Can you visit penguins in Cape Town with kids?
Yes! The African penguins live at Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, in the south of Cape Town. It’s safe, stroller-friendly, and exciting for children. There are wooden boardwalks, calm waters, and plenty of space to watch the penguins up close without disturbing them.
This was our second time in Cape Town, but the first time with kids. And let me tell you, seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach through their eyes was magical.
Why Boulders Beach is so special
Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park. What makes it so unique is that it’s one of the only places in the world where you can get this close to African penguins in their natural habitat.
The setting is also dreamy. Picture soft white sand, huge rounded granite boulders (hence the name), and turquoise water (at least when it’s sunny). The penguins waddle around as if the beach belongs to them—which it does.
💡 Fun Fact: African penguins are also called “jackass penguins” because their call sounds like a donkey braying.
When we visited, our daughters were four and eight years old. Such a perfect age for this trip. They were already squealing before we even reached the entrance, just from spotting chicks between the bushes on the wooden walkway.
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Where to See the Penguins
There are two main spots:
- Foxy Beach – This is where most of the penguins hang out. You can’t walk on the sand here, but you’ll have the best view from the two platforms connected by boardwalks. This is stroller- and kid-friendly.
- Boulders Beach – A swimming beach with calm water. Penguins sometimes walk across here, but the real colony is at Foxy Beach. Still, it’s a wonderful place to let kids paddle in the ocean after penguin spotting.
The wooden boardwalks that are connecting those two spots with the entrances are genius. They protect the fragile environment while giving families an easy, safe way to move around. Even toddlers can walk it without a problem.
From our parking spot near Boulders Beach Hotel, Café and Curio (here’s the location of the parking lot), we walked along the wooden path to the main entrance.
How to Get There
Boulders Beach is in Simon’s Town, about 45 minutes’ drive from central Cape Town.
- By car: The easiest option. Parking is available near both entrances.
- By train: You can take the scenic Southern Line from Cape Town to Simon’s Town, but you’ll still need a taxi or Uber for the last stretch.
- By tour: Many Cape Point day tours include a stop at Boulders Beach, which can be convenient if you don’t want to drive.
💡 Pro tip: If you have kids, definitely go by car. That way you can pack snacks, swimsuits, and leave whenever the little ones have had enough.
Opening Hours & Entry Fees (2025)
The visitor centre is open daily, but times vary slightly with the seasons:
- Dec – Jan: 7 am – 7:30 pm
- Feb – Mar: 8 am – 6:30 pm
- Apr – Sept: 8 am – 5 pm
- Oct – Nov: 8 am – 6:30 pm
Entry Fees:
- Adults: R215 (Standard), R100 (SADC), R50 (SA residents)
- Kids under 12: R105 (Standard), R50 (SADC), R25 (SA residents)
- Children under 2 enter free.
For the four of us, the fee felt fair considering the experience. The girls even noticed signs about how the money helps penguin conservation.
💡 Pro tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays. Not only will you avoid crowds, but the penguins are more active in the morning.
Inside the Penguin Colony
The Boulders Visitor Centre is easy to find and well-organised. Even though it was a Sunday morning and fairly busy, we still managed to find a spot in the first row on the viewing platforms.
Ruby (our youngest) refused to leave the platform, she just stared at the penguins. Lila, meanwhile, was completely absorbed in reading the info boards about penguin life cycles.
We ended up staying about 1.5 hours, far longer than planned, just wandering, learning, and taking photos.
Best Time to Visit
You can see penguins year-round at Boulders Beach, but depending on when you go, the experience is different:
- February – August: Breeding season. You’ll spot fluffy grey chicks snuggled next to parents. This was the highlight for our kids.
- September – October: Moulting season. Penguins stay on land while they shed old feathers, so you’ll see plenty but they look a little scruffy.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hottest months. Beaches are busiest with both penguins and people. Great for swimming but expect crowds.
For families, I recommend early mornings outside of peak summer.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
- Boardwalks are your friend – Easy to walk, stroller-friendly, and safe.
- Bring swimsuits – The water at Boulders Beach is calm and perfect for children to splash in.
- Snacks & water – Food options are limited nearby. Pack your own to avoid meltdowns.
- Sun protection – Hats, sunscreen, and maybe even a beach umbrella. Shade is scarce.
- Respect the penguins – Don’t try to touch them (they bite!) and keep a safe distance.
- Stay longer – We thought we’d stay 30 minutes. We ended up staying 1.5 hours because it was so much fun.
Conservation and Why Your Visit Matters
African penguins are endangered. In the early 1900s, there were over a million breeding pairs. Today, there are fewer than 13,000.
Reasons include overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. Visiting Boulders Beach helps because your entrance fee goes directly into conservation projects through SANParks.
It’s also a great teaching moment for kids. Ours left understanding why it’s important not to litter, not to disturb wildlife, and why plastic is a big no-no near the ocean.
What Else to do Nearby
If you’ve got more time in Simon’s Town, there’s plenty to keep a family busy:
- Explore Simon’s Town harbour – Quaint shops and kid-friendly restaurants.
- Cape Point Nature Reserve – Just a short drive away. Perfect for combining with a penguin visit.
- Boat trips in False Bay – Seasonal whale watching, plus seals and seabirds.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
I personally love staying in the suburbs. Right now, we’re renting a house in Constantia, and it’s been the perfect base for our daughters. But if you’d prefer a hotel, here are my top picks for the best family-friendly stays in Cape Town.
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- From $400 (€431) per night (Classic Room)
- Rooms with ocean views, kids staying free, 2 pools, gardens, and even a private cinema
Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
- From $120 (€110) per night (Studio)
- Serviced apartments with rooftop pool and modern kitchens in trendy De Waterkant
Key Takeaways
- Boulders Beach is the best place to see African penguins up close in Cape Town.
- It’s family-friendly with boardwalks, calm swimming areas, and great signage for kids.
- Entry fees support penguin conservation—your visit helps protect them.
- Go early, bring sun protection and snacks, and prepare to stay longer than you planned.
- This isn’t just a tourist stop. It’s a magical memory-maker for kids and parents alike.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re in Cape Town with kids, don’t miss Boulders Beach. It’s not just another sightseeing stop, it’s the kind of place your children will talk about for a long time. Seeing penguins waddling across the sand, hearing their funny donkey-like bray, and watching chicks cuddle under their parents’ wings, it’s really so cool!
Are you thinking of visiting the penguins of Cape Town and still have some questions? Please let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ – Visiting the Penguins of Cape Town with Kids
Where can I see penguins in Cape Town?
The most famous spot is Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, on the Cape Peninsula. It’s part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area and the only place on the African continent where you can walk between ancient granite boulders and watch penguins up close.
Are the African penguins in Cape Town endangered?
Yes, sadly these wonderful birds are a critically endangered species. The African penguin population has dropped because of loss of habitat, reduced fish stocks from commercial fishing, and severe weather incidences. That’s why penguin conservation efforts are so important. Your entry fee is a small price that helps protect a whole species.
Is Boulders Beach safe for kids?
Absolutely. The sheltered cove at beautiful Boulders Beach is calm, with no large waves. It’s an ideal swimming spot for little ones. The wooden viewing platforms and boardwalks are also stroller-friendly, so families can enjoy a closer look without worrying about safety.
How much is the entry fee to see the penguins at Boulders Beach?
As of 2025, foreign visitors pay R215 for adults and R105 for kids under 12. South African residents and SADC nationals have reduced rates. It may feel like a cost, but really, it’s a good thing: this small price supports the conservation of coastal birds and protects these precious penguins.
Why are there penguins in a residential area?
That’s part of the charm! The story of this penguin colony is one of remarkable urban colonisation. The penguins settled here in the 1980s, right inside a quiet residential area of Simon’s Town. They’ve learned to live with their ever-encroaching human neighbours, waddling through gardens and onto the water’s edge.
What’s the best time to visit Boulders Beach penguins?
You can see penguins all year round. If you want to see chicks, come between February and August during breeding season. For fewer crowds, go early in the morning. Checking tide tables is also smart if you plan to swim—low tide makes for a bigger beach area.
How close can you get to the penguins?
You can get surprisingly close, but always keep a safe distance. Remember, these little guys have sharp beaks! The boardwalks and platforms give you a perfect view without disturbing their safe breeding environment in the sand dunes and nest holes.
Are there other African penguin colonies in South Africa?
Yes! Apart from Boulders Beach, you’ll find colonies at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay, and further along near Port Elizabeth and Dyer Island Conservation Trust. But Boulders Beach is the most famous because it’s easy to reach, incredibly scenic, and such a special place for families.
What makes Boulders Beach different from other beaches?
It’s the mix of the unique locals (the penguins), the sheltered cove, and those massive ancient granite boulders. Add in calm Atlantic Ocean water and you’ve got the beauty of the small hidden attraction that feels nothing like the busy beaches along the West Coast.
Can I visit Boulders Beach and Cape of Good Hope in one day?
Yes, and it’s a great combo. Drive your own car or join a tour. You can see the penguins at Boulders in the morning, then head to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point later in the day. It’s a perfect full-day family adventure on the Cape Peninsula.
Why should families support penguin conservation initiatives?
Because without them, we might lose these birds in our children’s lifetime. Supporting boulders coastal park management, the Southern African Foundation, and other conservation initiatives means future generations will still hear the distinctive braying of South Africa’s penguins. It’s about protecting not just a colony, but an entire species of penguin.
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