Tourists are often surprised to find penguins on a beach. They envision an icy place with massive Emperor penguins thanks to our history books and Happy Feet. But here on Boulders Beach in Simonstown, you’ll pay R45 to gain entry to this little beach bordered by massive boulders and find yourself tanning beside a ‘mini’ penguin. These are African penguins, also known as the black-footed penguin or Brilpikkewyn in Afrikaans.
These smartly dressed guys love to bask in the sun on the rocks and find shade beneath the trees of their colony and close their eyes whilst standing. The way they waddle in their ‘tuxedos’ makes you want to pick them up and keep them in your cute closest, but come too close to them and they’ll open their beaks widely in defence and nip you if they feel threatened.
Unless you want to see more shrieking kids than penguins, visit outside of school holidays. Bring your swimming costume and umbrella as this area is really one of my favourites for swimming as it’s sheltered from the wind and the ocean is a mesmerising aqua-marine hue.
Take a stroll along the boardwalk through the penguin colony to catch a glimpse of them in their natural sanctuary.
To get here: Turn left off the Main Road just past Simonstown to the Boulder’s Visitors Centre +27(0) 21 786 2329.
Love Boulder’s Beach! I was one of the people who never expected to find penguins basking on a beach in 80 degree weather. 🙂
Hehe, no one does Matthew, until they witness if for themselves!