Boulders Beach is a series of protected, idyllic coves along the False Bay coastline where swimming and African penguin viewing goes hand in hand. Named after the giant granite rocks forming a truly picturesque environment, this is a beach like no other!
Located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
West Coast Way Is South Africa’s Road Trip With The Most Twists
Explore the Cape West Coast by planning a self-drive trip or book a guided tour for a nature and adventure-filled Cape West Coast holiday.
Find a 101+ things to see and do on the West Coast Way:
Enjoy wine, craft beer, olives and Rooibos tea tastings, Weskus cuisine and braaivleis (barbecue), swing into Citrusdal with a zipline, go Cederberg bouldering, jump into natural (warm) pools, step onto cruises of lagoons and rivers, trek through nature reserves and a National Park, hop onto game drives, try the skill of archery and angling, get your adrenaline pumping with sand-boarding and quad-biking, go horse riding, learn about the San culture and Riel-dancing, do kite- and windsurfing, chill in your flip flops and do surfing, book a kayaking trip, go beach hopping, learn about bees, whales and listen to our birds in a twitcher’s paradise – all in South Africa’s wildflower reserve.
For more information on the West Coast’s top places to go, road tripping, hikes, tours and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on @WestCoastWaySA on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.Find Boulders Beach on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route. Both the sexiest and cutest beach along the Cape Peninsula coast, Boulders Beach has something for everyone. Think Seychelles vibes, but with penguins! Warmer waters compared to the glamorous Clifton beaches, calm and secluded bays making for child friendly swimming and well sheltered from the Cape Doctor which batters the majority of the Western Cape during summer. The white sand and granite rock make for gorgeous photographic backdrops while the turquoise waters lap at your feet. African penguins waddling by add the ultimate dash of cuteness!
Penguins are constantly coming and going from the water, and often you’ll have a pair dash past your feet as you splash about. An authentic and totally natural ‘swimming with penguins’ experience!
The African penguins arrived here in the 1980’s and the colony has established itself strongly as part of the community. The penguins are what one immediately associates with Boulders today.
It makes for a wonderful summer beach day with friends and family, or a lazy day while on a hectic travel schedule. If visiting Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope a stop at Boulders Beach compliments a day well spent.
There are two access points however, the beach itself as well as the viewing decks at the main breeding colony known as Foxy Beach. At the viewing decks you’ll remain on boardwalks, creating undisturbed breeding space for the African penguins. Here there are numerous information boards to read as you observe the behaviour of the birds. Your ticket gets you through both gates – hang on to it!
Don’t forget to grab an ice cream nearby – the little window in the stone building near Seaforth Road is the coolest spot! Wide range of ice creams and good coffee too.
Nearby Simon’s Town has stacks of character and the naval town also boasts a number of fine restaurants and cafes. Try the delicious dishes on offer at Lighthouse Café on Main Road, or grab a fish & chips from the Salty Sea Dog at the waterfront.
Boulders Beach is located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
Open 7 Days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 46.7km
Where: Kleintuin Rd, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 786 2329
West Coast Way Is South Africa’s Road Trip With The Most Twists
Explore the Cape West Coast by planning a self-drive trip or book a guided tour for a nature and adventure-filled Cape West Coast holiday.
Find a 101+ things to see and do on the West Coast Way:
Enjoy wine, craft beer, olives and Rooibos tea tastings, Weskus cuisine and braaivleis (barbecue), swing into Citrusdal with a zipline, go Cederberg bouldering, jump into natural (warm) pools, step onto cruises of lagoons and rivers, trek through nature reserves and a National Park, hop onto game drives, try the skill of archery and angling, get your adrenaline pumping with sand-boarding and quad-biking, go horse riding, learn about the San culture and Riel-dancing, do kite- and windsurfing, chill in your flip flops and do surfing, book a kayaking trip, go beach hopping, learn about bees, whales and listen to our birds in a twitcher’s paradise – all in South Africa’s wildflower reserve.
For more information on the West Coast’s top places to go, road tripping, hikes, tours and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on @WestCoastWaySA on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.