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Nature reserve · Simon's Town, Cabo Ocidental
Boulders Penguin Colony
Beaches among granite boulders with an African penguin colony, viewed from wooden boardwalks, in Table Mountain National Park.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Boulders Penguin Colony
Boulders is a group of small beaches among granite boulders, about 2 km from central Simon's Town. In 1982, two pairs of African penguins settled there; the colony grew to several thousand birds. It is one of the few mainland colonies of the species and is part of Table Mountain National Park.
The African penguin lives only on the southern African coast and is endangered. It is also called the jackass penguin because of a braying sound similar to a donkey. The birds live among sand, rocks and vegetation, nesting in holes in the ground and under bushes.
The most common way to view the colony is from the Foxy Beach boardwalks, which bring you within a few meters of the birds without entering the nesting area. On the adjacent Boulders beach you can swim in water sheltered by the rocks, and it is common for penguins to appear on the sand.
Do not touch or feed the birds; they peck when they feel threatened.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours.
Best time
Early morning, before tour groups arrive. The birds are at Boulders year-round; nesting season typically runs from March to August.
How to get there
It is on Kleintuin Road, about 2 km from central Simon's Town and 45 km from central Cape Town. You can reach it by car, on a tour, or on foot from Simon's Town train station.
Tip
Stay on the boardwalks and do not touch the birds. Bring swimwear if you want to swim at Boulders beach, where the water is typically less cold than on the Atlantic side.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Boulders Penguin Colony
Where to see penguins in Cape Town?
At Boulders, in Simon's Town, about 45 km from the city centre.
Can you swim with the penguins at Boulders?
On Boulders beach, beside the boardwalks, you can swim, and penguins commonly appear. Do not touch or feed the birds.
Are the penguins at Boulders present year-round?
Yes. The colony lives there year-round; the nesting season usually runs from March to August.
How long to spend at Boulders?
1 to 2 hours, longer if you plan to swim.