# Boulders Beach penguins: times, fees and tips

## Visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach: when to go, what it costs and how to see them

*Published: 2026-05-05 13:47:05*
*Tags: Boulders Beach, penguin tour, Cape Town, South Africa, wildlife, conservation, day tours, adventure*

> Boulders Beach penguins: when to visit, the R245 SANParks fee, the boardwalks and swimming beach, and tours from Cape Town from $58.

## Article

Boulders Beach and its penguins

 Boulders Beach, near Simon's Town on the Cape Peninsula, is home to a colony of African penguins. The colony began with a couple of breeding pairs in 1982 and is now one of the few places in the world where you can see these penguins up close. The beach is part of Table Mountain National Park and is run by SANParks.

 When to visit

 The penguins are there all year. Summer (November to March) is warm but busy, especially in the middle of the day. Mornings and late afternoons are quieter and the light is softer for photographs. Winter (June to August) can be cool and wet, but it is also when many penguins are nesting, and there are fewer visitors.

 What to expect

 Boardwalks at Foxy Beach take you close to the penguins without disturbing them. Next door, Boulders Beach itself is a sheltered swimming beach where penguins sometimes come down to the water. Don't touch or feed them, and keep your distance; they can bite.

 Fees and practical tips

 Entrance: the SANParks conservation fee for international adults is R245 and R120 for children (rates to 31 October 2026; they change each November). Pay by card.
 Bring: sun protection, comfortable shoes and a camera.
 Combine it: Boulders is on the way to Cape Point, so most visitors see both in a day.
 Conservation

 The African penguin is endangered, and its numbers have fallen sharply over the last century, mainly because of food shortages at sea. Your entrance fee helps fund rangers and the protection of the colony.

 Tours

 Our half-day penguins and Cape Point small-group tour costs from $61 per person, and the private version from $160. For a full day, see our Cape Peninsula small-group tour from $58. For more ideas, read our other Cape Town guides.

 Frequently asked questions

 What time of day is best?

 Early morning or late afternoon, when it is quieter and cooler.

 Can I swim with the penguins?

 You can swim at Boulders Beach, and penguins sometimes swim nearby. Don't approach, touch or feed them, and follow the rangers' instructions.

 How much does it cost?

 The SANParks fee is R245 for international adults. Our tours start from $61 per person, with the entrance fee paid on the day.

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