Boulders Beach is a protected penguin colony and sheltered swimming beach on Bellevue Road, off Queens Road, in Seaforth, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa. Part of Table Mountain National Park, this False Bay shoreline became home to African penguins in 1982. Travelers come for close observation from raised boardwalks, pale sand enclosed by granite boulders, and the unusual experience of watching wild penguins beside a residential neighborhood. The penguin-viewing entrance is reached from the Seaforth side; Bellevue Road approaches the swimming beach.
What to Expect at Boulders Beach
Foxy Beach is the main penguin-viewing area. Raised wooden boardwalks bring visitors above the colony without walking through nesting habitat. Watch birds shuffle between the vegetation and shoreline, preen their feathers, and launch into the water. These are wild animals, not a scheduled presentation: their movements change throughout the day, and keeping the boardwalk clear lets everyone observe without crowding the birds.
The adjoining Boulders swimming beach offers a different experience: sand, sheltered water, and enormous granite formations rather than a viewing platform. Low tide leaves more beach exposed; high tide reduces the space available for towels and picnics. Penguins can appear here too, but swimming is not an invitation to approach them. The boulders reduce exposure to waves without removing the need to supervise children closely.
- Foxy Beach boardwalks: Elevated viewing routes overlooking penguin habitat.
- African penguin colony: Wild birds observable on land and in the water.
- Granite-framed swimming cove: A sheltered alternative to exposed Peninsula beaches.
- Tide-dependent beach space: More room for sitting and exploring at low tide.
- Protected marine environment: A no-take area where marine life must remain undisturbed.
Boulders Beach at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Bellevue Road, off Queens Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa; penguin-viewing access also from Seaforth. |
| Neighborhood / Area | Seaforth, Simon’s Town, on the False Bay coast. |
| Operating Hours | December–January: 7am–7:30pm; February–March and October–November: 8am–6:30pm; April–September: 8am–5pm. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Paid conservation admission. International adults: R282, November 1, 2026–October 31, 2027. Reduced child, South African, and SADC rates apply; under-2s enter free. Check the official tariff page. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | Allow 1–2 hours for viewing and walking; longer for swimming. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Simon’s Town railway station is the rail reference point, not a beachside stop. Arrange an onward transfer. Limited parking near Seaforth and Bellevue Road makes early arrival useful. |
| Official Website / Phone | SANParks Boulders Penguin Colony; +27 21 786 2329. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening, especially during summer holidays, when limited parking and beach space become practical constraints. Choose the Seaforth approach for penguin viewing and Bellevue Road for the swimming cove. Buy gate tickets through SANParks’ official ticket service or at the entrance; advance purchase does not turn this into a guided tour. Bring identification when claiming South African or SADC rates. If traveling by rail, check current Southern Line services before departure rather than assuming a through train to Simon’s Town.
Wheelchair users and families with strollers should prioritize the Foxy Beach boardwalks; their firm surfaces offer viewing without crossing sand. The swimming beach is not equivalently accessible, with soft sand and uneven rocks restricting movement. Pair the colony with Seaforth Beach and its beachfront dining area, roughly 5–10 minutes from the viewing entrance. Windmill Beach, around 10–15 minutes from the Bellevue side, provides another small coastal stop. Walking times depend on your exit, so avoid treating the two entrances as interchangeable meeting points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I arrive?
Opening varies seasonally: 7am in December–January and 8am otherwise. Arrive at opening for easier parking; select low tide if beach space matters most.
How much are tickets, and must I reserve?
International adult admission is R282 for November 1, 2026–October 31, 2027. Online purchase is encouraged, but tickets are also sold at the gate. Children under two enter free.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1–2 hours for penguin observation, photographs, and walking between access points. Add another hour or more for swimming, a picnic, or nearby lunch.
Is Boulders Beach suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Yes for boardwalk penguin viewing: wheelchair-friendly routes avoid the sand. Beach access is more difficult. Supervise children around water and keep them from touching or pursuing penguins.
When planning your Cape Town travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Cape Town, pair this stop with standout local spots including Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Kloof Street House, District Six Museum, and Harbour Bay Mall (3.4 km away).
