4.6(28 reviews)
Boulders Beach Penguin Encounter Tour
FromZAR 2,650
4 hours
Cape Point, South Africa
About this activity
Experience an unforgettable half-day tour from Cape Town to Boulders Beach, where you can swim with African penguins and explore the stunning Cape Peninsula.
Highlights
- Swim with African penguins at Boulders Beach
- Explore Simon's Town harbor
- Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve
- See Cape of Good Hope's rugged coastline
- Enjoy panoramic views from Cape Point
Full description
Dive into an unforgettable half-day adventure from Cape Town to Boulders Beach, home to the charming African penguins. Begin your journey with a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula, passing through the historic harbor town of Simon's Town. Upon arrival at Boulders Beach, don your swim gear and wade into the clear waters to mingle with these delightful birds in their natural habitat. After your aquatic encounter, continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the iconic Cape of Good Hope. This tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife interaction and natural beauty, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Cape Town
- Guided tour of Boulders Beach
- Swimming with African penguins experience
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Soon after collection from your accommodation in Cape Town, we will drive along through the city centre to see some historical monuments and buildings.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
We stop in the Bo-Kaap, also known as the Cape Malay Quarter, due to its Malaysian and Indonesian heritage. This is where we stop to see the colourful historical houses and capture beautiful photos with these colourful houses as our backdrop. If they are around, you may get to meet some of the friendly residents and learn about the history of their houses.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
A stop here in Camps Bay will be at the famous Maidens Cove. Here is a popular tourist stop over for the most beautiful photos in Cape Town, with the Lion's Head and Table Mountain plus the 12 Apostles on the backdrop facing the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Our next stop will be at Chapman's Peak viewpoint. We will drive along one of the most scenic routes in the world known as Chapman's Peak Drive - Chappie's to the locals. The stop at the viewpoint will be for approximately 15 minutes so that visitors can capture some of the most breathtaking photos of the pristine Atlantic ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Simon's Town will be next on our list of stops. This is where the South African Naval base is situated. This is also where we will meet the monument of the enchanting dog called Just Nuisance. Just Nuisance became a member of the South African Navy and even had a wedding. We will allow you time to have an optional lunch here in Simon's Town.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
We reach the highlight of the day with a stop at Boulder's Beach. Upon our arrival at the Boulder's we will enter through the gates and walk along the boardwalk to view the African Penguins colony. This is one of the largest penguins colonies in South Africa and you may even have an opportunity to be greeted by one or two of them along the boardwalk. We will allow you to enter the main colony at own account which is ZAR 175 per adult. Thereafter we will enter onto the Boulder's Beach for and spend the rest of the tour on what is known as one of the best beaches in Cape Town. Visitors may have chance encounters while swimming, to swim with the Penguins if they are in the water at the beach. Take plenty of photos with these stunning sea creatures and come face-to-face with them in their natural habitat. Note that clean fresh beach towels will be included as well as sunscreen and beach umbrellas. Note that items of personal nature like sun hats and beach slippers are not included.
Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: YES
7
Our tour culminates with a stop at St. James Beach near Muizenberg to view the colourful huts on the beach. These colourful huts are used for changing rooms for the sunbathers and surfers, but they also provide amazing backdrop for spectacular photos to last a lifetime.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Pass by: We return back to Cape Town for drop off at guest's accommodation.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Swimming with penguins is optional; viewing from the beach is also available.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.
Know before you go
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the nature reserve.
- A hat and sunglasses are recommended for sun protection.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Items of personal nature, i.e.: Sun hats, peak caps, refreshments, beach slippers, etc.
Traveler reviews
4.628 reviews
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A+
Lina and driver Kyle were both fantastic and made the whole trip fun and seamless. Highly recommend
Milad KApr 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Cape of GoodHope
It was a lovely experience thanks to our Tour guide Mierille
aslitravelsApr 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Amazing
It was a lovely day, well send with Gordon. I really can recommend this trip if you want to see all of the highlights in one day. Gordon explains a lot and drived us safely trough all the highlights!
Christina MApr 15, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Cape of Good Hope
Talent was a very nice and engaging guide, tour organized very well and beautiful views. Highly recommended
yurid573Mar 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Excellent!.
Excellent guide! We covered so much
Susy MMar 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR