Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour worth booking?
Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour is a 5-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $1850 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (33)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $1850 per person
Embark on a unique experience and spend a few hours at one of the best beaches in Cape Town known as Boulder's Beach while swimming with the African Penguins. Take a walk on the boardwalk at Boulder's Penguins Colony and
What you get
- Private tour guide/driver, vehicle and fuel
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
- Entrance fees
- Toll fees at Chapman's Peak drive
- Fresh beach towels, sunscreen and beach umbrellas
About this experience
Embark on a unique experience and spend a few hours at one of the best beaches in Cape Town known as Boulder's Beach while swimming with the African Penguins. Take a walk on the boardwalk at Boulder's Penguins Colony and view one of the largest penguin colonies in South Africa. Get too close to the African penguins at the Main Penguin Colony and see them in the thousands before you spend 3 more hours laying down and white sandy beach with African penguins. Enjoy a drive along one of the most scenic routes in the world known as Chapman's Peak Drive. Marvel at the colourful houses in the Bo Kaap as you snap your Instagram moments with these historical houses as your backdrop. This is truly one of the most relaxing tours you can experience when travelling to Cape Town.
What's included
Included
- Private tour guide/driver, vehicle and fuel
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
- Entrance fees
- Toll fees at Chapman's Peak drive
- Fresh beach towels, sunscreen and beach umbrellas
Not included
- Meals, drinks and gratuities/tips (optional)
What you'll see and do
Cape Town
Soon after collection from your accommodation in Cape Town, we will drive along through the city centre to see some historical monuments and buildings.
Pass by without stopping
Bo-Kaap
We stop in the Bo-Kaap, also known as the Cape Malay Quarter, due to its Malaysian and Indonesian heritage. This is where we stop to see the colourful historical houses and capture beautiful photos with these colourful houses as our backdrop. If they are around, you may get to meet some of the friendly residents and learn about the history of their houses.
15 minutes here
Camp's Bay Beach
A stop here in Camps Bay will be at the famous Maidens Cove. Here is a popular tourist stop over for the most beautiful photos in Cape Town, with the Lion's Head and Table Mountain plus the 12 Apostles on the backdrop facing the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
10 minutes here
Chapman's Peak Drive
Our next stop will be at Chapman's Peak viewpoint. We will drive along one of the most scenic routes in the world known as Chapman's Peak Drive - Chappie's to the locals. The stop at the viewpoint will be for approximately 15 minutes so that visitors can capture some of the most breathtaking photos of the pristine Atlantic ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
15 minutes here
Just Nuisance
Simon's Town will be next on our list of stops. This is where the South African Naval base is situated. This is also where we will meet the monument of the enchanting dog called Just Nuisance. Just Nuisance became a member of the South African Navy and even had a wedding. We will allow you time to have an optional lunch here in Simon's Town.
15 minutes here
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
We reach the highlight of the day with a stop at Boulder's Beach. Upon our arrival at the Boulder's we will enter through the gates and walk along the boardwalk to view the African Penguins colony. This is one of the largest penguins colonies in South Africa and you may even have an opportunity to be greeted by one or two of them along the boardwalk. We will allow you to enter the main colony at own account which is ZAR 175 per adult. Thereafter we will enter onto the Boulder's Beach for and spend the rest of the tour on what is known as one of the best beaches in Cape Town. Visitors may have chance encounters while swimming, to swim with the Penguins if they are in the water at the beach. Take plenty of photos with these stunning sea creatures and come face-to-face with them in their natural habitat. Note that clean fresh beach towels will be included as well as sunscreen and beach umbrellas. Note that items of personal nature like sun hats and beach slippers are not included.
180 minutes here · Admission included
St James Beach
Our tour culminates with a stop at St. James Beach near Muizenberg to view the colourful huts on the beach. These colourful huts are used for changing rooms for the sunbathers and surfers, but they also provide amazing backdrop for spectacular photos to last a lifetime.
15 minutes here
Cape Town Central
We return back to Cape Town for drop off at guest's accommodation.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Items of personal nature, i.e.: Sun hats, peak caps, refreshments, beach slippers, etc.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
have a very good day from Cape town to Cape of hope
very good trip from cape town to cape of hope and come back. Very good atmosphera, the guide was magnific. Highly recommended. The best the lunch¡¡¡
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris for your Cape Peninsula tour experience. We are delighted to hear that you had such a great trip from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, found your guide to be magnificent, and had such a memorable experience throughout the day. We are especially pleased that you enjoyed the lunch stop as well—it is always great to know our guests appreciate both the spectacular scenery and the local dining experience. Thank you once again for your kind recommendation. Your support means a great deal to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Cape Town sightseeing tour or South African safari adventure in the future. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Tripadvisor
Excellent and good value.
Our tour leader was. Gift made the day most enjoyable, even though we started little late. He provided very good information. He even organized the group lunch and kept all of us together. He has promptly responded to our queries. All the best to Gift.
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris for your Cape Town tour experience. We are delighted to hear that Gift helped make your day so enjoyable, even with the slight delay at the start. It is great to know that his knowledge, clear communication, and attentive support throughout the tour contributed positively to your experience. We are especially pleased that he was able to organise the group lunch smoothly and ensure everyone stayed together during the day. His prompt responses to your questions and his dedication to guest satisfaction truly reflect the standard of service we aim to provide. At Beyond Africa Safaris, we pride ourselves on offering professionally guided Cape Town sightseeing tours that are well-organised, informative, and focused on creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests. Thank you once again for your feedback and warm wishes. We will be sure to share your kind words with Gift — he will be very happy to know he contributed to such a memorable day. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Cape Town sightseeing tour or South African safari adventure in the future. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Tripadvisor
Cutest Experience Ever! Watching Penguins in Paradise ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Boulders Beach is an absolute dream come true. Getting to see the African penguin colony up close in their natural habitat is something I will never forget. The boardwalks are incredibly well-laid-out, allowing you to watch them waddling on the sand, nesting, and diving into the crystal-clear turquoise water without disturbing them. The scenery itself is gorgeous—massive granite boulders framing beautiful, sheltered white-sand bays. It does get busy, but the sheer joy of watching these amazing creatures makes it worth every single second. The staff are dedicated to conservation, and the whole area is clean and safe. A magical experience for travelers of all ages!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris for your Cape Town tour experience. We are delighted to hear that you had such a magical experience at Boulders Beach and that seeing the African penguin colony in their natural habitat left such a lasting impression on you. It is truly one of Cape Town’s most unique and cherished attractions, and we are pleased you were able to enjoy it so fully. We are also glad that you appreciated the well-designed boardwalks, the beautiful surrounding scenery, and the opportunity to observe the penguins up close while still respecting their natural environment. Conservation and responsible tourism are very important in this area, and it is wonderful to hear that this added value to your visit. At Beyond Africa Safaris, we pride ourselves on offering professionally guided Cape Town sightseeing tours that showcase the natural beauty, wildlife, and iconic landmarks of the Cape Peninsula in a safe, informative, and memorable way. Thank you once again for your thoughtful feedback and recommendation. We truly appreciate your support and are delighted that you had such a memorable experience. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Cape Town sightseeing tour or South African safari adventure in the future. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Tripadvisor
An Unforgettable Day
We had a private full day tour of the Cape, including Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope. It was an unforgettable day and Mena was a wonderful guide! His knowledge of the history of this area and his life experiences made this especially great.
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris for your private full-day Cape Town tour experience. We are delighted to hear that you had an unforgettable day exploring the Cape, including Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope. These iconic destinations truly showcase the natural beauty and rich heritage of the region, and we are so pleased you were able to experience them in such a meaningful way. It is especially wonderful to hear that Mena made your journey so memorable. His knowledge of the history of the area, along with his personal insights and life experiences, clearly added depth and authenticity to your tour — something we truly value in our guiding team. At Beyond Africa Safaris, we pride ourselves on offering professionally guided private Cape Town tours that combine comfort, storytelling, and local expertise to create truly unforgettable experiences. Thank you once again for your thoughtful feedback and recommendation. We will be sure to share your kind words with Mena — he will be very happy to hear that he made such a positive impact on your day. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Cape Town sightseeing tour or South African safari adventure in the future. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous!
We did Half Day Boulders Beach/Penguins and Cape Point with Clement. It was fab! Clement was brilliant with my neurodivergent/ADHD 11 year old son and he even arranged mountain zebras!!!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris for your Cape Town Half-Day Boulders Beach Penguins and Cape Point tour experience. We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a fabulous time with Clement. It is especially heartwarming to know that he was brilliant and attentive with your neurodivergent/ADHD 11-year-old son, ensuring that the experience was comfortable, engaging, and enjoyable for your family. At Beyond Africa Safaris, we are deeply committed to providing inclusive, family-friendly Cape Town tours that cater to the needs of all our guests. We are also thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the iconic Boulders Beach penguins and the breathtaking Cape Point scenery, and that Clement was able to add those special wildlife moments — including the mountain zebras — to make your experience even more memorable. Thank you once again for your kind feedback and recommendation. We will be sure to share your lovely compliments with Clement — he will be delighted to know he helped create such a positive and memorable experience for your family. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Cape Town sightseeing tour or South African safari adventure in the future. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 2+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1850 to $49877
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd, who run 32 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.8 and 4 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $1850 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 33 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 2. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Boulders Beach Cape Town: Swimming With Penguin & Close Encounter Half Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town, Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour, Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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