Boulders Beach
Simon's Town, False Bay, Cape Peninsula
A protected cluster of boulder-sheltered coves home to a famous African penguin colony, with calm swimming and boardwalk viewing.
Coastline
False Bay, Indian Ocean side
Sand & Water
white, sheltered coves, calm and relatively warm
Best For
Penguins, Families
Boulders Beach is one of the most unusual beaches in the world: a cluster of sheltered coves among giant granite boulders near Simon's Town, home to a colony of around 2,000 African penguins. The penguins waddle across the sand, nest in the bushes, and swim in the shallows right alongside visitors, making this the only place on Earth where you can get this close to these endangered birds in the wild. The colony established itself here in the 1980s and is now protected within Table Mountain National Park.
The beach has two distinct parts. Boardwalks at the main protected section let you view the penguins at close range without disturbing them (an entry fee applies and goes toward conservation), while the adjacent coves, reached via the boardwalk, allow swimming in calm, boulder-sheltered water that is warmer than Cape Town's Atlantic beaches because it faces False Bay. It is a compact, family-friendly spot best combined with a day exploring the Cape Peninsula and Cape Point.
Best Time to Visit Boulders Beach
Boulders is enjoyable year-round, but summer (November to March) is best for swimming and warm weather. False Bay water is noticeably warmer than the Atlantic side of Cape Town, often 18 to 22 degrees Celsius in summer. The penguins are present all year; molting season around November to January and breeding times bring different behavior. Arrive early in peak summer to beat crowds and find parking.
Best Months to Swim
Months to Avoid
Things to Do at Boulders Beach
Penguin viewing on the boardwalks
Wooden boardwalks at the main colony let you watch hundreds of African penguins nesting and swimming up close while protecting their habitat.
Swimming among the boulders
The sheltered coves beside the colony offer calm, relatively warm, shallow water that is ideal and safe for families and children.
Foxy Beach viewpoint
An adjacent boardwalk section overlooks the densest part of the colony, the best spot for photos of the penguins en masse.
Simon's Town exploration
The historic naval town next door has a charming main street, museums, cafes, and a working harbor.
Cape Point day trip
Boulders pairs naturally with a drive to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point at the tip of the peninsula.
Where to Stay near Boulders Beach
Most visitors see Boulders on a day trip from Cape Town, but Simon's Town makes a pleasant, quieter base on the peninsula with guesthouses and small hotels near the harbor and penguins.
Tintswalo Boulders
$$$Luxury lodge
An intimate luxury lodge right by the penguin colony, the premium way to stay.
Simon's Town Quayside Hotel
$$Mid-range hotel
A comfortable harbor-front hotel in the heart of Simon's Town, close to the beach.
Simon's Town guesthouses
$Guesthouse / B&B
A range of welcoming guesthouses and B&Bs in and around the town for budget-conscious travelers.
Getting to Boulders Beach
Boulders is at Simon's Town on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, about 45 minutes to an hour from central Cape Town. You can drive the scenic coast road, take the Metrorail Southern Line train to Simon's Town (then a short walk or taxi), or visit as part of a Cape Peninsula tour.
| From | Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town city centre | Road via the M3 and coastal route | 45 min to 1 hour |
| Cape Town International Airport | Road | 45 min to 1 hour |
| Cape Point | Road back up the peninsula | 30 to 40 min |
Food & Drink
Nearby Simon's Town offers cafes, fish-and-chips spots, and seafood restaurants along its historic main street and harbor, plus ice cream for the walk to the penguins. There are no large restaurants directly on Boulders Beach itself, so plan to eat in town.
Safety & Practical Tips
Boulders is a safe, managed conservation site within a national park, well suited to families. The main rules concern protecting the penguins and ordinary sun and water sense, plus securing valuables in your car.
- •Do not touch or feed the penguins; they can bite and the colony is protected
- •Stay on the boardwalks at the main viewing area
- •Keep a close eye on belongings and lock valuables out of sight in your car
- •Arrive early in summer to find parking and avoid the biggest crowds
- •Bring sun protection, as shade is limited
- •Swim in the sheltered coves and supervise children near the rocks
Nearby Attractions
Simon's Town
Historic town
A charming naval town with museums, a harbor, and cafes, right next to the penguin colony.
Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
Nature reserve
The dramatic southern tip of the peninsula, with cliffs, a lighthouse, and rugged scenery, about 30 minutes south.
Fish Hoek & Muizenberg
Beaches
Warmer False Bay swimming and surf beaches a short drive north along the coast.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Scenic drive
One of the world's great coastal drives, on the Atlantic side of the peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach?
You can swim in the sheltered coves beside the colony, and penguins do sometimes swim nearby, but the main colony area is protected and viewed from boardwalks. You should never touch, chase, or feed the penguins. The coves offer calm, shallow water that is great for families.
Is there an entry fee for Boulders Beach?
Yes. The main penguin colony is part of Table Mountain National Park and charges a conservation entry fee, which helps protect the endangered African penguins. The adjacent swimming coves are accessed through the same area.
When is the best time to see the penguins?
The penguins are present year-round. Early morning is best for fewer crowds and active birds. Summer (November to March) combines penguin viewing with the warmest weather and swimming.
Is the water at Boulders warm?
Relatively, yes. Because Boulders faces False Bay on the Indian Ocean side of the peninsula, the water is noticeably warmer than Cape Town's Atlantic beaches, often 18 to 22 degrees Celsius in summer, and the boulders shelter it from waves.
How far is Boulders Beach from Cape Town?
It is about 45 minutes to an hour by road from central Cape Town to Simon's Town, where the beach is located. It is easily combined with a Cape Point day trip.