Boulders Beach

Planning Your Visit

What You’ll See on the Boardwalks

From the visitor area, wooden boardwalks thread through coastal thicket and along sheltered coves, giving close yet respectful views of African penguins in their natural setting. Depending on season, you may watch adults preening, courting, guarding burrows, or returning from foraging with bellies full of sardine and anchovy. Clear signage outlines threats and conservation actions, while rangers manage foot traffic and safety. Keep hands clear—beaks are sharp—and never step off the paths. With calm water and sculpted granite all around, even non-birders linger for photographs as birds shuffle to and from the sea.

Practical Tips, Hours, and Parking

Parking is limited in peak months, so arrive early or visit outside midday. Beach space shifts with the tide, and parts of the swimming area disappear at high tide. Seasonal operating hours apply, with last entry earlier in winter; confirm times on Table Mountain National Park notices before you go. Bring sun protection, water, and closed shoes for the boardwalks. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited, vessels may not land, and feeding wildlife is illegal. Families will find prams manageable on the main paths, and benches spaced along viewpoints make rests easy between lookouts.

Why Your Visit Matters for Conservation

Your entry fee supports habitat management, boardwalk upkeep, and education that reduces disturbance around nests and moulting birds. African penguin numbers have fallen sharply because of prey shortages, climate shifts, and pollution, and the species is now Critically Endangered. Recent measures include local fishing closures near key colonies to secure food supply during breeding. While a single visit seems small, the funds and awareness add up—supporting rescue partners, improving practices on the water, and inspiring everyday choices that help wildlife. Memorable encounters here often turn visitors into advocates long after they leave the peninsula.