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Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

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The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town  © Mikkel Houmøller, License

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

It all started in 1983 when a pair of African Jackass penguins was noticed on Foxy beach. Foxy Beach is a part of Boulders Beach near Simon's Town in Cape Town, South Africa. Two years later the couple chose the same beach to lay their eggs on and since then the Boulders Beach penguin colony has grown, increasing at an average rate of 60% a year which, was mostly due to migration from Dyer Island. Today there are an estimated 30 000 breeding pairs of Jackass penguins in Boulders Beach.

The Boulders Beach locals are very proud of the penguin colony, but having these feathered friends takes patience. Those closest the beach have their gardens frequently invaded and their plants uprooted by penguin couples seeking a suitable spot to lay their eggs.

The Jackass penguin (named because of its donkey-like braying) is not only noisy but very messy, especially during molting season. Although the penguins are happy to be in close proximity to people it is best to keep your distance as they do have a very nasty bite.

Boulder Beach gets its name from the huge granite boulders (which are approximately 540 million years old) that create small sheltered bays on the beach. It is a short and scenic 20 minute drive from the Cape Town city centre.

Foxy Beach is exclusively for the penguins, although it does have a boardwalk from which to view their antics. On either side of Foxy Beach are the public beaches, which the penguins do venture on and one of which is the famous Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach has beautiful blue water and white sand - perfect for a day of relaxing in the warm African sun and bathing in the water amongst the penguins.

10 interesting facts about the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Cape Town:

1. African Penguins: Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins, also known as jackass penguins due to their distinctive braying call that sounds like a donkey.

2. Endangered Species: African penguins are listed as endangered, with their population having declined dramatically due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and oil spills.

3. Established Colony: The penguin colony at Boulders Beach was established in 1982 with just two breeding pairs. The population has since grown to over 2,000 penguins.

4. Unique Habitat: Boulders Beach offers a unique habitat for the penguins, with its sheltered inlets, sandy shores, and large granite boulders providing protection from predators and harsh weather.

5. Boardwalk Viewing: Visitors can observe the penguins up close from a series of boardwalks that wind through the colony, minimizing human impact on their natural habitat.

6. Breeding Season: The penguins breed throughout the year, with peak breeding occurring in February and March. They lay two eggs in burrows or under bushes, which both parents incubate.

7. Feeding Habits: African penguins primarily feed on small fish such as sardines and anchovies, which they catch by diving to depths of up to 130 meters (426 feet).

8. Conservation Efforts: Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, and conservation efforts include habitat protection, pollution control, and monitoring of the penguin population.

9. Adaptations: African penguins are well adapted to their environment, with a layer of insulating fat and waterproof feathers to keep them warm in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

10. Tourist Attraction: Boulders Beach is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to see the charming penguins in their natural habitat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

These facts highlight the unique and important aspects of the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, making it a significant site for both conservation and tourism.


Accommodation Near Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results
Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios
Sleeps 20 in 8 units
From R 800
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Boulders

 0.4km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Boulders Beach Hotel is Boulders, Simon's Town is situated just 70 meters from the World Heritage Site of Boulders Beach renowned for it's breeding African Penguin Colony. This is one of the 'must see' recommendations for tourists visiting Cape Town.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Mariner Guesthouse
Sleeps 20 in 8 units
From R 1395
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

Mariner Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town

 1.1km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Custom built on the mountainside in historical Simon's Town, award-winning Mariner Guesthouse offers breathtaking sea views across False Bay. We are within walking distance of restaurants and beaches, and pride ourselves on offering style...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse
Sleeps 10 in 5 units
From R 4500
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town

 2.3km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse is situated in the quiet suburb of Murdock Valley in Simon's Town and offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.Situated in a prime position 5 minutes from the beach, this landmark house overlooks the entire False   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Bay Splendour
From R 2500
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Bay Splendour

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Simon's Town

 3km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Bay Splendour, nestles in a quiet cul-de-sac only ten minutes walk from the old world charm of Simon's Town, South Africa's premier naval station. A coastal gem of peace and tranquillity, Bay Splendour has a spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Moonglow Guest House
Sleeps 6 in 3 units
From R 1025
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

Moonglow Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town

 3.8km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Moonglow Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Glencairn, on the slopes of the Simon's Town Mountains overlooking False Bay.There are 6 well appointed ensuite bedrooms all with seaviews. 4 rooms have queen beds and all rooms have...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

The Crags
Sleeps 6 in 1 unit
From R 2700
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

The Crags

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek

 5.7km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Come and stay in one of the original farm buildings in Fish Hoek, Cape Town within a stone's throw of the beach. This self catering apartment (sleeps 6) provides spacious, well-appointed, up-market accommodation with magnificent views across False Bay.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

A Tuscan Villa Guest House
Sleeps 8 in 4 units
From R 650
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

A Tuscan Villa Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Fish Hoek

 6.1km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Bed and breakfast accommodation in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The villa boasts 4 spacious en-suite rooms named according to the direction they face. While each room has its own special attributes all rooms have Posturepedic beds, 100% percale cotton linen...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Upstairs @ No. 42
Guest Rating: 10
Sleeps 6 in 1 unit
From R 650
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Upstairs @ No. 42

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek

 6.3km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

UPSTAIRS @ No. 42 is a real home from home with beautiful mountain views and conveniently appointed for a relaxing break. Drive into secure parking right at the entrance. Up the stairs you will find a lounge-dining-kitchen area - fully equipped with TV &   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

A Place In Thyme
Sleeps 10 in 3 units
From R 425
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

A Place In Thyme

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Fish Hoek

 7km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Situated on the mountainside in Fish Hoek, A Place in Thyme offers accommodation in three separate units: the cottage (sleeps 5); Small Thyme (sleeps 2) and Big Thyme (sleeps 2 adults & 2 children; or 3 adults.)   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Chartfield Guesthouse
Sleeps 16 in 6 units
From R 950
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Chartfield Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Cape Town

 7km from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town

Chartfield Guesthouse in kalk Bay evokes the spirit of a time when everything was done with a little more style and with a lot more attention to detail. It's a haven created to whisk you away from the cares of the world the moment you step inside...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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