Boulders Beach is home to a colony of over 2,000 African penguins — one of only a few places in the world where you can sit on a beach within arm's reach of wild penguins going about their business with complete indifference to human presence. The colony established itself at Boulders in 1983 when a pair of penguins decided to nest between the granite boulders, and the population has grown into one of the most accessible penguin viewing experiences on Earth.
The beach is sheltered by enormous rounded granite boulders that create a series of coves with calm, clear water — the boulders block the wind and swell, making the water warm enough for swimming (by Cape Town Atlantic standards, which means about 16-18°C). The penguins share the beach with swimmers, and the sight of a penguin waddling past your towel or surfacing next to you while you're swimming is Boulders' unique selling point.
African penguins (formerly called Jackass penguins for their donkey-like braying call) are classified as endangered — the population has declined by over 90% since the early 20th century due to egg collection, oil spills, and declining fish stocks. Boulders is one of the conservation success stories, where protected habitat and tourism revenue have helped stabilise the local population. The colony is managed by SANParks (Table Mountain National Park) and there's a small entrance fee. Simon's Town, the naval base town adjacent to Boulders, has seafood restaurants and the charm of a small Cape peninsula village.
Verified Facts
The penguin colony at Boulders was established in 1983
The colony now numbers over 2,000 African penguins
African penguin populations have declined by over 90% since the early 20th century
African penguins were formerly called Jackass penguins for their braying call
Get walking directions
Kleintuin Road, Simon's Town, 7975, South Africa
