Boulders Beach, often nicknamed Penguin Beach, is one of South Africa’s most magical (and unexpected) wildlife encounters, as over 2,000 endangered African penguins live here!
There truly are few travel moments that feel genuinely surreal. BUT standing barefoot on a white-sand beach while African penguins waddle past you is one of them.
This needs to be on your Cape Town itinerary.
In this blog post we share everything you need to know before you go.
Looking for other unique Africa Itineraries like epic safaris OR even a safari river cruise? Check that out here!
How To Get To Penguin Beach
From Cape Town: It is about 40 minutes to an hour’s drive from downtown depending on the traffic. You can take an Uber, a Taxi or rent a car. We highly recommend an Uber in Cape Town over a taxi, that way you know the price upfront. You can also take a tour, we would recommend either this full day tour or this half day tour!
TIP: We do not recommend renting a car in Cape Town if you are not familiar with driving on the right side of a vehicle and on the left side of the road (opposite of North America). The traffic here is intense and the drivers are quite aggressive.
Stay in Simon’s Town: We chose to spend a night in Simon’s Town and we highly recommend you do the same! We stayed at Boulders Beach Hotel which shares a parking lot with the beach where you can swim with penguins (more on that below). The staff were telling us that Penguins often come up on the deck of the cafe and waddle around the hotel.
Check out the Hotel Right at Penguin Beach HEre!
Where Is The Actual Penguin Beach?
Boulders Beach is located in Simon’s Town, a coastal village about 45 minutes to an hour from Cape Town, depending on traffic. It sits within Table Mountain National Park.
It is important to know that there are two different beaches with separate entrances.
Boulders Beach entrance is where the National Park has set up wooden walking and viewing platforms, informational signage, and a gift shop. This where the colony of penguins live. However, you cannot walk along the beach and see the penguins up close here at this site.
Middle Beach is where you can potentially swim with the penguins. The colony of penguins does not live here but more often than not there are some penguins that will be waddling along the sand and swimming in the water! This beach is still under the National Park service, and the ticket from the entrance fee you paid at Boulders Beach can also be used to access this beach.
Okay So Can You Swim With the Penguins?
Technically yes BUT with important boundaries.
There are designated swimming beaches where penguins often come ashore, like Middle Beach, where you may find them swimming nearby.
However is it important to note:
- You cannot touch or feed the penguins
- You must keep a respectful distance
- Penguins have sharp beaks so admire, don’t approach
- Do not chase the penguins
- Do not walk in front of the penguins and change their direction of movement
Also important to consider:
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Do not remove rocks, shells, or sand
- Remove any trash and pick up after yourself
This type of wildlife encounter is SO unique and special, so do not be the people who ruin it for everyone else. These rules exist to protect an endangered species, so following them helps ensure future visitors can experience this place too.
Why Is It So Special?
This is one of the only places in the world where you can see African penguins up close in their natural habitat. Giant granite boulders frame the beach, the water is a vivid turquoise on calm days, and the penguins roam freely between the sand, rocks, and sea.
Best Time To Visit Boulders Beach
Time of Day
- Early morning (right when it opens) is ideal for fewer crowds and more penguins are around the beach
- Late afternoon tends to be busier and the penguins can be away from the beach hunting
Time of Year
Penguins live here year-round, so there’s no “bad time” to visit.
- Summer (November–March) brings warm weather and vibrant beach days, but also larger crowds and the wind!
- Winter (May–August) is quieter and moodier, with fewer visitors and dramatic coastal skies.
- March to May offers the highest chance of seeing chicks
- November to December is the moulting season, where penguins replace their feathers
How Much Does It Cost To Visit?
The entrance fee is currently: International adults R245 or $15 USD at the time of this post .
This is a cash-free zone so you will need to bring a Credit Card or Debit Card with you.
Final Tips Before You Go
- Arrive early if visiting during peak season
- Be patient, penguin interactions happen on their schedule
- Respect the space; the best moments come when you slow down and observe
Seeing penguins on a sun-soaked beach might not be what you expect from Africa but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
If Cape Town is on your itinerary, Penguin Beach deserves a spot right at the top!
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