Boulders Beach is one of the loveliest places to experience when visiting South Africa, not just because of the cutest little penguins but the amazing work that the South African Government is doing to help the colony of penguins… Aaawww, who am I kidding? It’s mostly because of how cute they are! 🙂
We visited Boulder Beach when exploring the stunning Cape Peninsular – I guarantee it’s a sure-fired way to fall head-over-heels in love with these snuggly little things and best yet, it’s only 40 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, meaning a day trip is relatively convenient.
Right, let’s get the important information out of the way so we can focus on more penguin time!
WHERE IS BOULDERS BAY? Like I mentioned, Boulders Bay is approximately a 40 minute drive from the very centre of Cape Town. Drive South on the Cape Peninsular and follow the signs for Simon’s Town. Here are the specifics of the beach area itself:
Phone: +27 21 786 2329
Website: www.tmnp.co.za
Address: Kleintuin Road, Sea Forth, Simon’s Town
WHO SHOULD VISIT? So, once you’ve seen how cute these little penguins are I have no doubt that you’ll want to visit. Seeing Penguins (tick), exploring the Cape Peninsular (tick) and watching the antics of this cuddly little colony (massive tick!).
Although commonly known as Boulders Beach, the penguins are actually best viewed from Foxy Beach (only a 2 minute walk from Boulders). So after a little rest and recuperation on Boulders Beach, head straight across the designated pathways to Foxy Beach.
HOW MUCH GOLD DOES IT COST? Entry to the beach costs 60 South African Rand – which works out about £3 / $4.50 / €4. All costs go directly to the conservation project to look after the colony and maintain nesting sites/pathways/staffing.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? This is the exciting bit. Let me show you!
Walking from Boulders Beach to Foxy Beach is (as I said) a breeze – walk along this prescribed walkways and you’ll NEVER get lost! 🙂
You’ll need to show your ticket again (so keep this safe), when you reach Foxy Beach. Once in, head straight for the waves!
After another little stroll of about 1 minute you’ll reach the beach and meet some of your new found friends…
The penguins are not shy at all but you should never touch or interact with them in any way. These are, after all, completely wild animals that should be respected (even if your dying to take a little penguin selfie like me). 😉
After reaching the very end of the walkway, you’ll be greeted with the most beautiful little penguins in South Africa (bold statement, I know but I stand by it!).
You might even find a little one that’s just calling his friends to play… This little guy was talking (okay, squawking and pointing) to have his friends join him in the water!
“Come on in guys – the water’s fine!”
One tiny little thing I did notice (which no one ever seems to mention on any of those BBC documentaries) is how fishy they all smell! That stuff is strong! 🙂 Hehehe!
Ohhh, I forgot to mention, the South African government has also placed some small igloo style huts for the penguins to nest. You can view these on your walk to Foxy Beach.
You’ll probably come across one of these little critters too. Nope, not a brown penguin as I originally thought when looking through the camera lens (only for for a fraction of a second, don’t judge!). I’m not sure what they are called (any ideas?) or even if they’re friendly – but they are hella adorable and curious.
But if penguins is what you’ve come for, you’ll be spoilt with choice. These little beauties are just adorable (now I realise how many times I’ve said adorable and cute in one post… wow!). 🙂
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