South Africa probably isn’t the first country you think of when someone mentions penguins, but a colony of these adorable birds truly call it home. Boulders Beach became one of the top day-trip destinations from Cape Town thanks to the group of African penguins that inhabit it.
A colony of African penguins settled on the shores of Boulders Beach in 1982, transforming it into one of South Africa’s top tourist attractions over the course of the next four decades. There are between 3,000 birds roaming around the beach and their species is on the verge of extinction.
That’s why Boulders Beach is under Cape Nature Conservation’s protection and the penguins can be seen roaming freely in their natural environment. Foxy Beach is the best place to observe them because it offers boardwalks taking you just a few meters away from the birds.
Located about an hour away from Cape Town, Boulders Beach can be easily accessed by car, or by a train heading to the nearby Simon’s Town. Daily conservation and entry fee for adults is priced at around $10, but it’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t come too close to the penguins or try feeding them.
