breeding colonies of African penguins in the world, with several thousand penguins calling it home.
Unlike the bustling Boulders Beach, Stony Point feels more secluded and peaceful. Here, visitors can walk along the raised boardwalks that weave through the rocky outcrops where penguins nest and relax. This colony is less crowded, making it ideal for those who want a quieter, more intimate penguin encounter. You’ll also have a better chance of seeing the penguins during their quieter, more natural behaviours like feeding their chicks or waddling along the shore.
Penguin Conservation: How You Can Help
Both Boulders Beach and Stony Point are dedicated to the conservation of the African penguin, which is classified as endangered due to declining numbers.
Visitors can support conservation efforts by following the guidelines:
- sticking to the designated paths
- respecting the penguins’ space
- not feeding or disturbing them
Entrance fees at both sites contribute directly to the ongoing protection and care of these lovable birds.
2 week itinerary for Cape Town
Cape Town is definitely a must-visit destination, and there is a reason why it is so popular among international tourists and locals. With this two-week...
READ MORE
Franschhoek Wine Tram Guide
If you only have a few days to explore the Cape Winelands, I highly suggest adding the Franschhoek Wine Tram to your list. Franschhoek is known...
READ MORE
A day trip to Cape Agulhas
Standing proudly at the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas beckons travellers with its rugged beauty in South Africa. Learn about the rich...
READ MORE
The best wine farms in the Cape Winelands
Nestled amidst rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes lies the Cape Winelands of South Africa. It is no secret that the Western Cape (in particular the...
READ MORE
Flower season in South Africa
When is flower season in South Africa? When the wildflower season blooms, the country’s landscapes transform into a vivid kaleidoscope of colours. Every year from...
READ MORE
Top things to do in Cape Town
Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a city that effortlessly combines natural beauty, cultural...
READ MORE
A day trip to Paarl, South Africa
Nestled within the picturesque Cape Winelands, you’ll find the quaint Paarl. Only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, this town seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich...
READ MORE
A day trip exploring the Cape Peninsula
Cape Town in South Africa is a city of breathtaking landscapes, rich history and a vibrant culture. One of the most spectacular ways to experience...
READ MORE
Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide
Welcome to Cape Town, one of the most captivating cities in the world! And this travel guide will provide you with insider information on everything...
READ MORE
Why you need to visit Babylonstoren
Nestled at the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains in the Cape Winelands of South Africa lies (📍) Babylonstoren. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and...
READ MORE
The best time to visit South Africa
When is the best time to visit South Africa? This is a question I get asked quite often, and my response is always, “It depends...
READ MORE
Visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve in Cape Town
A trip to Cape Town will not be complete without a stop at Cape Point Nature Reserve. Visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve (📍) is great...
READ MORE
Weekend itinerary for Cape Town
Cape Town, often called the ‘Mother City’, is a breathtaking destination with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Cape Town is the perfect...
READ MORE
The best beaches in Cape Town
Nestled along the stunning coastline of South Africa‘s Western Cape, lies Cape Town. It boasts some of the most picturesque and diverse beaches in the...
READ MORE
Cape Town 1-Week Itinerary
Cape Town, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse activities, is a dream destination for local and international travellers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast,...
READ MORE
Chapman’s Peak hike | Cape Town
Chapman’s Peak in Cape Town is known for its famous scenic drive that connects Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Although there are various viewpoints on this...
READ MORE
Lions Head hike in Cape Town, South Africa
Nestled majestically between Table Mountain and Signal Hill lies a natural gem – the Lions Head hike – that beckons adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts...
READ MORE
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve Hiking Trail
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is nestled in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley in the Cape Winelands. It beckons adventurers to explore its breathtaking landscapes and diverse...
READ MORE
Hike Table Mountain via Kasteelspoort
The Kasteelspoort Hike is nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa and is a great way to explore the majestic Table Mountain. Table...
READ MORE
Platteklip Gorge Hike up Table Mountain
Platteklip Gorge is probably one of the most iconic hiking trails up Table Mountain. Now if you ask any international tourist to name one thing...
READ MOREWant to save it for later? PIN IT!
