Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swim With Penguins & Chapman's Peak

Swim With African Penguins at Boulders Beach, Then Drive Chapman's Peak

You're picked up from your Cape Town hotel and driven through the Bo-Kaap, past Camps Bay's Maidens Cove, and along Chapman's Peak Drive to reach Boulders Beach for swimming with African penguins. The tour includes a boardwalk walk through the penguin colony, beach time with towels and sunscreen provided, a stop at St. James Beach's colored huts, and return transport — all in a half-day window.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Drive through Cape Town city centre
• Stop at Bo-Kaap for photos
• Visit Maidens Cove in Camps Bay
• Drive and stop at Chapman's Peak viewpoint
• Visit Simon's Town and see Just Nuisance monument
• Walk boardwalk at Boulders Beach penguin colony
• Swim and relax at Boulders Beach
• Stop at St. James Beach colourful huts
• Return to Cape Town accommodation

The Experience

"How close can you actually get to them?" That's the question most people ask before they book this tour, and the answer is: close enough that you'll understand why it's worth the half day. The drive out of Cape Town starts in the city centre, moves through the Bo-Kaap with its candy-colored houses (the light there is genuinely good for photos), then opens up into the kind of coastline that makes you forget you're on a schedule. Chapman's Peak Drive is the real thing — you stop for about fifteen minutes at the viewpoint, and the Atlantic just keeps going.

Simon's Town comes next, where there's time for lunch if you want it, and then you reach Boulders Beach itself. The boardwalk takes you through the penguin colony — one of the largest in South Africa — and you'll see them in the water and on the rocks, moving the way penguins do, which is nothing like you'd expect. The main colony entry is ZAR 175 per adult (not included in the tour price), and after that you're on the beach for the rest of the afternoon. If the penguins are swimming, you might end up in the water at the same time they are. It's not guaranteed, but it happens. The tour provides fresh towels, sunscreen, and beach umbrellas, so you're not scrambling to figure out what to bring.

The final stop is St. James Beach near Muizenberg, where the colored huts line the shore — they're changing rooms, but they photograph like a postcard. Then it's back to your accommodation in Cape Town. The whole thing runs about half a day, which means you're not exhausted by evening and you've actually swum in the Atlantic with penguins instead of just reading about it.

What’s included

• Private tour guide and driver.
• vehicle and fuel.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Cape Town.
• bottled water during the drive.
• entrance to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
• Chapman's Peak Drive toll fees.
• fresh beach towels, sunscreen, and beach umbrellas.

Operated by Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see African penguins and swim at one of Cape Town's best beaches without arranging transport, entry fees, or beach gear yourself — the half-day length keeps it relaxed while hitting the major coastal stops.

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Top questions

Do you swim with the penguins or just see them?

You have the chance to swim with them if they're in the water at Boulders Beach during your visit, though it's not guaranteed. You'll definitely see them on the boardwalk and in the colony.

What's included and what costs extra?

The tour includes pickup, the vehicle, guide, bottled water, Chapman's Peak toll fees, beach towels, sunscreen, and beach umbrellas. Entry to the penguin colony is ZAR 175 per adult, paid separately on arrival.

How long is the tour?

It's a half-day tour. The itinerary includes stops in the Bo-Kaap, Camps Bay, Chapman's Peak viewpoint (about 15 minutes), Simon's Town, Boulders Beach, and St. James Beach before returning to your accommodation.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, sun hat, peak cap, beach slippers, and any snacks or drinks you want — these personal items aren't provided. The tour supplies towels, sunscreen, and umbrellas.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels. Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

Can I have lunch during the tour?

There's optional lunch time in Simon's Town, where you can eat at a local restaurant. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

What if the penguins aren't in the water when I visit?

You'll still walk the boardwalk through the colony and see the penguins on the rocks and beach. Swimming with them is a chance encounter, not a guarantee, but the beach time remains part of the tour.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You're free to wade or swim as you're comfortable — there's no requirement to go deep or far out.