We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Boulders Beach

4,852 Reviews
#1 of 35 things to do in Simon's Town
Beaches, Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities
Kleintuin Rd, Simon's Town, South Africa
+27 21 786 2329
Website
Save
All photos (3,722)
Full view
Certificate of Excellence
Book In Advance
More Info
$84.61*
and up
Ultimate Cape Point Full-Day Tour from Cape Town
More Info
$119.16*
and up
Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope Tour from Cape Town
More Info
$59.58*
and up
Full-Day Cape Point & Cape Peninsula Sightseeing Tour from Cape Town
See More Tours & Experiences
Sponsored by:
Map
Satellite
Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
Reset zoom
Sponsored by:
Overview
More
The sheltered inlet of Boulders Beach is located in the Cape peninsula near Simon's Town. Here exists a protected colony of African penguins which can be viewed in their natural habitat via wooden walkways. There is also an excellent beach for swimming nearby.

About Boulders Beach

The sheltered inlet of Boulders Beach is located in the Cape peninsula near Simon's Town. Here exists a protected colony of African penguins which can be viewed in their natural habitat via wooden walkways. There is also an excellent beach for swimming nearby.
4.5
4,852 reviews
  • Excellent59%
  • Very good30%
  • Average9%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible1%
Travelers talk about
“african penguins” (303 reviews)
“cute penguins” (105 reviews)
“their natural habitat” (161 reviews)
Open Now
All hours
Hours Today: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration: More than 3 hours
LOCATION
Kleintuin Rd, Simon's Town, South Africa
CONTACT
Website
+27 21 786 2329
Improve This Listing
Write a Review
Reviews (4,852)
Traveler rating
Traveler type
Time of year
Language
  • More languages

1 - 10 of 3,513 reviews

Reviewed 3 days ago
See cute penguins up close!!

Excellent opportunity to look at these magnificent birds up close. Lot of display boards giving interesting information about these African Penguins. You cannot access the beach as tourists are supposed to stay on the board walkway watching the penguins on the beach. Selfie sticks are...More

Thank Amit P
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
So many penguins

Paid 70 rand to go see these little guys but it was worth it. The penguins were EVERYWHERE and it was amazing to see them swim out of the water or just simply walk around. I would have loved to actually get on the beach...More

Thank Crystal M
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
Adorable African penguins in the wild

We came to Boulders Beach as part of our Cape Peninsula Tour. The small entrance fee of 70R pp is worth the visit as I haven't seen so many African penguins in the wild before. Just love the way they waddle! They look so cute!

Thank MiriamChan
Reviewed 4 days ago
a place to get near to the penguins

Was here with the family (of 5), and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We have visited places in New Zealand, for example, to look at penguins but this is a really nice one for getting up close to them.

Thank WengKeeLeong
Reviewed 5 days ago
Simplest, most accessible way to see hundreds of adorable penguins

Drive a few minutes out of Cape Town, park the car and walk less than 10 minutes down a safe boardwalk - and there they are - several (at least a hundred) African penguins sunning themselves, swimming and so close. Easily accessible for seniors. Go...More

Thank SNottIN
Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
Bundles of cuteness

Boulder Beach lays claim that this is the most accessible penguin colony in the world. I have no ideas, but it is fairly simple. You pay 70 Rand to enter the reserve, make you way along a wooden boardwalk. On a very short walk to...More

Thank worktotravel14
Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
Enjoyable Visit to see the penguins

We had an enjoyable morning walking to see the penguins! There where more than we imagined and very close too. It was fun watching them waddling up and down the sand.

Thank Henry P
Reviewed 1 week ago
Enjoyed the visit

We had a stop by Boulders Beach to watch the penguins... we enjoyed the visit and watching them for a period of time. We went with a group as a part of our vacation so I am not sure how much the cost was as...More

Thank Janet T
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
Trip down memory lane

Was good to visit this old swimming spot. Sad to see much less penguins than there used to be. The pathways were clean and easy to navigate. Saw many penguin chicks, a spot not to be missed when visiting Cape Town.

Thank Gwendoline l
Reviewed 1 week ago
Do Not Miss

This is a must see while visiting Cape Town. It is such a beautiful area and the penguins are adorable!

Thank Suelamaur
Nearby
Sponsored by:
Nearby Restaurants
Seaforth
623 reviews
.22 miles away
Monocle & Mermaid
71 reviews
.99 miles away
Cafe Penguino
40 reviews
.21 miles away
One Three Six Restaurant
44 reviews
.93 miles away
Nearby Attractions
Shark Warrior Adventures
10 reviews
.23 miles away
Warrior Toy Museum
44 reviews
.91 miles away
Just Nuisance
8 reviews
.98 miles away
Questions & AnswersAsk a question
Elaine B
Am traveling from US next January. I'm thinking of swimming with penguins. Should I bring my own wetsuit? I haven't seen any reviews of anyone actually swimming! Do you just wade in and float around - did you bring a mask and snorkel to watch them underwater?
June 18, 2017|
Answer Show all 7 answers
Response from Jill H |
Hey there, I have swum, snorkelled and scuba dived off Boulders Beach, where there is a strong concentration of jackass penguins. It is a simple shore entry. You could rent a wetsuit from Pisces Diving on Long Beach... More
2
Votes
LCabbage
What is the best way to travel from Cape Town to Boulder's Beach for a day trip to see the penguins?
March 3, 2017|
Answer Show all 17 answers
Response from supersatisfied | Reviewed this property |
We arrived at the cruise port early morning but weren't flying out until 9:30 the same night. We rented a car at the airport with the intention of driving to Cape Point which we did. The rental was very inexpensive and the... More
0
Votes
reynaldo j
Is there a "best time of the day" to visit (less people, more penguins?). Early morning, maybe?
January 2, 2017|
Answer Show all 5 answers
Response from Matthias R | Reviewed this property |
I was there on a Saturday at around 1:00 pm. A lot of penguins and tourists. Can't tell you the best time.
2
Votes
Google Translation