During our Great White Shark cage diving and breaching trips, we frequently see a number of bird species, including the African penguin.
Situated just around the corner from the seaside village of Simon’s Town, the Boulders area has become world famous for its thriving colony of African penguins, formerly called Jackass Penguins as their call resembles that of a donkey’s bray.
The Boulders area falls under the protection of the Table Mountain National Park, which also incorporates Table Mountain and the Peninsula mountain chain from Signal Hill to Cape Point. Although it is set amongst a residential area, this is one of the few sites in the world where this vulnerable bird species can be observed wandering freely in close proximity in a protected natural environment.
Foxy Beach forms part of the main breeding colony of African penguins, and is the main viewing area for visitors. The Boulders Visitor Centre is also located at the entrance. Access to the beach is limited to wooden walkways because of the sensitivity of the area.
Boulders Beach also offers visitors the chance to swim in the company of African penguins, although access to this beach is strictly controlled by the Table Mountain National park. Visitors are also warned not to touch or feed the penguins as they have sharp beaks and will not hesitate to bit if threatened.
Besides seals, a small population of African Penguins can also be found on Seal Island, with roughly 80 resident breeding pairs. Although not a main part of the Great White Shark’s diet, they have, on occasion, fed on African Penguins.
Why not include a trip to see the African Penguins at the Boulders Penguin Colony after your Great White Shark cage diving and breaching trip.
Shark expert Rob Lawrence, together with his wife Karen and their dedicated team in Simon’s Town, Cape Town. Rob, also known as shark legend Rob or Captain Rob has been working with great white sharks for the last 20 years and has dedicated his life to the great white shark.
SHARK CAGE DIVING BLOG
We love sharing our news, which is why we have created our blog. Here you can read about our shark cage diving and breaching trips, the film shoots we do, guests we meet, what we are up to, what’s happening in our ocean, and of course the Great White Sharks.
