The World's Only Beach Where You Can Get Up Close And Personal With African Penguins

Penguins are some of the most fascinating, charming, and cutest animals on the planet (we'll argue this all day). Sadly, many of them are endangered, and other species, like the Emperor penguin, live all the way in Antarctica. Unless you are a scientist or wildlife photographer, chances are you won't be traveling there to see them (although it is definitely possible to book a trip to explore Antarctica).

But within the Table Mountain National Park in South Africa lies one of the most famous beaches in the world — Boulders Beach, which is home to a large colony of African penguins. This gorgeous stretch of coastline is the only place in the world where you can actually get up close and personal with these fascinating seabirds in their natural habitat. Boardwalks around the area let visitors walk along the beach and observe the waddling residents sunbathing on the rocks and even swimming in the blue waters.

Boulders Beach not only allows visitors to safely observe the penguins, but local organizations also protect them through conservation efforts. Each visitor who comes to see the penguins contributes to their protection by paying an entry fee. Unlike most wildlife experiences, visitors are in the open area with the penguins, making this an unforgettable destination for the penguin-obsessed and wildlife enthusiasts in general.

Boulders Beach welcomed its first pair of these tuxedoed guests in the early 1980s. After years of commercial fishing and environmental destruction, the penguin colony at nearby Dyers Island wasn't doing so well, leaving just two pairs left. In 1982, a penguin couple arrived at Cape Town's False Bay, where they wouldn't have to deal with commercial fishing boats. The beach, sheltered by granite boulders, was a great neighborhood for them to live in, and their population began to grow. With concerns about their threatened status, Boulders Beach became a protected area, allowing them to multiply without the threat of humans killing them or destroying their habitat.

Now, Boulders Beach is home to thousands of African penguins, and over 60,000 tourists come to see them each year, contributing to the protection of the colony. It's one of only a few penguin colonies in the world (another colony to visit is the yellow-eyed penguins in New Zealand). Different conservation efforts, like environmental clean-ups and educational programs, help with the mission to protect the penguins' habitat so they can continue to thrive.

Boulders Beach is located near Simon's Town, which is just a short drive from central Cape Town, South Africa. For avid penguin-watching, get there early so you can avoid the crowds and see the birds when they are the most active. While visitors can get pretty close to the penguins and even swim at this beach, it's best not to touch or directly interact with them, as they can snap or bite.

Summer is the best time to come penguin watching in Boulders Beach, but if you're interested in spotting some babies, it's recommended to visit in January. While Boulders Beach is the most popular area for observing the seabirds, nearby Foxy Beach is another great, often less-crowded location to spot penguins. The Boulders Visitors Centre also offers useful information about the penguins, and there are guides there to answer your questions.

While you're in the area, take some time to explore Simon's Town, where there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it easy to enjoy a full-day trip. History fans can explore the South African Naval Museum and learn more about the town's naval background. Families might want to visit the Warrior Toy Museum, with its large collection of models and toys. For more animal fun, book a tour to Seal Island, where you can check out Cape fur seals in their natural habitat. On the way, you might even spot whales and dolphins.