Boulders Beach Penguins Cape Town - Small Group Tour & Guide

Summary

Watch African penguins at Boulders Beach after Cape Town drive

You’ll ride along Cape Town’s dramatic coastline with a local guide, snap photos in colorful Bo-Kaap, and spend real time among African penguins at Boulders Beach (entrance included). There’s space for coffee stops and even a swim if you’re up for it — moments you’ll remember long after leaving South Africa.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding along Chapman's Peak Drive when I realized how salty the air tasted — like you could almost chew it. Our guide, Sizwe, kept up this gentle commentary about the neighborhoods we passed, but honestly I was distracted by the way the light hit the ocean. We’d stopped earlier in Bo-Kaap for photos; I tried to pronounce one of the street names and got it so wrong that a woman selling fruit laughed out loud. She handed me a slice of guava anyway. That’s kind of how the morning went — little surprises tucked between all the expected sights.

The main thing: Boulders Beach and its African penguin colony. You hear them before you see them — this braying sound that doesn’t match their tuxedo look at all. Sizwe told us they used to be called “jackass” penguins because of it. There’s something weirdly comforting about watching them waddle around, totally unbothered by us gawking from the boardwalk. Some kids were swimming nearby (yes, you can actually swim with penguins here), but I just stood there for ages, trying to memorize how their feathers looked almost blue in certain light.

We made quick stops at Muizenberg Beach too — surfers everywhere, bright huts lined up like crayons. The tour isn’t rushed; there’s time for coffee or just staring out at False Bay if you want. I liked that nobody hurried us along. On the way back to Cape Town, I kept thinking about those penguins and how odd it felt to share a beach with them for an hour or two. Still makes me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cape Town Coastal Highlights

• Explore Bo-Kaap colorful neighborhood
• Stop at Muizenberg Beach surfing spot
• Visit Boulders Beach African penguin colony

Top questions

How long is the Boulders Beach penguin tour from Cape Town?

This is a half-day tour departing from Cape Town and returning the same day.

Is entrance to Boulders Beach included?

Yes, your entrance fee to see the African penguin colony is included in the tour price.

Can you swim with penguins on this tour?

Yes, there is time allocated at Boulders Beach where swimming with penguins is possible.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in Cape Town?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking to confirm your location is covered.

Are there stops besides Boulders Beach?

Yes, you'll also stop at Bo-Kaap for photos and Muizenberg Beach for a quick visit.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and infants can use prams or specialized seats.

What kind of vehicle is used on this small group tour?

A comfortable sedan or van with air conditioning is provided for transport.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup in Cape Town, entrance fees to Boulders Beach to see the African penguin colony, bottled water throughout the trip, and travel in an air-conditioned sedan or van guided by a local expert before returning to town later that day.