Cape Point & Boulders Beach: Penguins, Hike & Scenic Drive

Summary

Penguins at Boulders Beach hiking Cape Point wild coastlines and local stories

You’ll watch African penguins shuffle across Boulders Beach, hike windswept paths at Cape Point with a local guide, and catch wild coastal views all along the way. Expect laughter (and maybe some sand in your socks), plus plenty of time for photos or just staring out at two oceans colliding below you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sharp squawk of penguins — not cute, honestly, more like a donkey having a bad day. We’d just stepped onto the wooden walkway at Boulders Beach and there they were, wobbling around in their tuxedos. Our guide, Sipho, grinned and told us the locals call them “jackass penguins” for a reason. The sea smelled briny and cold; sand stuck to my shoes. I tried to count how many penguins there were but gave up when two started chasing each other right under the rail. They’re smaller than you expect.

After that we drove along the coast — windows open, wind whipping through the bus (thankful for those big seats). At Cape Point, Sipho pointed out a zebra grazing off in the scrub. I didn’t even know zebras lived this far south. The air felt different here — salty but with something herbal from the fynbos. Some people took the funicular up to the old lighthouse (I walked because I’m stubborn) and you could see forever from up there: Atlantic on one side, Indian Ocean on the other. It’s not really where they meet exactly but you feel it anyway, that sense of standing on an edge.

I joined the guided hike from Cape Point down to the Cape of Good Hope — about 40 minutes if you don’t stop too much, but we did because someone spotted an ostrich in the distance (huge, awkward bird). The path was rocky in places; my shoes got dusty. There was a moment where everyone just went quiet watching waves smash against black rocks below. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

On the way back to Cape Town we passed through little towns like Scarborough and Kommetjie — kids waving from porches, painted boats pulled up on sandbanks. The sun was dropping behind Silvermine Nature Reserve as we wound over Ou Kaapse Weg pass. Someone fell asleep next to me; I almost did too except I didn’t want to miss anything out the window. So yeah, if you’re thinking about this Cape Point & Boulders Beach day trip from Cape Town… bring good shoes and maybe an extra snack for the ride.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit penguins and Cape Point highlights

• Visit Boulders Beach Penguin Reserve
• Explore Cape Point Nature Reserve wildlife
• Walk or take funicular to old lighthouse
• Hike or bus to Cape of Good Hope
• Drive back via Ou Kaapse Weg pass

Top questions

How long do you spend at Boulders Beach with penguins?

You get over 1 hour at Boulders Beach to watch and photograph the African penguin colony.

Is lunch included on this Cape Point tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but there are stops along the way where you can buy food.

Can I join a guided hike from Cape Point to Cape of Good Hope?

Yes, there’s an optional guided hike (about 40 minutes) between Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope for those with medium fitness.

Are entry fees for Cape Point included?

No, entry fees are payable on arrival; South Africans or SADC members get discounts with ID or passport.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, complimentary pickup is included from many hotels or nearby stops in central Cape Town.

What wildlife might I see besides penguins?

You might spot ostrich, zebra, eland antelope and other wildlife inside Cape Point Nature Reserve.

How long does this full day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day including all stops and scenic drives back to Cape Town.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring comfortable walking shoes (especially if hiking), sunscreen, water bottle and maybe an extra snack.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary hotel pickup near most central accommodations in Cape Town, transport in a spacious air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and free WiFi onboard. You’ll have over an hour at Boulders Beach with its famous penguin colony and two hours exploring Cape Point (with optional guided hike). Entry fees are paid on site; lunch is flexible so you can choose where to eat along the way before returning via scenic coastal routes in late afternoon.