Boulders Beach And Penguin Colony
Description
Boulders Beach is home to a breeding colony of over 2000 African penguins on the outskirts of Simonstown. It is one of only 2 shore-based breeding colonies in South Africa, with the other being at Stony Point in Betty's Bay. The Boulders section of Table Mountain National Park consists of 3 beaches, 1 penguin viewing area, and 3 boardwalks. Take a stroll along the boardwalks which allow you to view the penguins in their burrows without disturbing their habitat - and keep you safe from a feisty bite!
The parking area at Seaforth Beach is usually a hive of activity with craft markets, curios, and entertainment. There is a small coffee and curio shop on the road that leads to the beach. Please note that as Boulders Beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, an entrance fee is required to access it. Strictly controlled access by the SANparks authority makes sure that the beach is always clean and the toilets and outdoor beach showers are well maintained - as well as filtering out the crowds.The area is patrolled by park rangers to ensure the safety of the penguins and visitors.
The beach is reached by an elevated wooden boardwalk and is a popular spot for those wanting to see the penguins in their natural habitat. Although you will have to pay a fee to use the beach, the spectacular surroundings and sheltered cove area make it well worth it. It is one of the safest swimming beaches for families in Cape Town, offering rock pools with endless supplies of marine life to marvel at. The beach was voted “best family beach in the world by UK Telegraph in March 2007 because of the safe swimming area and boulders that shelter the cove from currents, wind, and large waves. Be careful not to touch or feed the penguins!
For the best penguin viewing experience, head to Foxy Beach just a short stroll from Boulders. The boardwalks are all wheelchair-friendly. There is also a visitors centre with curio shops, a restaurant, and information.
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