Boulders Beach
Beach Coastal beach hosting a colony of African penguins
Coastal beach near Simon’s Town notable for colonies of African penguins among granite boulders; family‑friendly coves and boardwalks offer close viewing opportunities.
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Boulders Beach is a series of sheltered beaches and granite boulder-strewn coves on the False Bay coast near Simon’s Town in the Western Cape. It is best known for a resident colony of African penguins that nest in the sheltered vegetation and rocky crevices.
The site offers close-up viewing of penguins from boardwalks and designated paths, and several calm bays suitable for swimming in protected waters. The colony was established in the early 1980s and has since become a popular wildlife attraction.
The beaches are managed as part of the coastal protection areas within Table Mountain National Park and include visitor facilities in the Simon’s Town area. The site sits on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula near the naval town of Simon’s Town, within driving distance of Cape Town.
- Penguin viewing: Viewing platforms and boardwalks allow close observation of the resident African penguin colony while keeping a safe distance to avoid disturbance.
- Location: Situated near the naval town of Simon's Town and incorporated into Table Mountain National Park, making it accessible from Cape Town by road-about a 40 km drive to the south.
How to Get to Boulders Beach #
Boulders Beach is about 40-50 km south of central Cape Town. Drive via M3 and M42/Simon’s Town road, or take the scenic coastal drive along Clarence Drive from Gordon’s Bay. The Simon’s Town train line from Cape Town also serves commuters; from Simon’s Town station a short taxi or local shuttle will take visitors to Boulders Beach.
Tips for Visiting Boulders Beach #
- Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds around the penguin colony.
- Stick to the boardwalks and respect the viewing distances - the African penguins are protected and vulnerable.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Simon's Town museum or a coastal drive along Clarence Drive for scenic stops.
Best Time to Visit Boulders Beach #
Best in spring and autumn for penguin activity and moderate crowds; avoid peak summer weekends to minimize crowds.
Weather & Climate near Boulders Beach #
Boulders Beach's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (592 mm/year).
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 17 mm, mostly sunny skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 100 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall, mostly sunny skies, and breezy conditions.
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