When is the best time to see penguins and whales in Cape Town?
From Cape Town you can see the Boulders Beach penguin colony all year, while the southern right whales off the Cape coast are best from June to November.
Best months
- Best time
- Penguins year-round; whales June to November
- Where
- Cape Town, South Africa
The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach is a resident population, so it is a year-round sight. Combine it with Cape Point on a day trip from the city.
For whales, head along the coast towards False Bay and Hermanus in the winter and spring months.
Explore Cape Town
Tours to see penguins and whales
- Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour
- Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town
- Half Day Boulders Penguins and Cape Point Small Group Tour
Real tours from our booking partner Viator. Affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Seasonal timing from South African Tourism. Place data from Head Your Way. How Head Your Way compiles its data.