In short
- Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- October to March offers the best beach weather.
- January is the peak penguin moulting season.
In this article
The Boulders Penguin Colony is open year-round. Choosing the right time of day or year depends on whether you want to swim in the cove or simply view the colony from the boardwalks.
What is the best time of day to see the penguins?
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit.
During peak summer (December and January), the gates open at 07:00. Arriving early helps you secure parking at Seaforth Square or Bellevue Road before lots fill up.
Late afternoon visits offer cooler temperatures. You will also encounter fewer crowds on the wheelchair and stroller-friendly boardwalks at Foxy Beach.
When is the best time of year to visit?
The summer months from October to March provide the best weather.
During these months, the ocean water is warm enough for swimming at the public beach cove. The sunny weather makes it ideal to relax on the pristine white sand.
What happens during the January moulting season?
January is the peak moulting season for African penguins.
During this time, the penguins stay on land to shed their old feathers and grow new ones. You will see large numbers of penguins resting among the 540-million-year-old granite boulders.
Because they cannot swim while moulting, the colony is very active on the sand and nesting dune spurs.
How can I avoid the summer crowds?
Visit right when the gates open or just before closing.
Peak summer gate hours extend until 19:30 in December and January. Visiting late in the day allows you to observe the penguins with fewer tourists around.
Booking a guided tour can also eliminate the stress of finding parking during the busiest hours.
When is the best time to swim with the penguins?
Visit the Boulders Beach cove during low tide.
At high tide, the sandy area at the public beach becomes very narrow. Low tide provides the most beach space to sunbathe and safely access the granite rock pools.
Always check the rocky nooks for resting penguins before climbing, and remember to apply high-SPF sunscreen.
How long should you spend at Boulders Beach?
Plan for one to three hours depending on your activities.
Viewing the main colony from the 180° panoramic observation deck at Foxy Beach takes 20 to 30 minutes. Walking the 650-meter Willis Walk takes another 15 to 25 minutes.
If you plan to swim in the cove and relax on the beach, allocate one to two hours for that area alone.
Questions travellers ask
What time does Boulders Beach open and close?
Peak summer gate hours in December and January extend from 07:00 to 19:30. Hours vary slightly during the rest of the year.
Do I need to bring cash?
No. SANParks enforces a strict 100% cashless policy at the gates. Only bank cards are accepted.
Can you touch the penguins at Boulders Beach?
No. You must not touch, feed, or harass the penguins. Their beaks are razor-sharp and they will bite if threatened.
