In recent years the authorities have instituted some measures to protect the birds against negative human impact without impeding one's ability to get close to these amazing creatures. Visitors can access the beach, and view the wild penguins, by means of raised wooden boardwalks, which allow the penguins to wander around unhindered.

The wild the penguins are very used to humans being nearby as it has always been that way in the existence of this colony. Obviously one is not allowed to touch or feed the birds and this adds to a truly unique experience of untamed penguins in "the wild". There's a small entrance fee to help fund the protection of the colony. You will also receive an information pamphlet, which contains interesting facts on penguins. Be warned that with a couple of thousand of penguin around there can be a rather strong odour in the whole of the area!

Where to swim / tan
Boulders actually consists of a number of small beaches or coves, which have all become known as "Boulders", the main one being Foxy Beach. The latter is where the vast majority of the Penguins concentrate and nest. Thus Foxy Beach is where you will find the most tourists and the above mentioned boardwalks. Walking on Foxy Beach, or swimming from it is prohibited.

However, if you set aside enough time you could extend your visit by heading to the actual Boulders. Continuing on the cement path past the back of Foxy Beach southwards for a couple of hundred metres, you will eventually find a gate in the fence on your left with stairs leading down to a small sheltered beach, the actual Boulders Beach. Here you can still walk onto the tiny beach' sand with a good chance of penguins walking past you on the sand or stairs. Few tourists know about this spot and it’s a good place to relax for a while, it is also the closest you'll get to the Penguins although there are only a few penguins in this part of the reserve. Once again you should respect the fact that Boulders' Penguins are wild, don't approach or interact with them - if you stay a while they will eventually wander close by.

For more beaches on the eastern shore of the Cape Peninsula, click here, for beaches on the western shore of the Cape Peninsula, click here.

History
Boulders has served at various times as a whaling station, a base for trek fishermen, and a prisoner-of-war camp during the South African Anglo Boer War. Today the area provides excellent viewing spots for whales as well as penguins, and also features popular bathing beaches.

Why is it called Boulders?
The name derives from a cluster of large granite boulders breaking the coastline and providing numerous sheltered inlets and reefs. The origin of these boulders can be traced back some 300 million years when molten granite formed the base of the overlaying Table Mountain sandstone. The erosion of the surrounding softer material exposed the rounded granite boulders.

Penguin facts

Fauna and Flora
The three vegetation types found in the area are coastal thicket, strandveld and foredune. Most of the plants are indigenous to the area, providing a home to numerous butterflies and birds. However, about 18 alien plant species are also present. These are gradually being removed and replaced by indigenous species. Besides the African Penguin, a variety of other birds occur in the area, including the African Black Oystercatcher and the Crowned Cormorant, which are both endemic to the Southern African coastline.

The vegetation supports numerous species of smaller birds including the Cape Robin, Southern Boubou and Lesser Double-collared Sunbird. A detailed bird list is available on request at the pay points.

Wild mammals include the Dassie (Rock Hyrax), Cape Clawless Otter, Cape Gray Mongoose, Water Mongoose and Large Spotted Genet . A number of reptiles (including chameleons) have also been recorded in the area.

Marine life
Whales, seals, sharks and dolphins are often found in the sheltered bays around Boulders. From July to November, the Southern Right Whale and Bryde's Whale are frequent visitors to this coastline.

SANCCOB
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) plays a vital role in the protection of penguins and other coastal birds at Boulders and along the entire Southern African coastline. SANCCOB staff and volunteers are always willing to exchange information and to assist in the treatment of oiled or injured penguins at the organisation's rehabilitation centre at Tableview (Cape Town). They have played a major role in saving and rehabilitating thousands of penguins and other sea birds after large oil spills in the past. For more information on SANCCOB or to find out how you can support their work visit their website listed below or click on the penguin...

(Source: Some of the above information was adapted from the South African National Parks website, see link below)