Back then, there was plenty for them to eat and the colony grew rapidly. Sadly, commercial fishing, marine pollution, and habitat destruction have taken their toll on the colony. In , it was estimated that there were approximately one-and-a-half million African Penguins; a century later, the aquatic bird was classified as an endangered species.
By there were only two breeding pairs remaining. Incredible conservation efforts have grown the Boulders colony to over 3, birds in recent years. For this, there are three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks that make their way through the dunes and dense vegetation around Foxy Beach. If you want to get up close and personal with the penguins, make your way to Foxy Beach.
However, you can see the penguins throughout the year. Between September and October the birds spend much time feeding out at sea, so there are fewer penguins on the beach. The penguins mind their own if you don't get too close and are pretty acclimated to being around humans.
You can choose to swim in the chilly waters with the penguins as well. The scenery at Boulders Beach is stunning and not to be missed. Dorothy Thompson. In penguin country To the south, Antarctica.
Not far from Fish Hoek. Just to your right, huge granite boulders. Any minute a penguin could waddle by. Dominique le Roux. Chill with penguins tuxedo not required The only land-based penguin breeding colony, Boulders Beach reserve is part of Table Mountain National Park.
Here you can see the little black-and-white fellow previously known as the Jackass Penguin. His new name, the African Penguin, might be more politically correct, but it's anybody's guess who the name reflects most poorly on: Africans or jackasses. When you hear their braying mating sounds, you won't ask why 'jackass'. Following the boardwalk is free and will enable close-up viewing of their nesting sites. Even better: head onto the tranquil and wind-protected Seaforth Beach on the western edge of the Boulders Reserve.
On the rocky outcrop on the west of Seaforth you will be sure to find plenty of penguins that will allow you up close and personal, with no fences in the way. Be warned, though: a penguin beak is a dangerous thing, and they will not hesitate to attack you if they get annoyed.
If you are extremely lucky, you might see a Cape Clawless Otter there too just as night falls. These creatures exit the sea at a freshwater stream, and come searching for penguin eggs. The story of this penguin colony in Cape Town started in when a pair was spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders. The birds came to False Bay from Dyer Island. At the time, False Bay was closed to commercial fishing.
For the newcomers, abundant food and breeding sites meant the African penguin population at Boulders soared as they decided to make this area their home. However, almost three decades later, Boulders Beach penguins are in trouble.
Cars, people and competition for breeding sites have seen the penguins trying to nest in unsafe environments, leaving their nests exposed to both predators and the elements.
Climate change has also affected fish stocks, and increased severe weather incidences have depleted penguin chick numbers. But thanks to tourism, there is hope.
Every time you visit these little guys at Boulders Beach , you help spark a lifelong commitment to saving their future. The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town houses vivid and educational displays of marvellous life from beneath the waters of the Indian and the Atlantic oceans, both of which wash Western Cape shores. Witsand Beach in Western Cape province offers pristine white Blue Flag beaches, superb land-based whale watching, a wide variety of water sports and magnificent plants, birds and animals to view.
The Freedom Trail is an exhilarating mountain-bike route from East Coast to West Coast in South Africa that runs through some of the most spectacular natural beauty the country has to offer. Santos Beach in Mossel Bay, Western Cape has Blue Flag status, guaranteeing excellent cleanliness and facilities, with brilliant ocean views, whale and dolphin watching, and many nearby attractions. We can start on Twitter before going to the art galleries South Africa has an abundance of artists and creators across all our provinces.
Discover the many flavours of South Africa foun…. Let's ShareSouthAfrica! A perfect visit for the upcoming festive season. The beauty is overwhelming and it is worthwhile to enjoy the sublime views. If you want to dodge the crowds, April and May are less busy, except Holy Week. In the late afternoon, crowds thin out as well. The busy months are November until March; worst in December and January. However, it can be crowded in the shoulder and off-season as well, especially on the weekends and in the daytime.
To beat the crowds and increase the chance of a parking lot, be there very early in the morning as soon as they open but, there are fewer penguins around. An alternative and our favourite time is late afternoon: roughly hours before they close, depending on the season.
You'll see many more penguins compared to the morning. We spent here already several afternoons until closure in March During the last hour, we were always almost alone.
What a wonderful experience to watch hundreds of penguins arriving from their daily foraging. In general, you'll spot more penguins in the breeding season than at other times. It's fascinating when the penguins return from hunting. We watched this spectacle a couple of times. First, you see them in the far distance, jumping and swimming. When they reach the beach, waddle up to the nests, and feed the chicks that's an unforgettable experience.
The babies get fed for about two months in the late afternoon. In March and April, you see already chicks, some in juvenile plumage, penguins breeding with one or two eggs, and mating ones as well. They are so graceful when swimming in the water. Seeing them gawky waddle on land is always funny.
The closure time depends on the available daylight. The shop, the visitor center, Boulders Beach, and Foxy Beach get closed at the mentioned time below. September - October: Penguins foraging at sea for the moulting season.
Fewer penguins are at the beach. November - December: Moulting season, means losing their waterproof plumage -getting new feathers. It lasts for roughly three weeks. At this time, penguins don't have the capability to stay warm in the cold sea.
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