When people think of African wildlife, they usually picture the Big Five. But did you know that South Africa is also home to a thriving population of African penguins? Also known as jackass penguins due to their braying call, these adorable, tuxedoed seabirds can be found along the country’s southern coastline, and there are several accessible places where one can see penguins in South Africa up close.

However, despite their popularity, African penguins are endangered, with populations plummeting due to overfishing, oil spills, and habitat destruction. Visiting these colonies responsibly and supporting reputable conservation initiatives helps ensure that future generations can also have the chance to see these fascinating birds in the wild.

Here are the best places in South Africa to see penguins – both on land and from the sea.

9 Best Places to See Penguins in South Africa

1. Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town (Western Cape)

Arguably the most popular spot to see African penguins, Boulders Beach near Cape Town offers an up-close encounter with over 2,000 resident penguins. Protected within Table Mountain National Park, the beach has scenic boardwalks that wind through the colony, allowing visitors to observe the penguins as they nest, preen, and swim in the turquoise waters.

A designated swimming area also offers the rare opportunity to share the water with the penguins – just be respectful and keep a safe distance.

Boulders Beach is a must-visit if you have children, as it is one of the only beaches in the world where you can get so close to African penguins. My kids loved it when they were little.

For a free option, check out Seaforth Beach, next to Boulders Beach, where some of the penguins venture.

2. Stony Point Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay (Western Cape)

Stony Point Nature Reserve

Stony Point is home to one of the largest and most successful breeding colonies of African penguins in the world. The reserve is located in Betty’s Bay on the Whale Coast, just over an hour from Cape Town, Less crowded than Boulders Beach, it offers a pleasant viewing experience along a network of wooden walkways. We saw hundreds of penguins up close when we visited.

3. Dyer Island (near Gansbaai, Western Cape)

African Penguins on Dyer Island

Dyer Island lies just offshore from Gansbaai and, together with nearby Geyser Rock, forms part of the Dyer Island Nature Reserve. Though not accessible to the public, the island is home to a large breeding colony of African penguins and is best viewed on marine eco-tours or shark cage diving trips, which often include informative commentary on the island’s wildlife.  These boat trips often pass through the renowned Shark Alley, where you may also spot seals, dolphins, and even whales in season. We saw the penguins along with seals, sharks and a whale, on a Marine Big 5 tour .

4. Robben Island (Cape Town, Western Cape)

Robben Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island is known for its history as a political prison where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. However, it is also home to a declining colony of African penguins. Although they aren’t the main attraction here, visitors on guided tours may spot them around the island, especially near the rocky shores. It’s a unique place to combine a historical visit with unexpected wildlife viewing.

5. Dassen Island (West Coast, Western Cape)

Situated off the coast of Yzerfontein on the West Coast, Dassen Island is a restricted-access nature reserve, which hosts a large colony of African penguins. Although it’s not open to the public, you may catch a glimpse of the island on boat tours or flights, and conservationists occasionally access the island for research. Dassen Island plays an important ecological role, helping preserve breeding grounds in less disturbed environments.

6. St Croix Island, Algoa Bay (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha, Eastern Cape)

St Croix Island, located in Algoa Bay, is home to what was once the largest breeding colony of African penguins globally. Unfortunately, the population here has dropped significantly in recent years due to environmental challenges and reduced food availability. Still, boat-based eco-tours from Gqeberha offer a chance to view the island and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect the colony.

7. Bird Island, Algoa Bay (Eastern Cape)

Part of the Addo Elephant National Park’s Marine Protected Area, Bird Island is another key penguin habitat in Algoa Bay. Like St Croix, it is not accessible to the public but can be seen on guided marine tours. The waters around the island are rich in marine life, and the islands themselves are important breeding grounds for penguins and gannets.

8. African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, Gansbaai (Western Cape)

Gansbaai

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Gansbaai is a rescue and rehabilitation facility run by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Though it’s not a natural colony, it plays a crucial role in the conservation of African penguins and other seabirds.

Visitors can learn about the threats facing these birds, watch feeding sessions, and see penguins in various stages of recovery.

9. Cape Recife and SANCCOB, Gqeberha (Eastern Cape)

Penguins In SANCCOB

Cape Recife Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape has rocky shores and coastal trails where penguins are sometimes seen. While sightings here are less frequent than in the Western Cape, it’s worth visiting for the broader experience of marine birdwatching.

Nearby, SANCCOB’s  centre in Gqeberha plays an essential role in seabird rehabilitation. You can tour the facility, observe penguins in recovery, and if you’re lucky, even witness an emotional penguin release. I once adopted a penguin here along with a few other bloggers!

Have you had a close encounter with South Africa’s penguins? Share your experience in the comments below!

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.