Discover pristine sandy beaches, unique rock formations and an endangered African penguin colony – just 40 kilometres south of Cape Town.
Located in the Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach forms part of the expansive Table Mountain National Park. On first approach, it’s easy to see where the beach gets its name as 50-million year old granite boulders rise statuesquely out of the water to form small, sandy coves.These immense grey boulders serve as a natural shelter against strong winds and currents, creating ideal conditions and making this beach a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Lie back on the golden sand and relax with a good book grab forty winks as you catch some rays go surfing with the kids or simply float in the calm, warm waters of the Indian Ocean and watch the world go by.But beach life is not the only attraction here. This area is also home to a unique colony of endangered African penguins and, as such, is a popular tourist destination for casual visitors and conservationists. The impressive penguin colony has grown rapidly from just two breeding pairs in 1983 to the current count of over 2,000. The best way to view these local residents is to make your way along the boardwalk, through the dense vegetation and sand dunes along Foxy Beach. Ensure you stay inside the safe viewing area and don’t touch the penguins. Looks can be deceiving and, although they appear cute and cuddly, they are not adverse to nipping visitors with their sharp beaks.The penguins are amazing and it is a real privilege to see them interact in their natural environment as they preen, waddle and dive. Children in particular will love the opportunity to get close to these magnificent creatures so why not pack a picnic and make a day of it?
