How much does it cost to: Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach?
· The South African
Planning a visit to Cape Town’s famous Boulders Beach penguin colony? Here’s what South African visitors and international tourists need to know before doing so.
Boulders Penguin Colony, located in Simon’s Town, is home to one of the world’s few land-based colonies of African penguins.
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The popular attraction draws visitors from around the world, but there are a few important things to know before you arrive.
How much does Boulders Beach cost?
The current daily conservation fees are:
Visitor categoryAdults (12+)Children (2-11)South African citizens & residentsR55R26SADC citizensR110R55International visitorsR245R120The fees apply until 31 October 2026 and contribute towards conservation through SANParks.
SANParks Wild Card holders can enter for free when presenting a valid Wild Card and identification.
Swimming? Don’t book online
Visitors who are heading to Boulders Beach specifically to swim are advised to purchase their ticket at the gate rather than online.
That’s because tides and visitor numbers can determine whether the beach reaches capacity and closes.
Importantly, online tickets are non-refundable.
So if swimming is the main reason for your visit, checking conditions before travelling and paying at the gate could save you from buying a ticket for a beach that may subsequently be closed due to capacity.
Boulders Beach opening times
Gate and office hours vary according to the time of year:
- December to January: 07:00 to 19:30
- February to March: 08:00 to 18:30
- April to September: 08:00 to 17:00
- October to November: 08:00 to 18:30
Visitors should plan to arrive with enough time to enter before the gates close.
Can you buy tickets online?
Yes. Daily conservation tickets can be purchased through the official SANParks Gate Tickets system.
Tickets can also be purchased directly at the entrance gates.
If you’re swimming rather than simply visiting the penguin viewing area, however, SANParks recommends buying at the gate because beach access can be affected by capacity.
Don’t forget your ID
South African citizens and residents should bring a valid South African ID to prove their eligibility for the local rate.
International visitors should have their passport available.
The attraction is also cashless, so visitors should be prepared to pay using a credit or debit card.
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