Normally I am not too fond of heading out to touristy attractions. In general when travelling around there are so many options next to the obvious ones that are also perfect to do or see. But when in South Africa, there was really one thing I wanted to see.
Pinguins running free on the beach in tropical waters. Because I also thought that pinguins were just on the south pole. And this is unique. So I headed out to one of the more famous tourist attractions on the Capetown peninsula.
It was time to visit Boulders Beach in Simons Town.
As said, Simons Town is on the Capetown pensinsula heading towards Cape the good Hope. If you are coming from Capetown city and you have the time, I would surely recommend you to drive over the western side of the peninsula over Chapmans peak, as the views from there are just stunning.
But once in Simons Town (which is also a neat place to stay and spot some whales and orcas in the bay) it is only a couple minutes down to head to Boulder Beach where the pinguins are located. Now remember, these pinguins are not fed or kept or anything there. They have just decided to stay in that place, make it their settlement.
Cool views for people like me who haven't ever seen a pinguin live!
Hilarious creatures!
I must admit. I didn't know what to expect from seeing these pinguins live and I must admit. It was hilarious. Pinguins are just really funny creatures in the behavior. They love to be in pairs and groups. They are also super lazy, so mostly they 'just stand there'. But when they start to move, that is when the fun starts. When they are standing vertically, and they start walking with super small steps, to end up jumping into the waves and swimming off horizontally. I laughed at loud a lot more than I had expected.
What I also didn't know is that pinguins have their males breed out the eggs, while the female goes out to eat in the sea in the mean time. This is so that she is fed well by the time that the eggs hatch and she can then 'be there' for the little ones.
Nests are made in holes in the ground as you can see down here.
After the young ones are born you can recognise them on their feathers. The feathers are super fluffy to keep the young warm, but that also means it is not really a coat to go swimming with.
You can spot the fluffy ones up here really well. Shedding starts after they have reached the age of like 1.5 year and then they are reading to really go out swimming and fishing. Until then, they are depedent on the mother.
Have you ever seen this sign?
New animals, no problems I would say. I have never seen this sign in the world anywhere where you should be aware of pinguins are chilling under your car.
Also a sign in the main road in Simons Town saying 'watch out, pinguins crossing' was totally new to me. Different problems I would call it ;)
Boulders beach is mostly busy with pinguins in spring and summer time in South Africa, but in general you can see pinguins all years round here.
It is located in a National Park so there is an entrance fee to preserve the area which is a good thing. Prices for that depend on if you are a tourist or a resident, a concept that I love.
I loved this super touristy trip to Boulders Beach actually because it was really something else to see pinguins in real life for someone who lives on the Northern hemisphere.
Would I make this a whole day trip? I'm not really sure about that, because after an hour in the scortching sun it was also time to make a move again. But if you are in the area there, pay these guys a visit and laugh your butt off!