If you are planning to see the African penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, the current official entrance fee is R55 for South African adults and R26 for South African children. Boulders is part of Table Mountain National Park, so the fee is charged as a SANParks daily conservation fee.
Boulders Beach Penguin Entrance Fee in 2026
Here are the current official Boulders Beach entry fees.
| Visitor type | Adult (12+) | Child (2–11) |
|---|---|---|
| South African citizens and residents | R55 | R26 |
| SADC nationals | R110 | R55 |
| International visitors | R245 | R120 |
These SANParks rates are published as valid from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. SANParks also notes that rates can change without advance notice.
Ticket Prices at a Glance
For most local visitors, Boulders Beach is one of the more affordable paid Cape Town nature attractions. The main number most South Africans need is R55 per adult. Families should budget R26 per child for children aged 2 to 11. SANParks’ gate ticket FAQ also says there is no separate pensioner rate at Boulders.
What Is Included in the Ticket Price
Your entry ticket includes access to Boulders Beach itself. SANParks says the Boulders section of Table Mountain National Park has 3 beaches, 1 penguin viewing area, and 3 boardwalks. The boardwalks are there to let visitors see the penguins while protecting the colony, so visitors should stay on the boardwalks in the viewing area.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
Opening times at Boulders change during the year, and SANParks says gate times may change without notice, so it is best to confirm the current gate hours before you leave. The park also advises visitors to arrive early in peak summerbecause parking is limited, and to try to visit at low tide because beach space depends on the tides.
Boulders is in Simon’s Town and is usually reached via the M4 (Main Road) from the Cape Town side, with the M3 or M5 often used first to reach Muizenberg before continuing south.
How to Book Tickets
You can buy gate tickets online through SANParks before your visit. SANParks also says that Wild Card holders do not need to buy a gate ticket if they arrive with a valid membership letter and proof of identity. Boulders is a cash-free gate, so on-site payment is by debit or credit card only.
One important detail: SANParks says that buying a ticket online does not guarantee entry at busy times. Entry is still managed during operating hours and can be limited by site capacity on very busy days.
Wild Card and Local Savings
If you already have a valid SANParks Wild Card, you can use it to enter Table Mountain National Park pay points such as Boulders instead of paying the daily conservation fee. SANParks also has a My Green Card option for South African residents of Cape Town, which includes 12 free entries into Table Mountain National Park pay points including Boulders. At the time of writing, the My Green Card price shown by SANParks is R212.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
Boulders is a safe beach with rangers on patrol every day, but there are a few rules visitors should know before arriving. SANParks says alcohol and smoking are prohibited, canoes and kayaks are not allowed, and the area is within a no-take Marine Protected Area, so no marine life may be removed. Parking is limited, especially in summer.
SANParks also says a Boulders gate ticket is valid for one entry only during gate operating hours. If you leave, you cannot return later on the same ticket.
Is Boulders Beach Worth the Price?
For most visitors, yes. Boulders gives you access to one of the few land-based African penguin colonies in the world, plus protected viewing boardwalks and beach access inside Table Mountain National Park. For South African visitors, the current R55 adult fee is still a fairly accessible price for one of Cape Town’s best-known wildlife experiences.
FAQs
How much is Boulders Beach penguin entrance fee in 2026?
The current official fee is R55 for South African adults and R26 for South African children aged 2 to 11. SADC and international visitors pay higher rates.
Does the Boulders ticket include access to the beach?
Yes. SANParks says your Boulders gate ticket includes access to Boulders Beach.
Can I pay cash at Boulders Beach?
No. SANParks says Boulders is cash-free and only accepts debit and credit card payments at the gate.
Do Wild Card holders need to buy a Boulders ticket?
No. SANParks says valid Wild Card members can arrive at the gate with their membership letter and proof of IDand do not need to buy a separate gate ticket.
Can I leave and come back later with the same ticket?
No. SANParks says the gate ticket is for one entry only and cannot be reused later the same day.
Does buying online guarantee entry?
No. SANParks says online tickets do not guarantee entry during very busy periods, because entry remains subject to operating hours and visitor capacity.
Check official SANParks gate details before you visit, then compare more Cape Town and SANParks entrance fee pages on EntranceFee.co.za.