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.
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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.
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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.
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