Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Learn how to navigate the boardwalks, choose your transport from Cape Town, and pack for the coastal weather.
Getting there
Getting to Simon's Town
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive south from Cape Town via the M3 and M4 highways along the False Bay coastline. | 45-60 minutes | Fuel plus potential R5-R10 tip for official car guards at the parking lot | Parking at Seaforth Square or Bellevue Road fills up quickly during summer mornings, so arrive early. |
| Train: Take the Southern Line commuter train from Cape Town Station directly to Simon's Town station, then walk. | 90 minutes train + 20 minute walk | Under $2 USD | A highly scenic and affordable option running along the coast, but schedules can occasionally be delayed. |
| Tour: Book a guided half-day or full-day Cape Peninsula tour with hotel pickup. | 4 to 9 hours (Half-day or full-day) | $35-$60 USD | Often bundled with Cape Point and Chapman's Peak; eliminates the stress of left-hand driving and parking. |
| Car: Use an e-hailing app like Uber or Bolt directly from your accommodation in Cape Town. | 50-70 minutes | R380-R520 ZAR (~$21-$29 USD) one-way | Convenient for groups without a rental car, though booking a return trip from Simon's Town later in the day may require a short wait. |
When to go
- J
- F
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- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Summer months between October and March offer warm water for swimming. January is the peak moulting season for the penguins. Peak summer gate hours extend from 07:00 to 19:30.
What to bring
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Do not touch or feed the penguins.
Their beaks are razor-sharp and they will bite if threatened.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules
A fast track to see the main penguin colony.
- Arrive
Park at Seaforth Square before it fills up.
- Foxy Beach
Walk the main timber boardwalk to the grand viewing deck.
- Nesting Dunes
Observe the artificial fiberglass burrows from the side paths.
- Depart
Head back to your vehicle or tour bus.
Combine penguin viewing with beach time.
- Foxy Beach
Spend 30 minutes taking photos from the observation deck.
- Willis Walk
Follow the 650-meter pathway through the fynbos.
- Boulders Cove
Set up on the white sand at low tide.
- Swim
Swim in the sheltered ocean waters alongside the granite rocks.
Packing for the Coast
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, as the African sun is intense. A light windbreaker jacket is useful because the Cape Peninsula coastline is notoriously windy. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the timber boardwalks and the Willis Walk.
You must bring a credit or debit card for the cashless entry gate. Bring a valid ID or passport if you are claiming local or SADC entry rate discounts. Carry bottled water, as there are limited concessions inside the park.
Easiest way to do it
Half Day Boulders Penguins and Cape Point Small Group Tour
5 h to 6 h 4.8 (1,519)
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle.
- Hotel pick up and drop off in Cape Town or our meeting point at The Westin Hotel concierge desk
- Chapman's Peak Toll Fees
- Shared tour guide/driver, vehicle and fuel.
From$53per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What is the best time of day to see the penguins?
Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This helps you avoid the peak summer crowds and secure parking at Seaforth Square.
How do I get from Cape Town to Boulders Beach without a car?
You can use an e-hailing app for R380 to R520 ZAR one-way. Alternatively, take the 90-minute Southern Line commuter train directly to Simon's Town station.
What is the difference between Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach?
Foxy Beach is the primary penguin viewing sanctuary with elevated boardwalks. Boulders Beach Cove is the sheltered public beach where visitors can swim.