Boulders Beach

Swim with wild African penguins

Boulders Beach in South Africa is home to a rare group of African penguins living close to the ocean. The colony shares its shoreline with visitors who can watch these birds waddle among large granite rocks and swim in clear waters. The area also includes a small nature reserve, walking paths and nearby towns where you can find cafes and shops. It’s one of the few places worldwide where people see penguins in their natural coastal environment without barriers between species.

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Beach in South Africa

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$$	Medium
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$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 5.4

General Safety:	5
Accessibility:	7

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5/5

Locals and tourism staff speak excellent English – signage, guides, and almost all services are fully accessible to English speakers, so it’s easy to get around even if you speak no other language.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Boulders Beach Summary

Famous for penguin watching and sheltered beaches. Walk boardwalks past penguin colonies, swim in calm bays, relax on granite boulders and enjoy coastal photography.

Opening hours:

Mon-Sun:

08:00 - 18:30

Public website:

www.sanparks.org

South Africa – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type M Type M: Read about power adapters
Currency:	South African Rand (ZAR) £1 ≈ ZAR 22.10
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in South Africa, and credit cards are commonly used in most establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in South Africa, with 10-15% being the standard in restaurants. Small tips for taxis and hotel staff are also appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, including parks and beaches. However, it is generally prohibited in public spaces like streets.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Designated smoking zones are available in certain locations.

Freedom Day (27 April)	Celebrates South Africa's first democratic elections
Christmas (25 December)	A major festive holiday in the country

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance), 112 (from mobile phones)
Taxi apps:	Bolt, Uber
Other:	South Africa is famous for its wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural diversity. It offers a wide range of travel experiences from safaris to coastal adventures.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

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The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

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Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

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High season:	Jan. - March, Nov. - Dec.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Sep. - Oct.

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Climate details

Penguins present year-round; moulting November to February, breeding peaks March to August

Strong southeaster wind November to March, often blowing in the afternoons

Don't miss

🐧 Watch African penguins up close on sandy shores
🏊‍♀️ Swim in protected waters surrounded by granite boulders
🚶‍♂️ Walk the boardwalks for stunning penguin colony views

You've been here?

Boulders Beach is famed worldwide for its colony of wild African penguins, one of the few places on earth where you can encounter these endangered birds up close on a sun-kissed bay. Sheltered by ancient granite boulders and nestled against the calm waters of False Bay, this compact beach feels both intimate and magical. It’s as if nature hit pause here, letting humans observe wildlife in a remarkably accessible, family-friendly setting.

The boardwalks winding through coastal dunes and bush allow you to spot penguins tending their nests, preening or occasionally waddling right past your feet. This is a real treat, especially for kids, but honestly, it’s pretty mesmerizing for adults too. The picture-perfect scenery invites hours of relaxed wandering, watching penguins go about their routines or swimming alongside them in the clear, invigorating surf.

But Boulders is not just paradise. The penguin population is, sadly, endangered due to threats like overfishing, habitat loss and pollution. Respectful behavior is a must: stick to the paths, never touch or feed the penguins and be mindful that the site can get very crowded during summer and weekends. Also, brace for chilly ocean temperatures most of the year and the entrance fee – even though modest – means it’s not totally free.

Even with its few downsides – sometimes packed parking, chilly waters and strict conservation rules – Boulders Beach leaves a lasting impression. Its blend of soft sand, natural beauty and quirky wildlife (that you’re genuinely helping to protect just by visiting responsibly) is something everyone should experience at least once.

Knowledge before you go

Entrance fee required for penguin colony.
Walk boardwalks at Foxy Beach for closest safe penguin viewing without disturbing the colony.
Swim in sheltered turquoise waters between granite boulders; perfect for snorkeling and kids.
Visit during breeding season February-May for baby penguins; arrive early to avoid crowds.

How to travel to Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is about 40 km south of Cape Town’s city center, near Simon’s Town. The easiest way to reach it is to fly into Cape Town International Airport, then travel by car (about 45 minutes), rideshare, taxi or the scenic Southern Line railway to Simon’s Town, followed by a short taxi or walk to the beach.

Access summary

From Cape Town International Airport (CPT): Taxi or shuttle, roughly 40–60 minutes.
From Cape Town city centre: Drive or taxi along False Bay, about 45–60 minutes.
Often combined with Cape Point day tours along the Cape Peninsula coastline.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Boulders Beach

Stay in Simon’s Town for a range of cozy guesthouses, small hotels and self-catering cottages; upscale Cape Town options are also a short drive away. This area specializes in friendly, relaxed accommodations, many with fantastic bay views.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Simon's Town Guest House

9.6

Penguinden Accommodation and Apartments

9.3

Moonglow Guest House

9.2

Whale View Manor & Spa

Central Hotel Guest House

8.0

Explore more accommodations

Packing recommendations for Boulders Beach

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

Quick-dry travel towel

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

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-43 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 43% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

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-2 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to ZAR) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Simon's Town’s Boulders Beach is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly community. Visitors should stay vigilant in crowded areas, avoid isolated spots after dark, keep valuables secure and respect local wildlife to ensure a worry‑free visit.

Accessibility

Boulders Beach in Simons Town offers mixed accessibility: wheelchair‑friendly paths and accessible restrooms, but uneven sand and limited curb cuts can pose challenges for mobility aids. Visitors should plan ahead, use beach wheelchairs and check tide schedules for easier navigation.