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Aren’t they adorable? Who doesn’t like to watch penguins? But did you know there’s a secret place where you can get close to them on a secluded beach?
These little African Jackass penguins are a big draw for tourists visiting South Africa. And a stop at Boulders Beach National Park is included on most peninsula tours from Cape Town. People get off the bus in Simonstown and head down the boardwalk to stand on the overlook at Foxy Beach where hundreds of penguins congregate on the beach or nest in grassy sand. Pretty cool to watch, right? But!
What tourists on those bus tours don’t know, or even most locals for that matter (including guides!) is that you can play with them in a little cove just a 15 minute walk away! Yes, you read that right. You can actually hang out with them on the beach, on the rocks or swim with them in the water.
The same admission ticket (45 rand) gets you in here too, from 8am to 6pm. Check the tide schedule and visit at low tide for the widest beach and the chance to wade past giant boulders to Second Beach, another gorgeous beach with boulders balancing on giant rocks. Penguins that want to get away from the crowded colony swim down to this beach. You may find them sunning on the rocks, swimming in the shallow waters, or hiding in the shade. Just don’t expect large numbers of penguins! Make it a game to find them…
Ever play with penguins? You can at Boulders Beach!
Seems they like to play hide and seek…
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and will waddle right up to you with a curious gaze…
Both adults and kids can have a ball. Just respect their space and don’t threaten them. Remember they could lunge at you with their sharp little beaks!
I have to admit that these little penguins stole my heart over the big safari animals. And South Africa offered some pretty impressive animal encounters!! I spent an hour with a cheetah, walked with lions, walked with giraffes, and had a picnic with elephants. But my favorite experience was here at Boulders Beach. I loved the opportunity to spend a relaxed day or two just hanging out with these penguins–watching their comical antics, and interactions with kids and grown adults alike.
Who knew you could actually play with penguins! And if you’re visiting them from Foxy Beach on the distant boardwalk platform anyway, your same ticket gets you in here. For FREE! How’s that for awesome? Talk about an inexpensive wildlife encounter.
What a special place…only in South Africa.
Vanessa - Hi Kim, Love your photos and tips of the penguins in South Africa. Our family is planning a trip to South Africa. I like your mention of the animal encounters. Can you share with me where you did the various animal encounters? Was it along the garden route? Thank you so much. Vanessa
admin - Botlierskop Game Lodge along the Garden Route is where you can have a picnic with elephants and walk with giraffes…and the game lodge in Inverness in the Karoo Desert is where we spent time with cheetahs. Have a wonderful trip!