Cape Town: Cape of Good Hope, Penguins & Seal Island Day Trip

Summary

Penguins at Boulders Beach, wild Cape winds and that endless blue drive

You’ll breathe in wild sea air at Cape Point, watch African penguins shuffle across Boulders Beach boardwalks, cruise out to see seals basking on Duiker Island, and ride along Chapman’s Peak Drive with your camera glued to the window. Hotel pickup makes things easy—just bring your sense of wonder (and maybe a windbreaker).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold salt air hitting my face as we pulled up to Maidens Cove — honestly, it felt like standing inside a postcard. Our guide, Thabo, pointed out the Twelve Apostles looming behind Camps Bay, all sharp edges and morning haze. I could hear someone laughing nearby (maybe from one of those fancy penthouses), but mostly it was just gulls and that restless sound of waves. We hopped back in the minivan and wound along the coast toward Hout Bay; I kept craning my neck for another glimpse of those mountains, but they kept slipping behind us.

At Hout Bay Harbour, you can take a boat out to Duiker Island — we did, even though I was worried about getting seasick. Turns out, watching seals flop around on sun-warmed rocks is weirdly calming. The boat rocked gently while the skipper told us stories about storms that roll in from nowhere. Back on land there’s this flea market where I tried bargaining for a carved giraffe (I’m terrible at it). Then came Chapman’s Peak Drive: honestly, nothing prepares you for how blue that water gets or how tiny you feel up above it all. Thabo slowed down so we could take photos but really, none of them do it justice.

By midday we’d reached the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve — windier than anywhere I’ve ever been. There’s an option to hike up to the lighthouse at Cape Point or take this little funicular train; we hiked (my legs are still mad at me). Standing there with spray in my hair and two oceans crashing below… I didn’t expect to get emotional about a signpost marking Africa’s edge, but here we are. Lunch was down at Simon’s Town Harbour — fish so fresh it almost tasted sweet — and then straight to Boulders Beach for the penguins. They’re smaller than you think and kind of clumsy; one waddled right past us like he owned the place. Our guide explained how their colony grew from just two pairs in the '80s — which made me weirdly hopeful.

We finished with a quick stop above Muizenberg Beach where surfers dotted the waves like tiny moving specks. The sky had gone gold by then and everyone got quiet for a minute. Sometimes travel feels loud and busy but here, looking over False Bay with sand between my toes (don’t ask), it all just slowed down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cape Peninsula full-day sightseeing tour

• View Camps Bay at Maidens Cove
• Boat trip or shop at Hout Bay Harbour
• Drive along Chapmans Peak Drive
• Explore Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Visit Boulders Beach penguin colony
• Stop at Shark Spotter viewpoint Muizenberg

Top questions

How long is the Cape of Good Hope & Penguins day trip?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cape Peninsula tour?

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

Can you visit Boulders Beach penguin colony on this trip?

Yes, there's a stop at Boulders Beach to see the African penguin colony from designated viewing points.

Do you get to go on a boat trip during this tour?

You have the option for a 45-minute return boat trip to Duiker Island from Hout Bay Harbour.

Are meals or lunch included?

A lunch stop is included at Simon's Town Harbour; lunch itself may be optional depending on booking selection.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available.

What wildlife can you see on this day trip from Cape Town?

You may see seals at Duiker Island, African penguins at Boulders Beach, seabirds along the coast, and possibly whales near Muizenberg (August–November).

Does this tour include Chapman’s Peak Drive?

Yes, you'll drive along Chapman's Peak Drive with stops for photos overlooking Noordhoek beach and Hout Bay Harbour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around Cape Town city plus bottled water onboard an air-conditioned minivan. You’ll have time for a boat ride to Seal Island if you want it, guided visits through each spot including Boulders Beach penguin colony and Chapman’s Peak Drive viewpoints—and there’s a lunch stop by Simon's Town Harbour before heading back as evening falls.