Seal Island, Cape of Good Hope & Penguins — Full-Day Shared Tour from Cape Town
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for general fitness; walks are short but may include steep sections and stairs
Overview
A single day that threads the Cape Peninsula: ferry to Seal Island, a drive along Chapman's Peak, Cape Point's cliffwalks, and a close‑up of African penguins at Boulders Beach. Practical and packed with scenic highlights, this shared tour is a crash course in the Cape's geology, wildlife and maritime history.
Seal Island, Cape of Good Hope & Penguins — Full-Day Shared Tour from Cape Town
Select participants and date
You step onto the minibus in Cape Town before dawn and the city slips behind you as the coast opens. Salt rides the air and the road climbs: first the sculpted slabs of Table Mountain fade, then Chapman's Peak unfurls — a 10‑kilometre ribbon of coastal switchbacks that looks as if the road were carved from a falling cliff. On this shared full‑day loop you’ll hop a short ferry, stand at the edge of Africa, and watch flightless birds parade along a boardwalk, all in a single, well‑paced day.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book the seal ferry early
Seats on the optional Hout Bay — Seal Island ferry are limited; reserve ahead if that close‑up seal experience is a priority.
Bring windproof layers
Chapman’s Peak and Cape Point are exposed; a light windbreaker and warm midlayer make short walks comfortable.
Respect wildlife distances
Use the boardwalk at Boulders Beach and follow the guide’s rules — penguins are fragile and easily stressed by close human contact.
Carry small cash for park fees and snacks
Some stops, market stalls, and the funicular take cash or card—having both saves time during short layovers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Cape fur seals
- African penguins
History
The Bo‑Kaap district preserves the legacy of Cape Malays and enslaved people brought from across the Indian Ocean; the area’s Dutch and British naval past also shaped Simon’s Town.
Conservation
Cape Point and Boulders Beach are protected reserves—stay on paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and use rock‑free sunscreen to reduce chemical runoff.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against coastal gusts on Chapman’s Peak and Cape Point vistas.
all specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and grip for short rocky or uneven boardwalks and lighthouse paths.
all specific
Sunscreen & hat
Intense UV and reflective sea glare make sun protection critical during midday stops.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Refill from provided water on board to stay hydrated through the day.
all specific