Boulders Beach Penguins & Cape Point Half-Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
- Visit Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
- Stunning coastal scenery along the way
- Learn about local wildlife and history
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
- Visit to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Soon after pick up we will drive along the M5 and connect with the M4 via Muizenberg, St. James and Fish Hoek beaches located along the scenic False Bay coastline on our way to Boulder's Beach Penguins Colony.
Pass by: Passing through Muizenberg beach we will see the stretch of attractive colourful beach huts in the distance. The beach huts resemble the “bathing machines” of the 1800’s—a cart-like structure that was wheeled down to the water’s edge, allowing the ladies to change into their chin-to-ankle bathing wear and frolic in the shallow waters. The beach huts are subsequently used as change rooms for sunbathers and keen surfers alike.
Much like their counterparts, the Beach huts that can be seen here at St. James Beach are also used by sunbathers as change rooms. Your tour guide will stop here for a few minutes to allow for some fun-filled photos with these colourful beach huts before we proceed to Boulder's Beach Penguins colony.
Pass by: We drive past Kalk Bay Harbour which is more like a fishing village, with the fishing boats docking and the fish traders praising their catch. Fresh fish are available for puchase here on a daily basis. The sights, smells and refreshing sea air are nothing less than spectacular.
Pass by: We pass through Fish Hoek beach. It is possible to feel the warm Indian ocean waters which flow into the False Bay area making Fish Hoek a preferred beach for swimming and sunbathing on long stretches of warm white sand.
We stop at Boulder's Beach to visit the African Penguins colony. Boulder's Beach is one of the best beaches in Cape Town particularly for swimming and sunbathing. It is possible to have close encounters with the African penguins whilst swimming and sunbathing at Boulder's Beach but it is not guaranteed. Therefore, we will take a walk along the boardwalk to the official penguins colony location to see the penguins in their natural habitat. Boulder's penguins colony is home to approximately 3000 African Penguins who spend their days frolicking in the False Bay waters, basking in the sun and parading on the granite Boulders.
After our encounter with the charming African Penguins, we proceed to what is surely the highlight of the day: The Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Nature Reserve. It is believed that no visit to Cape Town is complete without a photo behind the Cape of Good Hope name board. We will explore the nature reserve whilst the tour guide shares historical stories about the Bartholomew Dias and Vasco Da Gama beacons. The Cape of Good Hope is home to many a fauna and flora such as fynbos (fine bush), over 250 species of birds including ostriches, buck, baboons and the Cape mountain zebra. We advise our guests to please be vigilant and not get too close the the wild animals in the reserve as they can become violent. No close contact or feeding is allowed.
After exploring the Cape of Good Hope we will drive to the Cape Point where visitors are free to take a short hike up to the Cape Point lighthouse or take the option of the Flying Dutchman Funicular (additional charge at own account). Many believe that the Cape Point is the meeting point of the Two Oceans. However, Cape Point is infact the official meeting point of the Two Ocean Currents: the Cold Benguela and the Warm Agulhas ocean currents. The Cape Point lighthouse is the most powerful on the South African coast.
Providing that it is operational, we will take a drive through Chapmans Peak Drive, which is one of the most scenic routes in the world. We will stop for a few minutes at the viewpoint to take some photos.
Upon our arrival back in Cape Town visitors will be dropped off at the same pick up point where they were collected in the morning.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; please ensure you understand the language.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult; please inform the operator of any child participants.
- The tour is subject to weather conditions; check the forecast before booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
- Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Awesome tour of Cape
The guide is awesome. Small group works very efficient and we got more time to enjoy the scene. Encountered many wild animals.
Scenic and not rushed half day tour
The itenery was well planned and got a chance to get out of the city and enjoy the scenery. Our guide Mr Jeff took lots of photos for us at Cape of Good Hope, great for sharing with friends and family. When returning from the beaches, he took a different route and drove us through beautiful scenic drive and very informative. The trip included pick up from your hotel, then individual should keep in mind that you will leave earlier than 9am given there will be multiple stops & pickups. Also Viator sent message about pre-purchase national park tickets, but no one did except me. That created hassle for the entire group. Lastly, should have numbers or app that allows tour operator and the guide to contact you.
Bonus zebra
Great guide who made time for some bonus wildlife sightings including zebra, baboon and ostrich!!!!!
Worthy
Despite multiple weather changes, great route and experience. Chapman’s road was a top notch. Thanks to Seifu.
Great tour if short on time
Great tour if you’re short on time and want to mainly see the penguins and Cape point. It would be nice to stop somewhere for nicer lunch options as Cape Point was very basic, had we known we would have eaten something more substantial at the first stop which had some nice cafes. Gordon was great and on time, he gave us some interesting facts (most were quite morbid! Haha)
