Cape Town: Boulders Beach Penguins & Chapman's Peak Drive Tour

Summary

Penguin colony up close, scenic drives, Atlantic views from Cape Town

You’ll ride along Cape Town’s coast with a local guide, catch wild ocean views from Chapman’s Peak Drive, watch African penguins up close at Boulders Beach, and have time to swim or just sit in the sun with them nearby. Expect real moments—like laughter on the sand or salt in your hair—that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Cape Town before our driver pulled over at Maiden’s Cove. I was still fiddling with my camera when the wind hit — salty and sharp — and there was this wild sweep of ocean below us. Our guide, Sipho, pointed out the Twelve Apostles mountains like he knew them personally. The light on Camps Bay made everything look a bit cinematic. He joked about the “penthouse for rich folks” up the hill but honestly, I just wanted to stand there and breathe for a minute longer.

Chapman’s Peak Drive came next — that road is something else. It curls along the cliffs in a way that makes you feel both tiny and lucky. We rolled down the windows (the air-con was too tame for that sea smell), and I tried to count how many shades of blue were in the water. Sipho told us stories about shipwrecks and surfers who brave those waves. I kept losing track of what he was saying because every corner opened up another view you want to remember forever.

Boulders Beach was louder than I expected — penguins everywhere, squabbling or just waddling past like they owned the place (which they kind of do). There’s this wooden boardwalk where you can get close without bothering them, but some still come right up to your feet if you’re patient. The sand felt warm underfoot; I actually dipped into the water for a bit, which was colder than I'd admit in front of strangers. A little girl next to me tried to mimic their walk — her dad laughed so hard he almost dropped his phone.

On the drive back we stopped above Muizenberg at Boyes Drive — surfers dotted the bay like tiny black commas on blue paper. The sun was lower now; everything looked softer somehow. I didn’t want it to end just yet, but then again, maybe that’s how good days should finish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Boulders Beach and Coastal Views

• Visit Maidens Cove viewpoint
• Drive along Chapmans Peak Drive
• Explore Boulders Beach and see penguins
• Swim and relax on the beach
• Stop at Boyes Drive in Muizenberg
• Return to Cape Town

Top questions

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

The half-day tour lasts about 5 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this Boulders Beach tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Cape Town.

Can you swim at Boulders Beach during the tour?

Yes, there is time to swim or relax on the beach near the penguins.

Are entry fees covered for Chapman’s Peak Drive?

Toll fees for Chapman’s Peak Drive are included in your tour price.

Is this penguin encounter suitable for all ages?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and ages.

What else do you see besides Boulders Beach?

You’ll also visit Maiden’s Cove, Chapman’s Peak Drive, and Boyes Drive in Muizenberg.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Cape Town, all toll fees for Chapman’s Peak Drive so you don’t need cash handy, bottled water on board to keep you refreshed between stops, plus an air-conditioned vehicle so you can cool off after time on the beach with those noisy penguins.