Nestled in a sheltered cove between Simon’s Town and Cape Point, Boulders has become world famous for its thriving colony of African Penguins and magnificent wind sheltered, safe beaches.
Although set in the midst of a residential area, it is one of the few sites where this vulnerable bird (Spheniscus demersus) can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a protected natural environment.From just two breeding pairs in 1982, the penguin colony has grown to about 3 000 in recent years. This is partly due to the reduction in commercial pelagic trawling in False Bay, which has increased the supply of pilchards and anchovy, which for part of the penguins’ diet.
Boulders forms part of the Table Mountain National Park (TMPNP), which incorporates Table Mountain and the Peninsula mountain chain from Signal Hill to Cape Point.
The area comprises a number of small sheltered bays, partially enclosed by granite boulders. The most popular recreational spot is Boulders Beach – recently voted one of the best 50 beaches in Africa – see blog. The penguins are best viewed from Foxy Beach, where newly-constructed boardwalks take visitors to within a few metres of the birds.