Where can you swim at Boulders?
Boulders Beach swimming takes place at the bathing beach. Foxy Beach is the separate colony-viewing area reached by the boardwalks. Decide which part you want before following a crowd towards the penguins: a viewing platform is not a swimming entrance.
The granite rocks shelter the bay from wind, strong waves and currents, but shelter does not guarantee safe conditions. Look at the sea on the day, follow staff instructions and do not treat a tour title mentioning swimming as confirmation that you will be able to enter the water.
Access, ticket and the way down
The Boulders gate ticket includes beach access, subject to capacity. It is not an unlimited re-entry pass. Before combining the boardwalks with swimming, ask staff how to move between the viewing and bathing entrances using your ticket. The entry-fee guide covers visitor categories and ticket rules.
Willis Walk connects the visitor-centre area with the bathing beach, but some stretches are steep. The concrete ramp to the beach is very steep and may require assistance. If steps, slopes or sand affect your visit, read the accessibility guide before choosing a route.
For the penguin-viewing platforms themselves, use the boardwalk guide. You can plan a shore-based visit without making swimming the condition for a successful day.
Transport for a penguin visit
This is a sightseeing outing, so plan any swimming separately and confirm the time available at the stop.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Visit Boulders with your transport arranged
Check how long the itinerary allows at Boulders; a tour visit does not guarantee swimming conditions or contact with penguins.
Tides and penguins in the water
Check the tides when planning a beach visit. Some sections can become inaccessible at high water, so do not make your route depend on getting around every rock. Leave enough time to return by the appropriate access route.
Penguins may move between the sand and water. Give them room and do not follow an animal to force a closer encounter. Do not touch or feed them. A penguin near a swimmer is a wild animal, not an invitation to approach, and a distressed penguin can bite.
The same care applies to photography. Keep selfie sticks out of fences and away from birds, and stay clear of nesting areas. The penguin guide explains responsible observation from the permitted areas.
Beach rules before you go
Watercraft, including canoes and kayaks, are not allowed within Boulders. An activity elsewhere off Simon's Town does not automatically provide permitted access to this beach.
The park's beach rules also prohibit fires, alcohol, smoking on the beach and boardwalks, and taking sand, shells or marine animals. Dogs are not allowed on the beach; on Willis Walk they must be on a lead. Respect the no-take area and follow any current access instructions.
For the weather pattern and clothing choices, see when to visit. There is no guaranteed swimming slot attached to a general Boulders visit.
Make a beach plan that can change
Choose the correct access before carrying your beach things down. Keep the return route in mind when looking at the tide and leave space for penguins crossing between water and sand. If the conditions or available capacity do not fit swimming, the viewing boardwalk offers a different kind of visit. Do not climb into a nesting area or use a viewing fence as a shortcut to the water.
Boulders swimming questions
Can I swim in the penguin-viewing area?
The designated bathing beach is separate from Foxy Beach and its viewing boardwalks. Follow the correct beach access rather than entering from the viewing platforms.
Can I touch a penguin while swimming?
No. Do not touch, feed or chase penguins. Leave animals free to pass on the beach and in the water.
Can I bring a kayak?
No. SANParks does not allow watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, within Boulders.