Travel Guide
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
Home to a colony of African penguins that nest among the granite boulders giving the beach its name, with boardwalks allowing close (but hands-off) views of the birds year-round.
Insider Knowledge
Boardwalks let you view the penguin colony up close without disturbing them - stick to marked paths.
Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and more active penguins.
A small conservation fee funds the protected colony's upkeep.
Combine with a visit to nearby Simon's Town, a charming naval town with cafes and shops.
Common Questions
Yes, in designated beach areas, though main colony viewing is from boardwalks.
Hours shift by season - check current times before visiting.
Fees go toward conservation of the protected African penguin colony.
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Nearby
Home to a colony of African penguins that nest among the granite boulders giving the beach its name, with boardwalks allowing close (but hands-off) views of the birds year-round.
A dramatic, wind-swept headland within Table Mountain National Park, historically significant to sailors rounding Africa's southern coast, with hiking trails and a lighthouse at Cape Point.
The island prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment, now a museum reached by ferry, with tours often led by former political prisoners.
A flat-topped mountain overlooking the city, reached by a rotating cable car or several hiking routes, offering panoramic views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and Robben Island on clear days.