False Bay has some amazing coastal towns and beaches which can be explored all in one day. There is a lot to see, so we have given you our hottest local recommendations when exploring this diverse part of the Cape Peninsular.

Boulders beach

If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is one destination you simply cannot skip. Famous for its colony of African penguins, this beach offers one of the most magical wildlife experiences in South Africa.

Best Time to Visit

The penguins are here all year, so you’ll always see them. For warm beach weather and vibrant summer days, November to March is ideal. If you’re more interested in penguin behaviour, breeding season (roughly February to August) gives you the chance to spot fluffy chicks nestled near their parents or hiding inside the bushes. 

Getting There From Cape Town

Boulders Beach is in Simon’s Town which is about 45-minute to 1-hour drive from central Cape Town (depending on traffic). The route takes you past Muizenberg’s and Kalk Bay which are worthy coastal towns to stop into on your way in or out.

Entrance Costs & Access

Because the area is protected, an entrance fee is required. 2025/26  pricing for International visitors is  R245 for adults and R120 for children (Updated pricing can be found here). Your pass gives you access to both the boardwalk viewing decks and the beach itself. Summer hours usually run from around 7am to 7:30pm, while winter hours are generally 8am to 5pm.

Important Things to Know

The penguins look adorable and friendly, but they are wild animals that need space and respect. Always stay on boardwalks and behind the fences, never touch or feed them, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements around nests. Penguins also have sharp beaks and can bite if they feel threatened.

The Conservation Story: Protecting an Endangered Species

The African penguins at Boulders Beach are part of a species that is sadly endangered. Their population has declined by nearly 90% over the last century due to habitat loss, climate change, overfishing (especially sardines and anchovies), oil spills, and human disturbance. Although the Boulders colony is one of the few that is stable or growing, as an endangered species it makes sites like this incredibly important and unique to experience. 

SANCCOB’s Role in Penguin Rescue & Rehabilitation

No conservation story about African penguins is complete without mentioning SANCCOB (the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). SANCCOB is a world-leading seabird rescue and rehabilitation organisation based in Cape Town, just a short drive from Boulders.

Many of the healthy penguins you see at Boulders Beach today have either been directly treated by SANCCOB or are descendants of penguins saved through their chick-rearing programme. The organisation works closely with SANParks to protect nesting sites and ensure chicks survive long enough to return to the ocean.

If you want a meaningful add-on to your penguin trip, you can visit SANCCOB’s Seabird Centre near Table View, where you can take a tour, learn more about penguin conservation, or even “adopt” a penguin to help support their care.

Simon’s Town

After leaving Boulders Beach, it’s an easy walk or short drive into Simon’s Town, one of South Africa’s oldest naval towns. The pace is slower here, the streets are lined with old buildings, and the harbour sits right at the heart of it all. It’s a good place to wander without a plan.

One of the first stops worth making is the statue of Just Nuisance, the famous Great Dane who became a Royal Navy dog in the 1930s. He was known for following sailors around town, riding trains on his own, and becoming such a part of local life that the Navy officially enlisted him.

From there, you can stroll along the yacht basin, watching the boats come and go, and then make your way along the main road. It’s lined with cafés, bakeries, and small shops, all set in buildings that date back more than a century. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a coffee, sit outside, and take in the mix of locals, sailors, and visitors passing by.

If you want something light, we recommend Lighthouse Café for toastie or baked good.

If you are looking for a bigger meal and a nice view, then SAVEUR restaurant on the water’s edge is awesome.

Other marine activities in Simon’s Town

Once you’re ready for something more active, Simon’s Town is one of the best places on the peninsula to get onto the water. Companies like Oceans Africa offer private trips ranging from relaxed coastal cruises to more adventurous options such as snorkelling, diving, fishing, or ocean safaris.

The area is rich in marine life too. You may experience seeing seals, mola-mola fish and whales depending on when you go! The water around Simon’s Town is known for its biodiversity, shaped by the meeting of warm and cool currents, and exploring it with a charter gives you a front-row view.

Windmill beach

Yes, Boulders receives a lot of the hype because of the penguins, but just down the road you will find the beautiful Windmill’s beach. The beach is much less crowded than Boulders and you don’t need to pay to access it. It has great snorkelling and at times, the penguins make their way down to Windmills.

Where: Simon’s Town

Size: Small to medium. There are different sections and you can also climb onto the boulders & lay out your towel

Activities: Definitely pack snorkelling gear if you have. Big enough for bat and ball (when it’s not too busy).

Swimming: The sea is dotted with boulders, but there is a bit of space to swim and you can explore the kelp forests in the deeper water.

Parking: Parking is limited on the road (Links Crescent) leading to Windmill, however, if that is full then park on the main road just up the road (Macfarlne Road).

Kalk Bay

This quirky little town definitely deserves a stop enroute to Boulders or on your way back. You can shop the various boho shops, grab a bite to eat at some beautiful seaside restaurants or have a drink in one of the vibey bars.

Kalk Bay Harbour

Kalk Bay has a lot of history, of which the harbour is an integral part, with it’s beautiful multicoloured boats bobbing around when they aren’t out fishing.

Go for a wander on the dock to the lighthouse at the end of the pier and you will probably see some of the local seals which hang out and eat the bi-catch of the fisherman. If you are really lucky you may spot Orcas, as they have been known to come into the harbour, because they know the seals are there (their food).

Places to eat

You are spoilt for choice in Klak Bay and you can stroll down the main street and most restaurants will be amazing. However, these are some of our favourites:

Kalky’s serves the freshest fish out of their modest cabin-style restaurant. This place is an institution and is a local favourite, so expect long linesover the weekend as customers queue up for their fresh seafood.

Olympia Cafe another iconic restaurant which has an amazing view of the harbour. Their seafood pasta is unbelievable and they are seriously generous on the portions.

They also have a bakery, which is accessible on the other side of the building. This “hole in the wall” bakery has so much character and at times local jazz band, Strawberries and cream, practices on the weekends inside the bakery, entertaining the bakers (and guests of course).

Chardonnay Deli (formerly Dalebrook Café) is an awesome breakfast and lunch spot right opposite Dalebrook tidal pool. They serve coffee from 7am, so you can go for a refreshing dip and then have coffee & pastry afterwards.

Bars and great spots for a drink

Cape to Cuba should be high up on your list when you visit Kalk Bay, because it is so unique. Beach sand covers the bar, Cuban cigars if you may and some of the best cocktails on offer. It had to feature in our Instagram reel.

This place is a vibe and regularly has live music. If you’d prefer to kick back and watch the ocean, then you can perch on their deck and watch the day go by (and the trains).

Sirocco may not have a sea view, but it has a really delicious food and drink menu that can’t be missed. On Sunday’s they whip out the vinyl’s and play tunes, so you don’t let your Monday ruin your Sunday.