Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach, near the naval town of Simon's Town on the Cape Peninsula, is a sheltered cove of huge, ancient granite boulders that is home to a delightful colony of African penguins. These endangered birds, which established themselves here in the 1980s, waddle across the sand, swim in the clear coves and nest among the rocks, and can be watched at close range from a series of boardwalks, a charming and unlikely sight near a great city.

What you actually see

• The penguin colony - the waddling African penguins on the beach and rocks.
• The boardwalks - the walkways for close viewing without disturbing them.
• The granite boulders - the giant rounded rocks and sheltered coves.
• Swimming - a dip in the calm, penguin-shared coves nearby.

When to go

October to April, the warmer summer, for pleasant weather, though the penguins are present year-round; go early to beat the crowds and see the birds active in the cool of the morning. It fits easily into a Cape Peninsula day trip.

Honest expectations

It is very popular, so the boardwalks get crowded, especially midday; go early. The penguins are wild and protected, so keep your distance and never touch or feed them, as they can bite. It is a quick stop, best combined with the wider peninsula drive to the Cape of Good Hope.

Nearby

Simon's Town, the Cape of Good Hope and the peninsula drive are alongside.