Africa
South Africa
Western Cape
Cape Town
Simon's Town
Things to do in Simon's Town
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Simon's Town: Hours, Address, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony Reviews: 4.5/5

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Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

See all things to do
See all things to do
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
4.5
8 321
#1 of 21 things to do in Simon's Town
Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
37 within 5 kms
Seaforth Restaurant
952
0.5 kmRR - RRR • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curio
358
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe Penguino
87
0.5 kmR • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Lighthouse Cafe
925
1.9 kmRR - RRR • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Saveur
720
1.8 kmRR - RRR • Seafood • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Monocle & Mermaid
88
1.7 kmR • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Cafe Pescado
356
1.7 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Pizza • International
Salty Sea Dog
773
1.8 kmR • Seafood • Fast food
Blue Door Coffee Roasters
57
1.7 kmRR - RRR • Cafe
Fran's Place
87
1.7 kmR • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
45 within 10 kms
Foxy Beach
81
0.4 kmBeaches
Seaforth Beach
16
0.5 kmBeaches
Windmill Beach
6
0.6 kmBeaches
South African Naval Museum
120
2.2 kmMilitary Museums
Hunter & Collector
1
0.9 kmAntique Shops
Green Mountain Trail
190
Hiking Trails
Just Nuisance
82
1.8 kmMonuments & Statues
Warrior Toy Museum
70
1.6 kmSpeciality Museums
Jubilee Square & Jetty, Simon's Town
43
1.7 kmPiers & Boardwalks • Scenic Walking Areas
Simon's Town Museum
106
2.3 kmSpeciality Museums
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Popular mentions
4.5
8 321 reviews
Excellent
4 881
Very good
2 488
Average
751
Poor
149
Terrible
53
goneroaming
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates152 contributions
Exploitation of International Visitors
Apr 2022 • Couples
Value for money as an international visitor is very poor.

Maximum time spent there is 15 mins for around £10.

The entry fee does give you access to boulders beach - if anyone tells you about it as the staff don’t tell you this
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cldtx
New Braunfels, TX40 contributions
Who doesn’t love penguins?
Apr 2022 • Family
The first thing we had to see in Cape Town was the penguins! We loved them. The way they walked, the way they sounded, the way they wondered into the parking lot. They’re adorable.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Charise C
144 contributions
Nice scenary
Apr 2022 • Friends
Nice outing with beautiful scenary. The little beach cove at the entry point is beautiful but fills up quickly. The boardwalks allow for a nice relaxing walk to the penguin viewing points. Go early as the viewpoints gets packed quickly after 10am. Don't forget your sun hats.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fiona J
London, UK981 contributions
Penguins galore
Apr 2022 • Couples
We were so lucky to have a glorious sunny day to enjoy the penguins and the stunning beach. We found the perfect rock to lay on and enjoy the penguins swimming and sunbathing. It did cost 170 rand if you are not a S.a resident. So make sure you arrive early to enjoy a full day at the beach.
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
23RUN
Nottingham, UK475 contributions
Delightful Penguins
Apr 2022
The penguins are delightful. They were nesting when we were there, and it was fascinating to see the interaction between the pairs and their offspring. There was a bit of predator action, with a mongoose lurking about and then a big gull appeared and grabbed an egg which got everyone's shocked reaction!
It is a beautiful spot and the views are great.
The place is very well managed by the National Parks service and it's a joy to be there.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lungi N
Durban, South Africa74 contributions
So many penguins
Apr 2022 • Family
Being able to see the penguins so close and in their natural habitat was well worth the drive from Cape Town. It is a gentle walk from the car park to the entrance so it was fine for the young kids and elderly person in our group. We went on a Monday afternoon so it wasn’t busy and there were plenty of viewing spots and places to take photos. There are so many penguins, I’m not sure about the reviews that say there aren’t lots of penguins.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Derek S
Bath, UK153 contributions
Penguins Galore
Mar 2022
Great experience. For non SA adults is 170 Rand but you can come and go all day. " boardwalks take you too the penguins and you get great views and get very close. First thing and last thing is was empty , In March it opened at 8am and we had 30 minutes to ourselves and the penguins.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Janet B
Windsor, UK105 contributions
Wonderful Experience- Highly Recommended
Mar 2022 • Couples
A wonderful place to visit. Busy on the boardwalks but still a great sighting. You pay to go in but worth it to see these wonderful penguins breeding and feeling totally relaxed. The price includes access to the beach at the other side which isn’t clear and that experience was even better - there are penguins on the rocks and they come out for a swim and a waddle on the beach in the water that you are swimming in.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul D
Pretoria, South Africa42 contributions
What a wonderful experience, price difference meant a 4* review
Mar 2022 • Family
An excellent way to spend a few hours in the Western Cape. Well maintained beach where the penguins have lots of protection. Huge difference in entry prices for South Africans vs residents and even higher for tourists, I disagree with this at a time SA is pushing to increase tourist numbers to pre pandemic levels but in all a good trip.

Very windy at the time of our visit so suggest sunglasses at a minimum to protect eyes and I carried my son under a blanket to stop the sand getting into his eyes.
Written 24 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stephen Morris
Dubai, United Arab Emirates41 contributions
Up close and personal with the Penguins
Mar 2022
There are three points to watch the penguins from, two from the board walks which can get rather busy, however if you make the effort to walk further down to the cove you can get a quieter experience, at least when I visited mid March.
Lovely also to witness the penguins sitting on their nests with eggs.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony is open:
  • Sun - Sat 08:00 - 17:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Boulders Beach Penguin Colony tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 284 Boulders Beach Penguin Colony tours on Tripadvisor