Where Can You See Penguins in Cape Town?
You can see African penguins year-round at Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach, near Simon’s Town, about a 45-minute drive from central Cape Town.
It’s safe, stroller-friendly, and exciting for children. There are wooden boardwalks, 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. Here’s all the info you need for your penguin trip.
Why Boulders Beach is so special
Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park. 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: 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 4 and 8 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.
✈️ Check out my perfect Cape Town Family Itinerary.
🚗 No car? This guided tour to Boulders Beach saves time.
🏠 Find Family-Friendly Hotels in Cape Town.
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 (2026)
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.
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.
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 and kayak trips in False Bay – Seasonal whale watching, plus seals and seabirds. You can book a tour here.
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
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.
👉 You might also like:
– Table Mountain Hike in Cape Town
– Living in Cape Town with Kids – What It’s Really Like
– Cape of Good Hope Day Trip
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
Do penguins live in Cape Town?
Yes. African penguins live year-round at Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town. It’s a protected colony inside Table Mountain National Park.
What time of year are the penguins in Cape Town?
Penguins are at Boulders Beach all year. The best months to see chicks are from February to August, but adults are always present.
How far are the penguins from Cape Town?
Boulders Beach is about 25 miles (40 km) from central Cape Town. The drive takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Can you swim with penguins at Boulders Beach?
You can swim at Boulders Beach, but touching or disturbing penguins is not allowed. This is a protected area.
How much is the Boulders Beach entrance fee in 2026?
The SANParks entrance fee changes yearly. In 2026, international visitors should expect to pay around ZAR 190–215 per adult (USD 10–12 / EUR 9–11), depending on where you’re from.
