Full-Day Cape Peninsula Tour: Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope & Boulders Beach Penguins
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking and boarding a vehicle for long periods; able to handle short uneven trail sections and stairs.
Overview
Drive the dramatic Cape Peninsula in a single day: coastal roads, cliffs at Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope headland, and the African penguins at Boulders Beach. This full-day tour mixes short hikes, wildlife viewing, and iconic viewpoints with hotel pickup and local guiding.
Full-Day Cape Peninsula Tour: Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope & Boulders Beach Penguins
Select participants and date
You peel away from Cape Town before sunrise, the city shrinking behind Table Mountain’s shadow as the Atlantic coast pulls into view. The road unfurls past Sea Point and Camps Bay—white beaches and glassy surf—before the van threads the shoulder of Hout Bay where fishing boats ride a slow swell. By midmorning the land tightens into the Cape Point Nature Reserve: a wild, wind-swept bench of sandstone and shale that seems to push the ocean into two different moods.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pack a windproof layer
The ‘Cape Doctor’ can turn calm into gale; a windproof jacket and layers will keep you comfortable on exposed headlands.
Pre-purchase park & penguin tickets
Buy the Cape Point Nature Reserve entrance and Boulders Beach tickets in advance where possible to save time at busy gates.
Keep food secured from baboons
Baboons are opportunistic and can be aggressive; store snacks out of sight and never feed wildlife.
Check Chapman's Peak status
Chapman’s Peak Drive closes periodically for maintenance or weather—confirm the route the day before to know if the alternative Ou Kaapse Weg is used.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African penguin
- Chacma baboon
History
The Cape Peninsula has been a navigational landmark since the 15th century; Simon’s Town later became an important naval base and the area has long maritime and colonial links.
Conservation
The African penguin is vulnerable and both Cape Point and Boulders Beach operate boardwalks and viewing platforms to reduce disturbance; visitors must stick to paths and follow guide instructions to protect breeding habitats.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against sudden coastal winds on exposed viewpoints.
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for short hikes and uneven paths around Cape Point and boardwalks at Boulders Beach.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Essential in summer when UV is strong and shade is limited on the headlands.
summer specific
Compact camera or phone with extra battery
Captures cliff vistas and penguin colonies; battery tends to drain quickly in cold or with constant use.