Visit Penguins in Cape Town – A Full Guide to Boulders Beach with Kids

Get up close with Cape Town’s famous Boulders Beach penguins 🐧. In this family-friendly guide, I share how to visit with kids, the best time to go, entry fees, and tips to make your trip easy and fun — all while supporting penguin conservation.

Visit Penguins in Cape Town – A Full Guide to Boulders Beach with Kids

Watching African penguins in the wild is one of the most magical family experiences in Cape Town. Boulders Beach and nearby Foxy Beach in Simon’s Town are the only places in the world where you can see these charming penguins up close in their natural habitat.

Why Visit Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park and offers a safe, stroller-friendly setting with wooden boardwalks and calm, shallow water. Kids can spot penguin chicks, learn about conservation, and even paddle nearby while watching the birds waddle freely along the sand.

How to Visit

Boulders Beach is an easy 45-minute drive from Cape Town. Parking is available near both entrances, and visiting early in the morning helps you avoid crowds. Entry fees support penguin conservation, and the money goes directly to SANParks projects protecting the endangered African penguin.

Best Time to Go

You can see penguins year-round. February to August is the best season for families, when fluffy grey chicks appear beside their parents. During summer, it’s warm enough to swim, but expect more visitors.

Tips for Families

Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, snacks, and water. The boardwalks make it easy to walk with toddlers, but remember to keep a respectful distance — penguins bite if disturbed. Most families spend over an hour here soaking in the magic.

Seeing penguins in Cape Town isn’t just a highlight of any trip — it’s a meaningful, joyful memory for kids and parents alike.

Read the full family guide on Nomadmum: