South Africa Cape Town

Boulders Beach

Scenic Cape Town cove known for its resident African penguin colony, sheltered beaches, and boardwalks for wildlife viewing.

Tips from the community

Boulders Beach is one of the few places in the world where tourists are actually allowed to swim and interact with penguins. These endangered birds —which are native to South Africa and Namibia— are naturally curious, so you are likely to find them hanging out where people are. The boardwalk above the beach provides visitors with an elevated perspective of the penguins playing, fishing, resting and breeding.

leyre_paniagua 4 years ago

Meeting the locals is always a high point of travel, and that is doubly true when it comes to these guys! Pack your beach towel then spend a sunny afternoon chilling with the penguins at Boulders Beach. There’s always a place in the sand ready to be claimed and the water is gorgeous. The entrance fee is a deal for R152 per person. 

theblondeabroad 3 years ago

Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa is a stunning beach that is home to a colony of over 2,000 endangered African penguins. The crystal-clear waters and picturesque boulders create a relaxing and scenic atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The incredible and rare opportunity to observe penguins in their natural habitat makes this beach a must-see destination and easily earns its place among the best beaches in the world.

seeker 1 year ago

This beach is very literally named — a white sand beach with granite boulders and clear water — BUT it’s known for the resident colony of African penguins there!

theblondeabroad 4 years ago

Boulders Beach Guides

Boulders Beach Articles

  • The Blonde Abroad’s Guide to a Weekend in Cape Town

    Ever visit a place that so completely steals your heart and soul that you feel like you never want to go back home? That’s what happened to me in Cape Town. I fell in love with the magical city by the sea and lingered literally for years. I made my own home away from home […]

    Read more...
  • 33 of the Best Things to Do in Cape Town

    Cape Town: a coming-together of landscapes, cultures and cuisines. This unique, mesmerizing city —crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park—continues to enchant everyone who visits. The Mother City has a lot to offer, from gorgeous natural getaways to multicultural city streets. If you’re looking for a perfect Cape Town itinerary (but not sure where to start), […]

    Read more...