Experts' Choice Award Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
What the experts agree on
Thousands of African penguins nest among giant granite boulders near Simon's Town, with boardwalks for close-up viewing at Foxy Beach and rare chances to swim alongside them—just don't get too close, they bite.
Frommer's "You can swim at either Seaforth Beach or Boulders Beach, which the penguins visit, but the best place to view them is from the raised boardwalk overlooking Foxy Beach." Full review
Time Out "Cape Town's biggest penguin colony makes its home here in a protected cove, with visitors getting the rare opportunity of swimming alongside them." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Some 3km southeast of Simon’s Town, this picturesque area, with enormous boulders dividing small, sandy coves, is home to a colony of 2100 delightful African penguins." Full review
Afar Magazine "No matter how many times you visit Boulders Beach, seeing the African penguin colony in Simon's Town will always make you smile. The park itself is run by South Africa National Park..." Full review
Atlas Obscura "This African beach is home to thousands of rare mainland penguins that are known for their annoying voice. " Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"After swimming in the transparent waters at Boulders Beach, near Foxy Beach, you can observe the large colony of Cape penguins." Full review
Fodor's "This series of small coves lies among giant granite boulders on the southern outskirts of Simon's Town." Full review
Afar Magazine "Cape Town's penguins come to Simon's Town to breed. In the early 1980s, an enterprising pair mated for the first time on Boulders Beach, and their tuxedoed descendants now number several thousand." Full review
Afar Magazine "They made Boulders their home in 1982 and you'll be surprised by how residential the setting is, and how fascinating these birds are when you have the chance to view them at such close range." Full review
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Be sure to ask where swimming is and isn't allowed and then keep your eyes peeled for a few new friends and want to get a good look at you.
Rough Guide "Visit Boulder's Beach to see endangered African penguins in their natural habitat. March offers the perfect balance of warm weather and fewer tourists, giving you the opportunity to..."
