1. Penguins at Simon’s Town
2. Boulders Beach Experience
3. Exploring Simon’s Town
Just south of Cape Town in South Africa, you will find a colony of Penguins hanging out on Boulders Beach in the picturesque village of Simon’s Town.
Simon’s Town Penguins
If you are anything like us, we are suckers for Penguins. They are simply the cutest little creatures and we can watch them for hours waddle and swim.
The Simon’s Town Penguins are known as the African Penguin or the Jackass Penguin due to the braying sound they make.
Numbers are slowly recovering in South Africa thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.
It is hard to believe, but for decades these little guys were hunted for their meat and considered a delicacy.
Moreover, with man-made disasters like oil spills and a decline in their food supply, their population plummeted from several million to less than 200,000.
Boulders Beach
A great day trip from Cape Town is to take a drive to Simon’s Town and venture down to Boulders Beach where you can stroll along the scenic boardwalk.
This location is perfect for observing the colony in their natural habitat. The penguins settled here in 1985 and have been thriving ever since.
It remains a mystery why these penguins chose to colonize this specific stretch of beach.
Consequently, the large human population should have posed a challenge; however, the abundance of fish in the waters due to a ban on commercial fishing likely played a significant role.
Beautiful Boulders Beach
In my opinion, they were drawn to a beautiful beach with amazing rocks and boulders for sunbathing and relaxation.
Hey, even penguins appreciate a great view!
Winter in South Africa
While we were there during South Africa’s winter, in the warmer months, you can actually swim with the penguins as they frolic on the public beaches around town.
Therefore, give yourself more than a day to explore Simon’s Town.
This charming seaside village is filled with restaurants, cafés, and breathtaking scenery.
You can engage in sea kayaking or take boat trips along the stunning coast.
Cape Point is just a short drive from the town, and if you visit between June and November, you might be lucky enough to view the majestic southern right whale.
Discovering Simon’s Town
Consider joining a Cape Town to Cape Point Explorer Tour that stops at Simon’s Town to see the penguins and then continues on to the iconic Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to plan your next adventure? Consider using these trusted resources.
Find Your Flights: Start planning your journey by discovering the best flight deals on Skyscanner.
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