Boulders Beach has become a penguins’ paradise and a home of many…

Boulders beach is located a few km’s south of Simontown, Cape Town, and is characterized by white sandy beaches and small coves. There are shallow beaches and water pools found between huge boulders that scatter this Cape Town beach area. There is a colony of African Penguins that have inhabited this area since 1985 and made it their home. The interesting fact is that there have been no records of penguins ever inhabiting Boulders Beach prior to 1985.

This Cape Town area has become a protected natural environment targeted at protecting these penguins and allowing them to grow in a safe environment. Boulders beach also forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. To visit the protected area of Boulders Beach requires an entrance/ conservation fee. However, there is also a long boardwalk that the public can walk along for free and see the penguins through the protective nets that house them. 

In 1982 there were only 2 breeding pairs in Boulders Beach and today the penguin population has grown to well over 3000 birds. The main reason for this huge increase in numbers (in the recent years) is the fact that there has been a decrease in commercial trawling in the False Bay region. The decrease of trawling has increased the supply of pilchards and anchovies (the penguin’s main supply of food), allowing them to populate successfully.

Around November these African penguins begin to moult for about three weeks – at this time they become ‘land-bound’ and loose about 30% of their body weight... Penguins also swim using their wings (which serve as flippers) and can reach speeds of approximately 24km/hr!!! Penguins start breeding when they are about 4 years old and will remain with a ‘single partner’ for many years; they also only produce 1 or 2 eggs a year… Breeding takes place anytime during the year; the incubation period lasts for about 40 days and the fledging period lasts between 60 and 130 days… Visiting Boulders Beach and the protected area can help to support the conservation of these penguins.

Please always remember that penguins’ may look cute and friendly but their beaks are razor sharp and can be rather painful if they get hold of you, always treat them with respect and remember that when you visit Boulders Beach you are in their ‘home’.