In short
- Swimming is permitted at the public Boulders Beach Cove.
- Never touch or feed the penguins; they have sharp beaks and will bite.
- Summer (October to March) offers the warmest water for swimming.
In this article
Boulders Beach is one of the only places where wild penguins might swim past you. Before you pack your towel, you need to know the local regulations to keep yourself and the birds safe.
Can you actually swim with the penguins?
Yes, you can swim in the same water as the penguins at the Boulders Beach Cove.
The public beach area allows visitors to sunbathe and swim. Penguins roam freely and often enter the water here. You cannot swim at Foxy Beach, which is reserved strictly for boardwalk viewing.
What are the swim with penguins boulders beach rules?
SANParks strictly prohibits touching, feeding, or harassing the penguins.
African penguins are wild, endangered animals. If threatened, they will bite using their razor-sharp beaks. You must also keep dogs and other pets out of the colony entirely.
- No alcohol or smoking on the beach
- No removing sand, shells, or marine flora
- No drones allowed under park regulations
Is Boulders Beach a safe place to swim?
Yes, massive 540-million-year-old granite boulders protect the cove from strong winds and large waves.
The rocks form calm, shallow pools of ocean water. These granite rock pools are safe for children to splash in. Always check the rocky nooks for resting penguins before you climb.
When is the best time of year to swim?
The summer months from October to March offer the best beach weather and water temperatures.
Water is warmest during this period. Keep in mind that January is the peak penguin moulting season. During summer mornings, parking lots at Seaforth Square and Bellevue Road fill up quickly.
Does the tide affect the swimming area?
Yes, the tide drastically changes the amount of sand available on the beach.
Visit at low tide to secure the most beach space. At high tide, the sandy area becomes very narrow. Plan your arrival based on local tide charts if you want room to lay out a towel.
What should I pack for swimming at Boulders Beach?
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a beach towel.
The sun is intense even on cooler days. You must also bring a bank card, as the SANParks gates are 100% cashless. Pack bottled water because food and beverage concessions are limited directly inside the park.
Questions travellers ask
Can you touch the penguins at Boulders Beach?
No. SANParks rules forbid touching the penguins. They have razor-sharp beaks and will bite if you threaten them or get too close.
How much does it cost to enter the swimming beach?
In 2026, international adults pay R245 ZAR and children pay R120 ZAR. South African citizens pay R55 to R57 ZAR per adult, provided they show valid ID.
Is Boulders Beach safe for kids to swim?
Yes, the massive granite boulders block large waves, creating calm, shallow rock pools. These pools are very safe for children to swim in.
