Boulders Strand

Antartic Birds living in Suburbia

Boulders Beach is situated on the outskirts of Simonstown, and is well known for its thriving colony of African penguins. Visitors are surprised to find these Antarctic birds thriving in the South African temperate climate. 

Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park and is a protected area. It has developed into a popular tourist attraction. 

There is a small charge to access the beach but once you are there you can picnic, sunbath and sometimes even swim with the penguins that wander over from the adjoining penguin colony. The colony is protected by huge granite boulders that form calm shallow pools, making this a popular spot for families with young children.

Access to the fenced reserve at Boulders Beach is through a short series of wooden walkways that amble over dunes and rocks to the bird colony, minimizing disruption to its inhabitants.

This mainland nesting colony originated in 1982 from just two breeding pairs. The best time to view the penguins is on their return from feeding in the bay, in the late afternoon. Although the penguins have grown used to visitors, they must still be considered as wild and care should be exercised.

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