Boulders Beach Penguins, Simon’s Town

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Boulders Beach

Penguins Among the Granite at Simon’s Town

Boulders Beach lies in Simon’s Town on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, where granite boulders some 540 million years old shelter a string of small coves. African penguins settled here in 1982, starting with just two breeding pairs, and the colony has grown to about 2,500 birds. Boardwalks at Foxy Beach, inside Table Mountain National Park, bring you within a few meters of them, and the neighboring coves are open for swimming.

An African penguin standing on a rocky shoreline with the sea and mountains in the background at Boulders Beach.

Location

Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula (TMNP)

Colony Origin

Two breeding pairs in 1982; about 2,500 birds today

Species Status

Critically endangered (IUCN, October 2024)

Viewing

Raised boardwalks; close views without disturbance

Hours & Fees

Seasonal hours; SANParks entry applies

Best Times

Morning & late afternoon; avoid peak mid-day heat

Etiquette

Don’t feed or touch; keep distance from nests

Coordinates

−34.1970, 18.4510

Planning Your Visit

What You’ll See on the Boardwalks

The boardwalks start near the visitor center and run through coastal bush to viewing decks above Foxy Beach, where most of the birds gather. Depending on the season you may see adults preening, courting, guarding nests among the bushes or coming ashore after a day’s fishing for sardine and anchovy. Boards along the way explain the threats the birds face, and rangers keep an eye on visitors and penguins alike. Penguins also wander onto the swimming beaches next door, but their beaks are sharp, so keep your hands to yourself and never follow a bird off the path. Families on our 8-day family trip through the Southern Cape see the colony during their day on the Cape Peninsula.

Practical Tips, Hours, and Parking

Parking is limited, especially in summer and during holidays, so arrive early or late in the day. Opening hours change with the seasons, with earlier closing in winter; check the current times on Table Mountain National Park notices before you go. A SANParks conservation fee applies. Beach space shrinks at high tide, and parts of the swimming area disappear altogether. Bring sun protection, water and closed shoes. Smoking, alcohol and feeding the wildlife are not allowed, and boats may not land. The main boardwalks are manageable with a stroller, and there are benches along the way.

Most visitors combine Boulders with Cape Point, farther south along the False Bay coast, and our Cape Point day tour stops here too. Couples on our Cape Town, Hermanus and Franschhoek honeymoon visit on their Cape Peninsula day.

Why Your Visit Matters for Conservation

African penguin numbers have fallen steeply over recent decades, mainly because of shortages of sardine and anchovy, along with oil spills and disturbance at breeding sites. In October 2024 the IUCN listed the species as critically endangered. Fishing closures around several key colonies now aim to leave more food for breeding birds. Entrance fees at Boulders help pay for the boardwalks, rangers and habitat management. The June 2026 census counted about 790 breeding pairs here. Watching the birds from the boardwalks, without crowding them, is the best way to enjoy a colony that depends on being left in peace.