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Get the sandy scoop with this ALL-IN-ONE guide to Boulders Beach
Did someone say penguins? Yes, Boulders Beach is home to a thriving colony of African penguins, and I’ll never forget my first encounter with these charming little creatures.
The sheltered waters and pristine beach make it a great spot for families. Plus, knowing my visit was helping conservation efforts made it even more special!
If you’re looking to experience nature up close while contributing to a good cause, this guide to Boulders Beach is for you.
Things to Know
Phone: +27 (0)21 786 2329
Conservation Fee:
- South African Citizens and Residents (Adult) – R45
- South African Citizens and Residents (Children below 12) – R25
- SADC Nationals (Adult) – R95
- SADC Nationals (Children below 12) – R50
- International Citizen (Adult) – R190
- International Citizen (Children below 12) – R95
Background
Media from rhinoafrica
Boulders Beach became home to African penguins in 1983 when a pair arrived from Dyer Island. The beach, part of Table Mountain National Park, provided a safe home with abundant food due to the closure of False Bay to commercial fishing.
The African penguin population at Boulders Beach grew rapidly, benefiting from the area’s protection. However, urbanisation and environmental threats, such as declining fish stocks and competition for breeding sites, have endangered the species.
Conservation efforts, including artificial nesting boxes and visitor-funded programmes, aim to protect the penguins. These initiatives help ensure the survival of the species, despite ongoing challenges.
How to Get to Boulders Beach
By Train: To get to Boulders Beach by train, you can take the Southern Line and alight at Fish Hoek. From there, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to the beach.
By Car: There are two main parking lots near Boulders Beach: one at Seaforth Square and another at the end of Bellevue Road.
By Taxi: The base fare for taxis is around R20, with an additional charge per kilometre of R10. You can request a drop-off at the Boulders Beach Visitor Centre.
By Bus: You can book a City Sightseeing tour, which includes a stop for a one-hour visit to the beach.
What to Do and See in Boulders Beach
Swimming
Media from travador
Boulders Beach is known for its clear, turquoise waters and its colony of African penguins. Swimming with the penguins isn’t allowed, but you can swim on your own.
I’ve swum here myself, and the water’s gentle waves are ideal for floating and taking in the scenery. You’ll often spot the penguins waddling along the shore.
Watching Penguins
Media from oftravelsandtales_
Of course, Boulders Beach is one of the most popular spots to see African penguins up close in their natural habitat. It’s quite something to see them thriving in the middle of a residential area.
I walked along the boardwalk, where the penguins came within metres of me. Just a heads up: don’t get too close to the penguins because their beaks are sharp and they won’t hesitate to defend themselves!
Snorkelling
Media from _amber_lamber_
Boulders Beach is an ideal spot for snorkelling. During my visit, I enjoyed the chance to see a variety of colourful fish and even spotted a playful seal.
If you’re looking to explore, you can rent snorkelling gear right on the beach and easily check out the shallow areas. For those with diving experience, joining a guided dive is a great way to see the deeper sections of the coastline.
Kayaking
Media from kayakcapetown_simonstown
Website: https://kayakcapetown.co.za/
Address: Simons Town Jetty, Wharf St
Operating Hours:
- Open daily
- Tour starts at 8 AM
Starting in Simon’s Town, I paddled out to Boulders Beach, and it was a great way to take in the coastline from the water. This two-hour tour offers a chance to see some fascinating sea life up close, which is a real treat.
On the trip, I enjoyed the relaxed pace and the easy-to-manage two-seater kayaks, which made the 7-km journey quite enjoyable. You don’t need to be particularly fit to join in; if you can get up from the ground unaided, you’ll likely have a good time.
Have a beach picnic
Media fromtheytravelalot
I found a great spot where I could enjoy my lunch while watching the waves and the penguins going about their day.
The shore is an ideal place for a family picnic, especially at sunset when the sky lights up with soft hues. On clear days, you can linger into the evening and soak up the tranquil atmosphere at Boulders Beach.
Walk the trails
Media from maricialeroux
If you’re in Simon’s Town, the 1.4-km out-and-back trail near Boulders Beach offers a pleasant walk with a chance to see African penguins up close. This easy route is ideal for a quick nature escape, taking about 19 minutes to complete.
The trail was a great spot for some peaceful bird watching and observing the penguins in their natural habitat. The wooden paths make it easy for wheelchair users to get close to the penguin colony, so everyone can enjoy the experience.
Visit the visitor centre
Media from mrtkmrs
Address: Bellevue Rd
Boulders Beach has a visitor centre that sheds light on the African penguins and their conservation. It’s a great spot to get an insight into their behaviour, habitat, and the challenges they face.
I remember strolling over to the centre via Willis Walk from the Bellevue Road side. Expect informative displays and a chance to learn a lot about these unique birds while enjoying a leisurely walk.
Where to Eat and Drink in Boulders Beach
Bayella Cafe
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Address: 14 Secluse Ave
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8 AM to 5 PM
Bayella Cafe is located right in front of the Boulders Beach entrance, with a relaxed deck for dining. You order and pay at the counter, and food is delivered by runners; note that they don’t serve alcohol.
I tried the seafood paella and the fried hake fillet with fries. The paella had a rich, briny taste from the seafood, while the hake was crispy on the outside and tender inside, complementing the golden fries well.
Seaforth Restaurant
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Website: https://www.seaforthrestaurant.co.za/
Address: Beach, Seaforth Rd
Phone: +27 21 786 4810
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 12 PM to 4 PM
Seaforth Restaurant is situated right on the water’s edge, offering diners both a charming setting and panoramic views. The layout includes general seating, an enclosed deck area called the gunroom, and an outdoor deck just above the sea.
I tried the braised pork belly and mussels platter, which combined tender pork belly with a rich, savoury sauce and mussels that were well-seasoned.
Penguin Beach Ice-cream
Media from pbic_simonstown
Address: 6 Kleintuin Rd
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Penguins Beach Ice Cream is a charming spot right by the beach, where the bright, playful decor makes it a favourite for locals and visitors alike. The shop’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients adds a genuine touch to its menu.
The ice cream offers a range of flavours from classic vanilla to inventive options like mango sorbet and salted caramel swirl. Each scoop delivers a smooth texture and distinct taste, making it a delightful treat after a walk along the shore.
Café Penguino
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Address: 18 Kleintuin Rd
Phone: +27 21 786 1497
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 9 AM to 5 PM
Café Penguino stands out with its snug, penguin-themed décor and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to unwind.
The menu features a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, and pastries. I particularly enjoyed the quiche, which had a rich, savoury filling with a crisp, buttery crust, making it a standout choice.
Cormorant Cafe
Media from beinsimonstown
Address: 14 Seaforth Rd
Cormorant Cafe offers a laid-back spot with a simple yet inviting menu. Their fresh banana and watermelon shakes, priced at 40 rand, stand out for their genuine fruit flavours and refreshing taste.
Where to Stay in Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach Hotel
Media from bouldersbeachlodge
Website: https://www.bouldersbeach.co.za/
Address: 14 Secluse Ave
Phone: +27 21 180 4855
Pricing: $
Boulders Beach Hotel offers comfortable rooms and facilities with a focus on relaxation. I really enjoyed the well-chosen furnishings and the quality of the bedding, which made my stay feel both restful and enjoyable.
With a range of 12 en suite rooms and 2 self-catering units, it’s well-suited for both solo travellers and small groups. I appreciated having tea, coffee, and biscuits available in my room, and the option to request breakfast was a nice touch.
Boulders Beach House
Media from bouldersbeachhouse
Website: https://www.bouldershouse.com/
Address: 185 McFarlane Avenue
Phone: +27 083 581 9686
Pricing: $$
Boulders Beach House offers two separate units: a spacious holiday home that sleeps six and a penthouse apartment known as “Lookout,” which sleeps four. Both are fully equipped and include modern comforts like DSTV, Wi-Fi, and a garage.
I stayed in the Lookout apartment and loved the loft area, which made for a cosy spot to read or work. The holiday home has a peaceful garden and pool, perfect for winding down after a day at Boulders Beach, which is just a short stroll away.
Tintswalo Boulders Boutique Villa
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Website: https://www.tintswalo.com/boulders/villa
Address: 7 Gay Rd
Phone: +27 21 773 0900
Pricing: $$$
Tintswalo offers cosy seaside accommodation with views of the Indian Ocean and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. It operates as a bed and breakfast, with the option to book the entire 9-suite villa for group getaways.
The balcony views were a highlight for me, especially at sunrise when the penguins were active. I also loved the variety of local craft spirits at the bar, making sundowners by the pool a real treat after a day of exploring the beach.
Bosky Dell
Media from bosky_dell
Website: https://www.bosky-dell.co.za/
Address: 5 Grant Ave
Phone: +27 21 180 2846
Pricing: $$$
The Main House at Bosky Dell can accommodate six guests comfortably. There’s one large bathroom with a shower, plus two separate toilets, and the living areas include a cosy lounge, a separate dining room, and a well-equipped kitchen.
One of my favourite spots was the veranda, where I spent time enjoying the ocean view while tending to the brick braai. The space felt relaxing, and it was easy to settle in, whether indoors by the fire or outside in the fresh sea air.
Boulders Beach Penguin Cottage
Pricing: $$$
Boulders Beach Penguin Cottage is a charming Victorian-style retreat, perfect for enjoying marine life. It offers private parking and easy access to nearby Windmill and Waters Edge beaches.
I loved the chance to swim with penguins at these quieter spots, especially Windmill Beach. It gets busy at Boulders during the day, but staying here gave me a peaceful base to return to.
Where to Shop in Boulders Beach
Curious Penguin Shop
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Address: Boulders Beach Hotel, 14 Secluse Ave
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8 AM to 5 PM
This curio shop features a variety of penguin-themed items, including T-shirts, hats, and handcrafted penguin plushies. There’s a mix of sizes and styles, so there’s something for every penguin lover.
