Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Simon's Town, Cape Town: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Simon's Town, Cape Town
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
Sheltered beach near Simon's Town with a colony of African penguins, boardwalks for close viewing and calm waters for swimming.
What is Boulders Beach Penguin Colony?
Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town's most famous family attractions, home to a colony of endangered African penguins. The beach is sheltered by large granite boulders, making the water calm and safe for swimming. Wheelchair-friendly boardwalks lead to Foxy Beach, where you can view the penguins up close from the viewing decks. Children love watching the penguins waddle and swim. The beach itself is great for sandcastles and paddling.
Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park and protects the endangered African penguin colony.
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (2-11) | Toddler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | ZAR 215 | ZAR 105 | Free |
| Non-resident | ZAR 50 | ZAR 25 | Free |
International visitors: Adults R215, Children 2-11 R105. South African residents: Adults R50, Children R25. SADC citizens have intermediate rates. Confirm current rates at the gate.
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- Arrive early The beach gets crowded by mid-morning
- Swim at Boulders The water is calm and sheltered
- Keep distance Do not approach penguins too closely
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Good | Calm water and sand with an adult |
| 3-5 years | Great | Penguins and paddling |
| 6-9 years | Great | Swimming and penguin viewing |
| 10-12 years | Great | Full beach and boardwalk |
| 13+ years | Great | Swimming and photography |
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Key details
- Address
- Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, Cape Town, 7995, Cape Town
- Opening hours
- Seasonal: Dec-Jan 07:00-19:30; Feb-Mar 08:00-18:30; Apr-Sep 08:00-17:00; Oct-Nov 08:00-18:30 Closed now
- How long to plan
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in; arrive early to avoid crowds
- Payment accepted
- Card and mobile money at the gate
- Phone
- +27 21 786 2329
What to expect when you visit
Park at the main entrance and walk the boardwalk to Foxy Beach for penguin viewing. Then head down to Boulders Beach itself for a swim in the calm, sheltered water. The beach gets busy, so arrive early. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Is the water safe for swimming?
Yes, the boulders shelter the beach from strong currents.
Can we touch the penguins?
No, keep a safe distance and stay on the boardwalks.
How much is entry?
R215 for international adults, R50 for SA residents.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Safety notes
Keep a safe distance from penguins, stay on the boardwalks and supervise children in the water.
Tickets and costs
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Swimming, boardwalk viewing
Plan your visit
- Combine with
- Cape Point
- Simon's Town
- World of Birds
- What to bring
- Swimwear
- towel
- sunscreen
- camera
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Boulders Beach Penguin Colony?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay ZAR 215 and resident children (ages 2-11) pay ZAR 105. Non-resident adults pay ZAR 50 and non-resident children pay ZAR 25. Children under the toddler age enter free. International visitors: Adults R215, Children 2-11 R105. South African residents: Adults R50, Children R25. SADC citizens have intermediate rates. Confirm current rates at the gate.
- What are the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony opening hours?
- Seasonal: Dec-Jan 07:00-19:30; Feb-Mar 08:00-18:30; Apr-Sep 08:00-17:00; Oct-Nov 08:00-18:30.
- How long do you need at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony?
- Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- What payment methods does Boulders Beach Penguin Colony accept?
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony accepts Card and mobile money at the gate. It does not accept cash.
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