Did you know there are penguins living outside of Antarctica? Well, you do now! Welcome to South Africa, home to the African penguins, who prefer sunshine over ice. Swimming with penguins in Cape Town was one of the most memorable things I did in South Africa. Those little guys are just too cute and so charming. I loved them so much, I even went back a second time.
So, how can you find them for yourself? Here’s your guide to swimming with penguins in Cape Town, and what to know before you go.
Where to Go
The penguin colony is actually located at Boulders Beach, just 40 minutes south of the center of Cape Town. There are trains that take you here, but it was recommended by locals to avoid the trains if possible for safety. So, it’s best to rent a car.
What to Bring
Depending when you go, it may be hot or windy. If it’s summer, definitely plan to bring a hat, towel, sunblock and plenty of water. If it’s winter (remember, the seasons are reversed in Africa, from North American seasons), bring a jacket in case. It can get crazy windy in this area.
Some people just do a short visit, but if you have time you can really make a day out of this. Bring food, a beach blanket and speakers, and have a picnic. When else will you get to sit on a beach with hundreds of freakin penguins? Probably never!
Theres a small stretch of sand to lounge on and also plenty of large boulders to sit on. Just be careful, as some (or many) are covered in penguin crap.
Getting In
At the time of writing this, the price for non-South Africans to enter Boulders Beach is 160 rand (about $8 USD) while parking is free. When you enter, you will see a large platform area where lots of people usually are.
You’ll want to instead walk towards the right onto the beach area, where you can get up close and personal with your new penguin best friends.
Time to Play with Penguins
Once you’re inside you will literally see penguins EVERYWHERE. The best area is located further into the beach. You’ll have to do a bit of easy climbing over the boulders to get to this area, but it’s worth it.
Back here you will see all the penguins in full action: swimming, playing, sleeping, cuddling and just being plain adorable. Seriously, I could watch them for hours. They are just so cute in all of their waddly awkwardness.
A word of caution, as cute as they are, they totally do bite. My friend got a little too friendly with one and got his finger chomped. Luckily they don’t have teeth, but still it’s not the most pleasant experience. So, please do respect their personal space.
So, there you have it. Your complete guide to finding and swimming with penguins in Cape Town. Have you been to South Africa? What was your favorite animal encounter here? Let me know below!
Lucy says
Swimming with the penguins on boulders beach is illegal. You should not be promoting this. You are interfering with a natural protected habitat.
Jacqueline says
Hi Lucy, it is not illegal to swim at Boulder Beach because I asked when we entered. Have you been here? The rules are that it’s forbidden to approach or make physical contact with the penguins, which I wrote in this article if you read it through. In order to reach certain parts of the beach you have to get into the water, in which case there may be penguins zooming in and out of the water all around you – it’s out of your control. But they are quite speedy and you are not disturbing them anymore than standing on the beach.