Visiting South Africa’s Famous Penguins: A Stop At Foxy Beach & Boulders Beach

PENGUINS!!! Seriously, I couldn’t start this post any other way, as this was pretty much my reaction every time someone asked what was on my itinerary. One of the highlights of my trip to South Africa was definitely visiting the African penguin colony at Boulders Bay.

The turquoise waters at Foxy Beach are out of this world—and then, of course, there are the penguins!

Before we dive into the penguin-filled awesomeness, I had to share a couple of my favorite photos right off the bat to give you a little sneak peek.

Located in Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area on the Cape Peninsula, Boulders Bay (including Boulders Beach and Foxy Beach) is known for its white sand, sparkling turquoise waters, and a vibrant colony of African penguins. If you're hoping to see penguins in Cape Town, this is the place (aside from Robben Island, of course).

Fun fact: African penguins were once known as "jackass penguins" because of their distinct braying sounds, and they are the only penguin species found on the African continent.

Getting to Boulders Beach to See the Penguins

There are several transportation options available. I’ve heard the Hop On, Hop Off bus now stops at Boulders Bay on its Cape Peninsula route, and it’s apparently a great option. Another good choice if you’re not keen on renting a car is booking a full-day Cape Peninsula tour, which includes a stop at Boulders Bay.

However, the best way to explore the Cape Peninsula is by car. I rented a car in Cape Town and drove myself around. One word of caution: there are some rental car scams to watch out for, with companies trying to charge for damage that may not have even occurred. I always check DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com for deals. For this trip, I rented with Bluu through RentalCars.com, a local company highly recommended to me. Just make sure you do your research, get good insurance, and take plenty of photos and videos to document your car’s condition.

What to Know Before Visiting Boulders Bay

If you’re driving directly from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is roughly an hour away without any stops. However, I’d recommend starting your day with a stop at Muizenberg Beach, then continue to Boulders Beach.

The beach is in Simon’s Town, which can get quite crowded. On the Saturday afternoon I visited, especially being Easter weekend, the town was bustling, and I opted to skip a lunch stop to avoid parking headaches. Getting through the town itself was a slow crawl.

Once at Boulders Beach, parking was a bit crazy. There's a small paved lot, which connects to a larger dirt lot. Be cautious in the dirt lot, as there are sharp rocks and potholes that could easily pop a tire.

A traffic controller was trying to direct parking, but it was still a bit chaotic. It took me two slow laps before I found a spot. The good news is that people cycle through the parking lot pretty regularly. You could also park along the main road and walk down if needed.

A Few Things to Bring for Your Boulders Beach & Foxy Beach Visit

You’re likely to see penguins up close along the boardwalk, but when they’re near the water, it’s a bit of a distance. A telephoto camera lens is your best bet if you want to capture those adorable moments without getting too close. While phone zooms can work, the quality won't compare.

For my trip, I brought along my Sony a6400 mirrorless camera and a Tamron 18-300mm lens (which I bought primarily for a safari), and I was thoroughly impressed with its performance throughout the trip. I always keep a UV filter on for protection, and I used a polarizer filter for this visit.

It was HOT. I visited at the end of March, as summer was transitioning into fall, but temperatures were in the 80s and 90s throughout my trip. The viewing platforms at Boulders Beach are fully exposed, so don't forget sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and possibly a hat.

On the beauty front, I used my favorite non-toxic foundation, blush, powder, and lip gloss. They held up wonderfully despite the heat and sweat.

If you plan to visit the non-penguin areas of Boulders Beach, be sure to bring beach essentials like water, towels, and anything else you might need. While there are shops and ice cream stands along the path to the visitor center, the beach itself doesn’t offer much in terms of facilities.

Enjoy the penguin-filled paradise!

Famous Ship Paintings: Exploring the Timeless Charm of Nautical Art (Rewritten & Expanded)

To discuss the history of human civilization is to inevitably confront the significance of ships—a symbol that transcends mere transportation. For millennia, ships have served as lifelines of global trade, facilitating economic prosperity and cultural exchange across continents; yet, they have also been instruments of colonial expansion and the transatlantic slave trade, bearing witness to humanity’s darkest atrocities. This dual nature of ships—their role as agents of connection and conflict—has made them enduring subjects in the world of art. Nautical paintings, or ship paintings, do more than depict the majestic beauty of vessels on the water; they capture the spirit of their eras, preserving stories of exploration, war, survival, and hope. In this expanded exploration, we will delve into the rich history of marine art, examine ten of the most famous ship paintings that have shaped the genre, and unpack the profound symbolic meanings that ships carry in artistic representation. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply drawn to the allure of the sea, these works offer a window into the complex relationship between humanity and the ocean.

The Comprehensive Guide to Modern Necklaces

Necklaces represent a profound form of self-expression, transcending their role as mere accessories to become central pillars of personal style. The sheer diversity of available designs—ranging from minimalist chokers to sophisticated pendants—ensures that there is a piece to complement every ensemble. By exploring various metals, artistic elements, and gemstone accents, you can discover jewelry that perfectly mirrors your unique aesthetic. This guide explores the dynamic world of necklaces and their ability to enhance both everyday and formal attire.

8 Most Valuable Antique Lamps Worth Money

Antique lamps represent a fascinating intersection of functional design and historical craftsmanship. From ornate oil lamps to early electrical fixtures, these pieces offer both aesthetic appeal and investment potential. Here are eight of the most valuable antique lamps that continue to captivate collectors and interior designers alike.

Essential Insights into the World of Smartwatches

Smartwatches have rapidly transformed from niche gadgets into indispensable daily accessories. These devices successfully merge the heritage of classic horology with the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones. While traditional analog watches remain prized for their timeless aesthetic, a significant portion of the global population now opts for smart technology due to its versatile functionality. Depending on the model, these timepieces can assist with a vast array of tasks, ranging from health management to seamless communication.

Chopped Bagels: The Viral Breakfast Trend Taking the Internet by Storm

Americans have a long-standing, passionate relationship with bagels—one that often sparks lively debates and cultural moments. Who can forget the great bagel emoji controversy, or Cynthia Nixon’s infamous order: a cinnamon-raisin bagel piled high with cream cheese, lox, red onion, capers, and tomatoes, which some media outlets dubbed a “crime against humanity” and “the strangest bagel of all time”? Even Ina Garten, the beloved culinary icon, faced mild backlash earlier this month for her unorthodox bagel-slicing technique. It’s clear that bagels aren’t just a breakfast food—they’re a cultural touchstone, and the latest viral iteration, chopped bagels, has only amplified this obsession. While the trend has its detractors (some argue it sacrifices “sandwich integrity” for virality), its overwhelming popularity on TikTok—where thousands of creative recipes and tutorials have gone viral—and the skyrocketing traffic to Allrecipes’ own riffs (like the 2.8 million-view California BLT Chopped Bagel on Instagram) prove that chopped bagels are more than a passing fad. They’re a clever, convenient twist on a classic, resonating with home cooks who crave balance, flavor, and that perfect bite in every mouthful.

Urban Visions: A Collection of Notable Cityscape Paintings

The portrayal of the modern city has emerged as a dynamic and popular genre within contemporary representational art. Artists today capture urban life from myriad perspectives, exploring the interplay of architecture, light, and human activity. The following selection highlights ten distinctive cityscape paintings that exemplify the diverse approaches and enduring appeal of this subject matter.

How To Make Osmanthus Cake

Osmanthus Cake, or “Gui Hua Nian Gao” , is a cherished traditional dessert often enjoyed during the Spring Festival in China. Made with glutinous rice, fragrant osmanthus blossoms, and sugar, this treat represents prosperity and joy for the year ahead. Its lightly sweet, floral taste combined with a soft, chewy texture makes it a favorite among many.

The History of Jewelry Boxes

As enthusiasts of jewelry, particularly pearls, we take pride in preserving our favorite pieces so they can endure for a lifetime and even be enjoyed by future generations. Having a secure place to store jewelry is essential for maintaining its condition. While personal preference often determines storage methods, jewelry boxes have a timeless appeal, making them one of the most popular ways to protect treasured items.

5 Impressive Health Benefits of Orange Juice You Might Not Expect

Orange juice is a widely consumed beverage made by extracting liquid from oranges, either manually or through commercial processes. Beyond its refreshing taste, this popular drink provides a variety of essential nutrients and powerful plant compounds. Although debates exist about its sugar content and calorie density, moderate consumption of high-quality orange juice can deliver multiple health perks. Here are five surprising benefits you may not have considered.