Penguins at Boulder's Beach in Cape Town, South Africa

Esther Mehesz
Jun 22, 2024
4 min read

I’ve had my fair share of pinch-me travel moments, but nothing prepared me for the absolute adorableness of the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa. This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime layover experiences that completely took me by surprise—and yes, I now have about a million photos and videos of penguins waddling, swimming, and just living their best beach life.

Cape Town in a Flash – But We Still Met the Boulder's Beach Penguins

We only had a short stop in Cape Town, but we knew we had to make the most of it. After grabbing a coffee in Kalk Bay and driving along the jaw-dropping False Bay coastline (I'm not joking, my jaw was dropped the entire time admiring the ride), we made our way to the small yet iconic Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, one of South Africa’s oldest towns and home to a naval base, charming streets, and of course… penguins! I was so excited to be there, this is what it must feel like being a kid again and walking into a candy store!

Wait, There Are Penguins in Africa?!

Yup! Right there in the warm waters of South Africa’s Western Cape, you’ll find a colony of African Penguins (also called jackass penguins—thanks to their donkey-like calls). Boulder's Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, and it’s one of the only places in the world where you can get this close to these wonderful birds in their natural habitat.

Why Boulders Beach Is So Special:

It’s a safe breeding environment for penguins, as it's protected
Surrounded by ancient granite boulders and pristine white sand
Home to crystal-clear, calm waters—perfect for penguin watching
Offers wooden walkways and penguin viewing areas for minimal disturbance
It’s one of the best things to do in Cape Town, hands down (I may be biased on this one, but it truly is one of the best things ever)!

Watching the Penguins Do Their Thing

Imagine this (or really, just take a look at the photos and videos because nothing can do it justice until you've experienced it for yourself): tiny aquatic flightless birds waddling across the sand, face-planting into waves, shaking off the water like little divas, and popping out of the ocean like they’re starring in a nature documentary. That’s Boulder's Beach.

They do their cute, funny little wiggle-run when they get excited (probably when they spot fish), and the way they dive in—splat!—and swim off is honestly one of the most entertaining things I’ve ever seen.

And watching them return to shore? ICONIC. You just never know how many penguins are about to swim out! They hop out of the water like they just came back from a penguin swim class, flapping and proud. I could watch them all day. No joke.

The Sad but Important Side of the Story

As cute as these little guys are, they’re in trouble. Our guide had shared a lot about the penguins that day. The African Penguin population has been drastically declining due to:

Climate change
Commercial fishing depleting fish stocks
Loss of habitat from human neighbors
Oil spills and severe weather incidents

Thanks to organizations like the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and South African National Parks, ongoing penguin conservation efforts are in place, but it’s a lifelong commitment to keep the species alive.

Tips for Visiting Boulders Beach

Here are some things to know before you go:

Entry Fee: There’s a small fee to enter the penguin viewing areas, and it helps with conservation initiatives
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (fewer crowds and better lighting for those penguin pictures)
Getting There: It’s a short drive from Cape Town’s city center—perfect as part of a Cape Peninsula or Cape Point tour
Facilities: The Boulders Visitor Centre has bathrooms, an information centre, and small shops
Respect Their Space: They’re wild animals! Keep a safe distance, and never feed or touch them - this is why they've built the boardwalks, because people would touch or hold them, and the penguins would get injured since their wings are so fragile
Other viewing options: There is the possibility to lie on the beach with the penguins, but this area is a hit or a miss of seeing them, it's a little further down the path from the entrance

Make a Day of It

If you have time, combine your visit with:

A scenic drive to the Cape of Good Hope
Exploring the charming harbor of Hout Bay
Stopping for fish & chips in Kalk Bay

Final Thoughts: A Special Place I’ll Never Forget

This visit was more than just a photo op—it was a rare, close-up moment with one of the world’s most charming (and endangered) species. These penguins, waddling around in their natural habitat, reminded me how wild and wonderful nature can be—and how much they rely on our awareness and care to keep thriving.

Since we had to stop in Cape Town anyway (zero complaints there!), visiting Boulders Beach quickly became the highlight of our quick layover—and honestly, the story I’ve told the most since.

Let’s be real: if it weren’t for that very long flight, I’d be showing up for my daily penguin check-in like it’s part of my morning routine!