Simon's Town & Boulders Beach
Home of the African Penguin — meet 2,000+ penguins on a pristine Boulder-strewn beach
2,000+
Penguin Colony Size
45 min
Distance from CBD
~R176 adults
Entry Fee
9–11am, 3–5pm
Best Viewing
Feb–Aug
Breeding Season
1687
Town Founded
Boulders Beach in Simon's Town is one of the few places on Earth where you can walk among wild penguins on a pristine beach. The colony of over 2,000 endangered African Penguins has made this sheltered cove famous worldwide. Combined with Simon's Town's charming naval heritage, waterfront restaurants, and boat trips to spot seals and whales, this is Cape Town's most family-friendly and heartwarming wildlife experience.
The Penguin Colony
The Boulders Beach colony started with just 2 breeding pairs in 1983 and grew to over 3,000 penguins at its peak. Today, approximately 2,000 African Penguins call this cove home. SANParks-managed boardwalks bring you within metres of nesting penguins, and at Foxy Beach you can actually swim alongside them. The colony is active year-round, with breeding season (February–August) offering the best chance to see fluffy chicks.
Simon's Town Heritage
Simon's Town has been a naval base since 1795 and remains the headquarters of the South African Navy. The town's Victorian-era main street is lined with antique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. The Simon's Town Museum chronicles the area's rich maritime history, and the Warrior Toy Museum is a hidden gem for families. The famous bronze statue of Just Nuisance — a Great Dane who was the only dog officially enlisted in the Royal Navy — sits on Jubilee Square.
Marine Wildlife Beyond Penguins
Simon's Town is a gateway to incredible marine wildlife. Take a boat trip from the harbour to see Cape Fur Seals at Seal Island, Southern Right Whales (June–November), and pods of dolphins. Kayaking trips along the coast offer a chance to paddle alongside penguins and seals. The waters around Simon's Town are also popular for scuba diving, with kelp forests and ship wrecks to explore.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round, but February to August for breeding season and fluffy chicks. Early morning (before 10am) and late afternoon (after 3pm) are when penguins are most active. December–January is the busiest tourist period.
Travel Tips
- ✦Visit early morning or late afternoon for the most active penguin behaviour
- ✦The penguin entry fee (R176) supports conservation — pay it gladly
- ✦Combine with Cape Point for a perfect full-day Cape Peninsula tour
- ✦Don't touch or feed the penguins — they can bite and it disrupts their natural behaviour
- ✦Simon's Town restaurants serve excellent fish and chips — try the Salty Sea Dog
- ✦The train from Cape Town to Simon's Town runs along one of the world's most scenic rail routes
Top Tours & Experiences — Simon's Town & Boulders Beach
Handpicked tours that include or are near Simon's Town & Boulders Beach. All with expert local guides and hotel pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions — Simon's Town & Boulders Beach
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