Cape Town: Boulders Penguins, Cape Point & Chapman's Peak Drive

Summary

See penguins up close and explore Cape Point’s wild coast

You’ll ride along Cape Town’s dramatic coast with a small group, stopping for photos at St. James’ colorful huts before meeting African penguins at Boulders Beach. Walk among wild fynbos at Cape Point Nature Reserve and breathe in ocean air atop windswept cliffs—all with hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Cape Town just after sunrise, the city still rubbing its eyes. Our guide—Sipho, who had this easy laugh—navigated us along the M5, then suddenly we were hugging the edge of False Bay. The ocean was that cold blue-grey, with a salty tang that somehow woke me up better than coffee. We stopped at St. James Beach for those bright beach huts (they look even more cartoonish in person), and I tried to take a selfie but mostly got my thumb. Sipho teased me about it; “You need longer arms,” he said.

The drive through Kalk Bay was noisy—fishermen shouting over gulls, boats clinking against the dock. There was this smell of old nets and fresh fish that stuck in my nose for a while. We passed Fish Hoek too, where you could see people already wading into the Indian Ocean even though it wasn’t exactly warm. I kept thinking how different the light feels here—kind of sharp and clear, like you’re seeing everything for the first time.

Boulders Beach was next, and honestly, I didn’t expect to get so close to the African penguins. They shuffle around like little old men in tuxedos. One waddled right past us on the boardwalk—didn’t care about anyone watching. There were kids laughing nearby and someone dropped an ice cream cone (not me this time). Sipho told us there are about 3,000 penguins here now; he sounded proud but also a bit protective when reminding us not to touch or feed them.

After that, we drove down to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The wind picked up—felt almost like it could knock you sideways—and there was this wild smell from the fynbos all around. We spotted a baboon sitting on a sign (just staring back at us) and some ostriches way off in the brush. At Cape Point itself you can hike up or take this funicular called the Flying Dutchman—I walked because I needed to stretch my legs after all that sitting. The view from up there… I still think about it sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boulders Penguins and Cape Point Tour

• Drive along False Bay coastline
• Pass Muizenberg beach huts
• Photo stop at St. James Beach huts
• Pass Kalk Bay Harbour
• Pass Fish Hoek beach
• Visit Boulder's Beach penguin colony
• Explore Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Visit Cape Point and lighthouse
• Drive and stop at Chapman's Peak Drive viewpoint
• Return to Cape Town drop-off point

Top questions

How long is the half day Boulders Penguins & Cape Point tour?

The tour lasts approximately half a day, including pickup and drop-off in Cape Town.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip from Cape Town?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cape Town or at The Westin Hotel concierge desk are included.

Can I see African penguins up close on this tour?

You’ll visit Boulders Beach and walk along boardwalks near the main penguin colony for close viewing.

Is lunch included on this small group tour?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided onboard.

Is Chapman’s Peak Drive part of every tour route?

The drive through Chapman’s Peak is included if operational on your tour day.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Do we have time to swim at Boulders Beach?

The stop focuses on visiting the penguin colony via boardwalk; swimming time isn’t guaranteed.

Are entry fees covered for attractions on this route?

Chapman’s Peak toll fees are included; other entry fees aren’t specifically mentioned as included.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport with bottled water onboard, hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Cape Town or at The Westin Hotel desk if you prefer, all Chapman’s Peak toll fees covered by your guide-driver (who doubles as storyteller), plus plenty of stops for photos—from those rainbow beach huts to windswept cliffs—before you’re dropped back where you started.