Boulders Beach Cape Town
Boulders Beach Cape Town is home to the famous African penguin colony and crystal-clear waters. Discover why this Cape Town gem is a must-see destination for nature lovers and retreat guests.
Boulders Beach became world-famous when a small group of African penguins settled here in 1982. What began with just two breeding pairs has now grown into a protected colony of over 3,000 penguins.
The beach lies within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, which keeps the water clean, quiet, and sheltered — safe for both penguins and humans.
The massive granite “boulders” surrounding the bay are over 540 million years old, forming a natural barrier that creates calm, warm water perfect for swimming and gentle relaxation.
Boulders is one of the only places in the world where you can observe African penguins up close in their natural habitat.
Did you know?
African penguins are an endangered species.
The colony attracts over 60,000 visitors every year, yet the beach still remains peaceful and controlled thanks to boardwalks and park rangers.
The area contributes more than R300 million each year to the local economy through nature-based tourism.
Seals, dassies, cormorants, and even the occasional whale can be spotted from the shore.
For many retreat guests, this becomes one of the most heart-opening experiences of their Cape Town journey
Why its Perfect for Wellness Retreat?
Boulders Beach naturally supports:
- Emotional regulation (calming nervous system, safe environment)
- Connection (to nature, to self, to simplicity)
- Grounding (earth + water + wildlife presence)
- Mindfulness (slow movement, soft sounds, gentle nature)
- It is a perfect place to pause, breathe, and experience joy in its purest form.
Practical information for Guests
- Travel time: Approx. 40 minutes from Cape Town city center.
- Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for quieter atmosphere.
- Swimming: Allowed at designated areas — calm, protected water.
- Accessibility: Boardwalks make it easy and safe for all fitness levels.
- Good to know: Penguins are wild animals — you can observe closely, but touching is not allowed.
Ready to explore?
During your wellness retreat, Boulders Beach is included as part of your sightseeing program. It’s one of the moments most guests remember forever.