Boulders Beach — Attraction in Cape Town Ward 61

Arrived pretty late in the afternoon, so I had to choose between going to the boulders Bay Beach section or the conservation section, which has three board walks. One on the inside of the more sheltered section, one a bit longer around the beach section and another more like a lookout point facing the beach.

There are many people walking around the areas sharing facts about the penguins and wildlife and also more than willing to help take photos of you and your group, which is also really nice.

There is an entrance fee depending on if you're local to South Africa or a tourist. The tourist fees are more due to the different currencies and exchange rates. Which I find amazing and more places should do. It really isn't much once you convert the money, but it helps South Africa so much.

The penguins look so healthy and well looked after. There's plenty of places for them to hide from the wind and sun and on lookers. And there's also Dassies! So friendly and so ready to pose for the tourists.

There's also plenty of information posters all along the walkways to show the life cycles, natural predators, as well as what the Marine Protectors do to help the penguins.

They are so many penguins, although there is a decrease due to many different reasons that are out of their control.

It was a beautiful day, although very windy, so I wouldn't recommend hats or things that could fly away be brought into the area.

The curio shop is filled with items that are reasonably priced and has some really beautiful items and has something for everyone.

The only complaint I have is that the bathrooms were truly disappointing and filled with trash, and they looked completely vandalized and actually disgusting. It would be nice if they could be cleaned/fixed/maintained better because it is a true disappointment for what South Africa looks like to tourists. If the bathrooms were better looking, i truly feel like it would be a wonderful experience for all.

I do recommend if you are in Simon's Town to go and have a look either at the beach section, to have a chance at swimming with penguins and relaxing in the sun or to go for a walk to see more penguins as most of them are in the walk ways and it isn't a guarantee to see at the beach. Either way, it's a great option to go with families, friends, and tour groups.

You can also see the different ways that the penguins interact with each other, whether trying to make more penguins, fighting over terrority, swimming, or just being buddies going for a walk. Also, the views are just spectacular, looking out over the ocean with these beautiful creatures...

My visit to Boulder's Beach in South Africa was nothing short of magical. From the moment I set foot on the beach, I was captivated by the breathtaking scenery and the unique charm of this extraordinary location.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the penguins. Seeing so many of them up close in their natural habitat was an experience I will never forget. These adorable creatures waddled around the beach, unbothered by the presence of visitors, and provided endless entertainment. Watching them interact, swim, and bask in the sun was a delightful and heartwarming sight.

Another mesmerizing aspect of Boulder's Beach is witnessing the meeting of the two oceans. The convergence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans creates a stunning visual treat, with the distinct hues of the two bodies of water blending and contrasting in the most spectacular way. The division of the waters, marked by a visible line, was a phenomenon I had only heard about but never imagined seeing in person. It was truly awe-inspiring.

The serene and pristine environment of Boulder's Beach added to the overall experience. The clear blue waters, smooth boulders, and soft sand create a picturesque setting that feels like a hidden paradise. The beach is well-maintained, and the efforts to preserve the natural habitat of the penguins are evident, making it a responsible and enjoyable destination for nature lovers.

Overall, my visit to Boulder's Beach was an unforgettable adventure. The chance to see penguins in their natural environment and witness the incredible meeting of two oceans made it a trip of a lifetime. I highly recommend Boulder's Beach to anyone visiting South Africa – it's a unique and extraordinary experience that should...

Boulders Beach: A Disappointing and Overpriced Tourist Trap

My recent visit to Boulders Beach was a truly disappointing experience, cementing its status as nothing more than a money-making tourist trap.

What was once a charming spot to observe penguins has devolved into an overcrowded, overpriced spectacle, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth.

The most egregious aspect is the outrageous entry fees. While locals are gouged at R50 per person, SADC visitors face a steep R100, and international tourists are fleeced for an astonishing R215 each.

These exorbitant prices are simply not justified by the experience offered. After shelling out our hard-earned money, we were then subjected to an un-controlled queue that snaked on for over an hour.

This lack of proper crowd management is appalling and shows a complete disregard for visitor comfort. By the time we finally made it to the viewing platforms, our patience was worn thin.

And what did we see for all this trouble and expense? A flailing community of penguins, probably no more than 30-40 strong. The once thriving colony now appears diminished and somewhat sad.

It's clear that the focus has shifted entirely from conservation and a genuine wildlife experience to maximizing profit from every single visitor.

Boulders Beach has lost its charm and its soul. It's a prime example of how a natural attraction can be ruined by commercialization.

Save your money and your time; there are far more authentic and rewarding experiences to be had in the Cape Peninsula.

Watch the penguins next to the walkway on the way to the beach access, you see more there than on the...