Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is a group of sheltered granite coves on Kleintuin Road in Simon's Town, on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa's Western Cape, and is best known for its protected colony of African penguins. Huge weathered boulders create calm, shallow pools and small sandy bays, with fine pale sand and clear water that is warmer than the Atlantic coast, roughly 16-22 C. Boardwalks and viewing decks run close to the nesting areas, so visitors can watch penguins waddle, nest and swim within a few metres. The penguin boardwalk area is restricted, but Foxy Beach and the cove at Boulders itself allow swimming, and the water is sheltered from the open surf by the boulders. The beach is short and enclosed, not a surfing beach, and is a family and wildlife destination rather than a party or sunbathing strip, with a calm, slightly crowded atmosphere in peak season. Amenities include the Boulders Beach Visitor Centre, toilets and showers, a cafe and a car park, and entry is through a paid SANParks gate. Penguins have right of way, and visitors must not touch or feed them because they bite. Access is by car, Uber or Bolt, or by Metrorail to Simon's Town followed by a 3 km taxi or walk, and Peninsula tours often include a stop. Parking on Kleintuin Road can fill by late morning in summer, and bags should not be left in cars. Simon's Town's naval heritage, restaurants and kayaking launches are close by, which makes Boulders a natural half-day stop on a Cape Point loop. The beach is not on the 2025/26 city Blue Flag list.