Can you visit the Penguins on Boulders Beach?
Yes, you can indeed visit the penguins on Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach is open to the public and a great beach to visit with children. Please however be respectful towards the penguins.
The Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town and the Boulders Beach area is home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins. The site is a famous tourist attraction and the colony is one of only a few in the world.
The area consists of 3 pristine white sand beaches, a penguin viewing area and 3 boardwalks. The boardwalks were constructed to provide a safe and environment friendly way to view these wonderful animals. Visitors are asked to stay on the boardwalks and within the viewing areas at all times.
The beach itself is a haven for children as there are immense boulders that shelter the cove from currents, wind and large waves. General care is always advised when on a beach or near water with children.
It is also imperative not to touch or interfere with the penguins, they look cute but they are wild animals with razor sharp beaks and will not hesitate to protect themselves when they feel threatened. Under no circumstance should the penguins or any other animals be fed.
You can call the Boulders Visitor Centre: +27(0) 21 786 2329 for more information, or visit their website: – https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php#boulders
A bit more about African Penguins:
On 26 May 2010, African Penguins were reclassified from a Vulnerable to Endangered status. In 1956 when the first full census was conducted on the African Penguin, there were approximately 150 000 breeding pairs counted worldwide. However in 2009 numbers dwindled and there were only 26 000 breeding pairs left in the world. These numbers are concerning as they indicate a loss of more than 80% of breeding pairs in just over 50 years.
The Boulders Penguin Colony plays an important role in conservation of the birds. The colony was established in 1983, Currently there are about 2100 birds at Boulders Penguin Colony and huge conservation efforts are underway to protect the dwindling numbers.
For more information on how to help the plight of the African Penguin, contact SANCCOB on +27(0 21 557 6155