Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour
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Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour

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(16 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a unique experience and spend a few hours at one of the best beaches in Cape Town known as Boulder's Beach while swimming with the African Penguins. Take a walk on the boardwalk at Boulder's Penguins Colony and view one of the largest penguin colonies in South Africa. Get too close to the African penguins at the Main Penguin Colony and see them in the thousands before you spend 3 more hours laying down and white sandy beach with African penguins.

Enjoy a drive along one of the most scenic routes in the world known as Chapman's Peak Drive. Marvel at the colourful houses in the Bo Kaap as you snap your Instagram moments with these historical houses as your backdrop. This is truly one of the most relaxing tours you can experience when travelling to Cape Town.

Available options

All Entrance Fees Included

Boulders Beach & Main Colony <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private tour guide/driver, vehicle and fuel
Bottled water onboard the vehicle
Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
Toll fees at Chapman's Peak drive
Fresh beach towels, sunscreen and beach umbrellas

Detailed itinerary

1

Soon after collection from your accommodation in Cape Town, we will drive along through the city centre to see some historical monuments and buildings.

2

We stop in the Bo-Kaap, also known as the Cape Malay Quarter, due to its Malaysian and Indonesian heritage. This is where we stop to see the colourful historical houses and capture beautiful photos with these colourful houses as our backdrop. If they are around, you may get to meet some of the friendly residents and learn about the history of their houses.

3
Stop 3

A stop here in Camps Bay will be at the famous Maidens Cove. Here is a popular tourist stop over for the most beautiful photos in Cape Town, with the Lion's Head and Table Mountain plus the 12 Apostles on the backdrop facing the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

4
Stop 4

Our next stop will be at Chapman's Peak viewpoint. We will drive along one of the most scenic routes in the world known as Chapman's Peak Drive - Chappie's to the locals. The stop at the viewpoint will be for approximately 15 minutes so that visitors can capture some of the most breathtaking photos of the pristine Atlantic ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.

5

Simon's Town will be next on our list of stops. This is where the South African Naval base is situated. This is also where we will meet the monument of the enchanting dog called Just Nuisance. Just Nuisance became a member of the South African Navy and even had a wedding. We will allow you time to have an optional lunch here in Simon's Town.

6
Stop 6

We reach the highlight of the day with a stop at Boulder's Beach. Upon our arrival at the Boulder's we will enter through the gates and walk along the boardwalk to view the African Penguins colony. This is one of the largest penguins colonies in South Africa and you may even have an opportunity to be greeted by one or two of them along the boardwalk. We will allow you to enter the main colony at own account which is ZAR 175 per adult.

Thereafter we will enter onto the Boulder's Beach for and spend the rest of the tour on what is known as one of the best beaches in Cape Town. Visitors may have chance encounters while swimming, to swim with the Penguins if they are in the water at the beach. Take plenty of photos with these stunning sea creatures and come face-to-face with them in their natural habitat.

Note that clean fresh beach towels will be included as well as sunscreen and beach umbrellas.

Note that items of personal nature like sun hats and beach slippers are not included.

7

Our tour culminates with a stop at St. James Beach near Muizenberg to view the colourful huts on the beach. These colourful huts are used for changing rooms for the sunbathers and surfers, but they also provide amazing backdrop for spectacular photos to last a lifetime.

8

We return back to Cape Town for drop off at guest's accommodation.

What's not included

Meals, drinks and gratuities/tips (optional)
Entrance Penguins Main Colony/Beach

Available languages

Guide guide
EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.1
9 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Items of personal nature, i.e.: Sun hats, peak caps, refreshments, beach slippers, etc.

Important notes

Kindly note that we cannot guarantee that the penguins will draw near to our guests to swim with them as we are working with nature, but you may have chance encounters with them.

Should the weather be unfavourable your booking may be rescheduled or cancelled for a full refund.

We require a minimum of 3 people to depart on this tour.

About Cape Town

Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.

Top Attractions

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.

Nature 2-4 hours Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining

Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Cape Malay Curry

A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Biltong

A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking Paragliding Shark cage diving Surfing Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Afrikaans
  • Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
  • • Use reputable transport services

Getting there

By air
  • Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train

Cape Town Station

By bus

Cape Town Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cape Town City Centre Camps Bay Bo-Kaap

Day trips

Stellenbosch
50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.

Hermanus
120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Festivals

Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual) Cape Town Carnival • January (annual) Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)

Pro tips

  • Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
  • Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
  • Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
  • Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
  • Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-80
1
Childs
Age 2-12
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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