The gorgeous Boulders Seaside is considered one of Cape City’s most visited seashores and the one place on the earth the place you get near African Penguins.
Cape City undoubtedly has no scarcity of superb seashores, however Boulders Seaside in False Bay provides one thing additional particular – a colony of African Penguins in all their well attire, waddling glory, proper below your nostril. Actually, it’s the solely place on the earth the place you may get near African Penguins.
Well-known Residents
In 1982 a few these little crowd-pleasers settled on the tender white sand between the massive granite boulders that shield the seaside from wind and enormous, stormy waves, and at present the inhabitants is estimated between 2,000 and three,000 birds. Sadly the African Penguin has been categorized as an endangered species, as a consequence of issues like over-fishing, habitat destruction, air pollution, and irresponsible tourism actions, and the Boulders Seaside colony has additionally felt the impact, with numbers dwindling over the past couple of years.
Fortunately, Boulders and its surrounding seashores now type a part of the Desk Mountain Nationwide Park Marine Protected Space, thus guaranteeing the seashores are secure and clear, and the penguins protected. A few years in the past three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks have been constructed to accommodate the practically 60,000 guests that go to the seaside every year. These boardwalks wind their approach via the dunes and vegetation and never solely gives nice viewing spots, but additionally protects nesting penguins and their chicks. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless spot one or two of the little fellas waddling via the car parking zone infrequently.
What to Do
Boulders Seaside isn’t only a excellent spot for penguins, it’s additionally a well-liked family-friendly swimming seaside the place youngsters can climb over the boulders, discover the rock swimming pools, or swim within the cool, clear False Bay water. It’s additionally an amazing place for a leisurely picnic. Because of the R55 conservation price, the seaside is never packed.
In the event you’d prefer to study extra in regards to the space’s well-known inhabitants, make sure you pop over to the Boulders Guests Centre the place skilled guides offers you tonnes of fascinating details about Africa’s personal, distinctive penguins.
How you can Get There
Boulders Seaside is located False Bay, simply exterior Simon’s City, on the way in which to Cape Level. It’s about an hour’s drive by automobile from the CBD.
There are a few routes you’ll be able to take to get there:
Across the mountain by way of the Southern Suburbs, and leafy Bishops Courtroom, previous the Constantia Valley to Kalk Bay, then alongside the coast to Simon’s City
From Camps Bay by way of Hout Bay, alongside Chapman’s Peak drive, previous Noordhoek and Kommetjie (an extremely scenic drive)
In the event you’d like to make use of public transport:
Catch a prepare from Cape City Station all the way in which to Simon’s City (make sure you purchase a First Class ticket). The prepare runs alongside the Kalk Bay shoreline, an extremely scenic prepare journey. From Simon’s City you’ll be able to both take the 30 or so minute stroll via the historic little naval city, or catch a taxi.
The newly launched Metropolis Sightseeing’s Cape Level Explorer additionally stops at Boulders on its approach to Cape Level and it’s a handy and inexpensive journey to take.
Some inns and tour operators supply transfers from the CBD and again.
What to Convey
There’s a conservation price, so carry some money
An umbrella, hat, and sunscreen for those who plan on spending the day on the seaside
Climate-appropriate clothes, particularly throughout winter, when the climate will be fairly unpredictable. Winter can be the wet season, so carry an umbrella or raincoat
Necessary notices from SANParks:
Boulders is a secure seaside, with rangers on patrol every day
Do NOT feed the penguins or come too shut. Whereas they could look cute, they’re nonetheless wild animals.
Parking is proscribed, particularly throughout peak Summer time, so come early
Alcohol and smoking prohibited
No vessels are allowed, together with canoes and kayaks
As a result of it’s a part of the Marine Protected Space, it’s a no-take zone, which implies no marine life could also be eliminated.
For entry and exit occasions, please test the SANParks web site
