My Ultimate Guide to Boulders Beach: Swim with Penguins in Cape Town

Cape Town is absolutely peppered with gorgeous beaches, but if there is one beach you simply shouldn’t miss on your South Africa bucket list, it’s Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town!

Boulders Beach easily ticks all the boxes of dreamy beaches in Cape Town. It’s absolutely STUNNING, sporting crystal-clear water, super soft white sand, and dozens of granite boulders to scramble on or work on your photography. But that’s not all. You see, Boulders Beach isn’t just any beach. What really makes this beach so special is that it’s one of the best places to get up close (and swim) with African penguins in Cape Town!

So, if you’re wondering how to visit Boulders Beach to see and swim with penguins, keep reading! In this guide, I’ll cover absolutely everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Boulders Beach, South Africa – from how to get there, what to do, and much more!

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Before You Go

Before you head out to Boulders Beach in Cape Town, there are a few things you need to know to ensure a seamless trip. 

• Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park. It is a protected area with a clear set of rules of what you can and can’t do. Upon arrival, please familiarise yourself with them and respect the penguins and their natural environment. The most important one – please don’t touch the penguins! They are wild animals, have razor-sharp beaks, and can bite. Added to that, you could get a R500 fine. Always stay at least 3m away from them. 

• There are two entrances at Boulders. Foxy Beach (along Kleintuin Road) is the main entrance. The Visitors Center is here, and you can walk along wooden boardwalks to see the main penguin colony. Boulders Beach is where you can relax and swim with the penguins. Both have public bathrooms, and there are taps at the swimming beach where you can rinse off your feet.  

• There is a conservation fee to enter Boulders Beach. Bring a debit/credit card, as cash is not accepted.

• Parking near Boulders Beach is limited, so my biggest tip is to come early to guarantee you get a spot. There is a dedicated parking lot at Seaforth Beach (Google Maps) and Boulders Beach (Google Maps). If both are full, you can also park along Links Cres (just off Bellevue Road). However, note that this is a residential area, so please only park where the car guards tell you to. 

• Check the weather forecast. Cape Town is notorious for strong winds, and the Southeaster can be intense. 

• If you want to explore all the nooks and crannies at Boulders, check the tide schedule before you go. 

How to Get to Boulders Beach from Cape Town

Boulders Beach is located about a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and is easily accessible in several different ways. 

• CAR: The easiest way to get there is to drive. If you’re staying in Cape Town for a few days, renting a car is a great way to explore the area at your own pace. The quickest route is via the M4, but if you prefer a more scenic drive, take the M6 via Chapman’s Peak Drive. Download Google Maps or Waze on your phone to help you navigate the way. Both are handy travel apps for South Africa. 

• TOUR/TAXI: If you want to avoid dealing with the logistics, a stress-free way to visit is by joining an organized half-day tour of Boulders. If you want to see a few other highlights in the area, check out this full-day Cape Peninsula tour. It includes stops at Cape Point, Hout Bay, and Kalk Bay. This Table Mountain, penguins, and Cape Point tour is another great option. Alternatively, you can also take an Uber or Bolt taxi. Prices vary depending on your starting location, but for a rough estimate, work on about R500. 

• TRAIN: Some blogs recommend taking the Southern Line train from Cape Town to Simon’s Town, but to be honest, it’s not the most convenient way to get there. You’ll need to catch a train from Cape Town Station to Fish Hoek, then switch to another train to Simon’s Town. Finally, you’ll need to walk about 3 km or take a taxi. Besides that, the train between Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town is not that frequent. It also often gets delayed (or canceled) due to sand on the tracks. If you are still keen on taking this route, it’s best to check the train schedules in advance. 

Boulders Beach Entrance Fee

Whether you want to see the main penguin colony at Foxy Beach or spend a couple of hours swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach, you must pay a small conservation fee to access Boulders Penguin Colony. Cash is not accepted at either entry point, so bring a debit/credit card. Don’t lose the ticket because you can use it to enter both beaches. 

The entry fee for Boulders Beach varies by nationality. If you’re South African, bring an ID card/passport/driver’s license to get the local discounted rate. Here are the rates for 1 November, 2024 to 31 October, 2025.

• South African nationals: ZAR 50 for adults and ZAR 25 for kids. 

• SADC nationals: ZAR 100 for adults and ZAR 50 for children. 

• International citizens: ZAR 215 for adults and ZAR 105 for kids. 

Tip: Entry fees for Boulders Beach are updated annually, so be sure to check the SANParks website for the latest rates. If you’re booking a tour, remember to check whether the entry fee is included.

Best Time to Visit Boulders Beach to See Penguins

You can see the penguins at Boulders Beach year-round, but peak molting season (Dec – Jan) is a great time to visit. Since it’s summer, the water is warm(ish), and it’s usually nice and sunny outside. Remember, though, that visiting Boulders Beach is a highlight on any Cape Town itinerary. As a result, it’s always busy no matter which season you visit. Plan to visit before 10 am or after 3 pm to skip most crowds. And, if you’re into photography, come just before sunset for the best lighting. 

Boulders Beach Opening Times:

• Dec – Jan: 07:00 – 19:30
• Feb – Mar: 08:00 – 18:30
• Apr – Sep: 08:00 – 17:00
• Oct – Nov: 08:00 – 18:30

Top Things to Do at Boulders Beach

See the Main Penguin Colony

Boulders Beach’s main draw is undoubtedly its thriving African penguin colony, and it’s hard to believe that all of this started with just two breeding pairs in 1982. SANPark’s conservation efforts in protecting the endangered African penguin have come a long way, and today, more than 2200 penguins call the reserve home. 

For the best chance to see dozens of penguins up close, you’ll want to head to Foxy Beach, where the main colony lives. The Visitors’ Center is here, and it’s where you can walk on raised boardwalks to get the best vantage point over the penguins sunning themselves on the boulders, shuffling around on the beach, and nesting. 

There are two elevated wheelchair-friendly wooden boardwalks here. Both offer a great peek into the penguins happily going about their daily lives, and I highly recommend following both routes. The boardwalk straight ahead of the entrance leads down to Foxy Beach and is usually the most crowded. The boardwalk to the right of the entrance winds through a lush forest packed with nesting penguins before finally ending at another viewing platform overlooking the beach.

Allocate at least 1 hour for your visit. That said, you could easily spend more time here — wandering along the boardwalks, watching (and taking pics of) the penguins, and learning more about the park’s conservation efforts. At the exit, there is also a souvenir shop where you can buy all kinds of penguin goodies, drinks, and snacks. 

Wander along Willis Walk

Willis Walk is a beautiful wooden boardwalk that connects the two entry points of the Boulders Beach Reserve. It runs between the main penguin colony sanctuary and the swimming beach. It is accessible either next to the Table Mountain National Park Visitor’s Center on Kleintuin Road or near the Boulders Beach ticket office. 

The best part about tackling this path is that you can see the penguins for free! The first section of the trail is through a somewhat mini forest where you can see penguins nesting between the shrubs and even some dassies (rock hyraxes), which, interestingly, are the closest living relative to the elephant! After a little while, the scenery changes to gorgeous views over the beach and granite boulders below. 

Willis Walk only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches to sit back and admire the views.

Swim with Penguins

Boulders Beach is a small, sheltered beach with dreamy blue water, soft sand, and 540 million-year-old boulders scattered about. Of course, the highlight here is getting up close and swimming with penguins! (Remember to stay at least 3m away from them).

However, you should know that the beach is quite small and can get crowded quickly — especially during warmer months. There’s little shade here, too, so arriving early to secure a spot is best. 

Upon arrival, you’ll note that most people stick to the main beach area near the entrance gate. If that’s your vibe, stick around. But if you prefer a quieter beach experience, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Past the first big batch of boulders, there are actually two dreamy sheltered bays called 1st Beach and Middle Beach. 

You can only access them from the swimming beach, and to get there, you’ll have to scramble over, squeeze through, and even crawl under some of the boulders! It sounds intense, but it’s 100% worth the effort! Once you get to the other side, you’ll be greeted with penguins lazily baking in the sun or taking a dip. Make sure to time your visit, as they will be even harder to reach during high tide. 

Follow the Burghers Walk

A real secret spot, and another great place where you can see penguins for free, is along Burghers Walk – a dedicated nesting ground. 

Burghers Walk is a low-key trek along a well-maintained wooden boardwalk along the coast. Here you can spot dozens of penguins baking on boulders, swimming in the sea, nesting in the bushes, or simply chilling on the beach. The trail is accessible via the small wooden gate on Bellevue Road (to the right of Boulders parking lot) or at the end of Links Cres. Before entering, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations stipulated on the signboards. 

If you’re still up for some exploration, follow the footpath at the end of the boardwalk. It leads to two dreamy beaches, Link Beach and Windmill Beach, a little further down the coast. 

Where to Eat

If you’re not up for a picnic on the beach, there are a few cozy spots nearby where you can grab a bite or light snack. 

Cormorant Cafe on Kleintuin Road, close to Seaforth Beach, has a cute garden to sit in and delicious affogatos and banana shakes. They also sell homemade cookies and gelato. 

Cafe Penguino, just across the road, is a cozy little cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. They have a good selection of drinks, and it’s a great spot to grab a toasted sarnie, salad, or burger! 

If you’re craving a good old-fashioned soft-serve ice cream, try Penguin Beach ice cream a little further up the road. They also have sorbet, gelato, and a small selection of light meals like sandwiches and croissants. Water’s Edge Beach is also only a few steps from here and a great spot to enjoy your ice cream with a view. 

Where to Stay

While most people visit Boulders and the rest of the Cape Peninsula on a day trip, it’s worth spending a few days exploring some of the quirky suburbs and really soaking up the laid-back vibes this part of Cape Town is so famous for. 

Book yourself into the lavish Tintswalo at Boulders if you are looking for upscale accommodation. Rooms are well appointed with all the luxuries you would expect from a 5-star establishment, and you’ll be mere steps from the beach.

If you prefer something a little less pricey without sacrificing style and comfort, try Bonne Esperance, A Boat House, or Boulders Beach Hotel. 

What to Bring for Your Boulders Beach Day Trip

Before hitting Boulders Beach, ensure you have these beach essentials for a stress-free day. 

• Eco-friendly sunscreen: Boulders Beach is a protected area, so do your part to keep the marine life safe by packing reef-safe sunscreen. 

• Quick drying towel: There’s nothing worse than schlepping around a wet towel covered in sand. Pack a quick-drying, sand-resistant beach towel. 

• Waterproof cellphone case & dry bag: You’re definitely going to want to take photos of all the cute penguins at Boulders Beach, which might involve scrambling over boulders and walking through the rock pools. Pack a waterproof cellphone case and a dry bag to keep your stuff from getting wet. 

• Snorkeling gear: There are loads of cozy nooks to explore at Boulders, so if you want to get a closer look at all the treasures below the surface, don’t forget to bring snorkeling equipment. 

• Beach umbrella: While there is some shade at Boulders, finding your own little piece of it can be hard (especially during summer). Pack a sturdy beach umbrella or a lightweight pop-up tent. 

• Snacks: If you plan on spending a few hours with the penguins at Boulders Beach, it’s a good idea to pack some snacks. The souvenir shop at Foxy Beach has a small selection of cold drinks and snacks, but you’ll find more choices at the Penguins Convenience Store or Woolworths. Just a heads up, there are quite a few baboons at Boulders Beach, and they aren’t afraid to snatch your snacks. Don’t leave your snacks lying around and make sure you keep your stuff in a zipped-up bag. Baboons are extremely dangerous animals, so it’s best to cut your losses if they grab your food!

Visiting Boulders Beach in Cape Town Conclusion 

Spending a few hours with the Boulders Beach penguins will undoubtedly be one of the best things you do in Cape Town! I hope this guide answered all your questions about planning a trip to Cape Town’s penguin beach. Let me know how your trip goes, and remember to check out my other articles on Cape Town! 

If you liked this post, don’t forget to share it with your besties!