Back to cities
cities
Boulders Beach
Overview
Boulders is a popular beach near Simon's Town, Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. There are larger and more scenic beaches around, as Boulders, which gets its name from the large boulders surrounding
Facts
Rank
—
Coordinates
—
Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia466 words
WBP editorial3
When to savour the penguins
The colony’s rhythm follows the southern summer’s daylight marathon. Arriving early, just after sunrise, lets you watch the birds tumble ashore as they shake off the night’s chill, an hour before the main crowds appear. Late afternoon, around the low‑sun, the penguins retreat to their burrows, offering a quieter stroll along the boardwalk. Winter visits are quieter still, though the birds huddle more tightly, giving an intimate glimpse of their social choreography. Pack a wind‑breaker; the peninsula’s breezes can turn brisk even in summer, and a reusable water bottle helps you stay refreshed while respecting the fragile environment.
Beyond the boardwalk – local perspective
The surrounding Simon’s Town community has woven the birds into its daily life. Local cafés often serve fish‑free menus to avoid inadvertently feeding the colony, and the town’s heritage museum runs talks about the navy’s role in protecting the coastal ecosystem. If you linger after the main tide, you’ll hear residents discussing the penguins as neighbours rather than attractions, a subtle reminder that the beach is a shared space. A short walk inland leads to a historic naval base where guided tours link the area’s maritime past with contemporary conservation efforts, offering a broader narrative than the tide‑pool view.