Boulders Beach, Protected beach in Simon's Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Boulders Beach is a protected coastal area on the Cape Peninsula featuring massive granite formations that divide the water into sheltered coves. The rock formations extend along the shore and create natural enclosures, while a system of wooden pathways allows visitors to explore the different swimming areas.
African penguins settled at Foxy Beach in 1982, starting with two breeding pairs. The colony grew to about 2,900 breeding pairs by 2005, then declined to roughly 2,100 penguins in 2011. Boulders Beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park, and a visitor centre there grants access to the park.
The beach takes its name from the massive granite blocks that shape its shoreline and create an unusual swimming experience for visitors. The rock formations provide natural shelters where human visitors and local wildlife coexist.
Boulders Beach lies in Simon's Town, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, and is reached through a visitor centre that gives access to the Table Mountain National Park section. Three boardwalks lead to Foxy Beach, where the penguin colony is viewed from a few metres away; people may swim only on the beaches next to the colony. The granite boulders are 540 million years old and the water of False Bay is cold, so water shoes help.
African penguins nest and live on the rocks of this coastline, forming a colony that can be observed by visitors today. These birds are a rare sight at this South African coastal location and make it special for wildlife watching.
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