African Penguins at Betty’s Bay – Guide to the Stony Point Colony

Betty’s Bay and its penguins feel like Simon’s Town decades ago — quiet, authentic, and wonderfully uncrowded. Although the official name is the Stony Point Penguin Colony, most visitors simply call it Betty’s Bay.

The coastal path offers beautiful views on clear days, and you can often watch penguins right beside you. CapeNature Kogelberg protects part of the colony, but many penguins don’t care about boundaries — plenty of burrows and nests lie outside the reserve.

There are usually penguins around, entertaining visitors and locals alike. The best time to see large numbers is late afternoon, when they return from foraging up to 20 km out at sea. The best months are November to August; during September and October, fewer penguins are visible because they spend more time at sea preparing for their strenuous three‑week moulting season.

Betty’s Bay is just a two‑hour drive from Cape Town and Boulders Beach. I love both places because they are completely different. However, you can still spot plenty of penguins in Betty’s Bay after opening hours, while Boulders Beach offers only a few outside the official boardwalk times.

Opening Hours, Parking & How the Nature Reserve Works

Betty’s Bay is part of the Stony Point Nature Reserve, located beside an abandoned whaling station that closed in 1930. After the whaling era ended, African penguins began breeding here, and the area was later declared a conservation zone. Today, it remains far less famous and crowded than Boulders Beach.

The reserve is usually open from 8:00 to 16:00, and in summer until 17:00. It’s worth paying the entrance fee — your contribution supports the conservation of the endangered African penguin.

Parking is ample, but be careful when leaving. Penguins often sit under cars to rest in the shade. The entrance gate opens and closes automatically to prevent penguins from wandering into the road and getting hit by vehicles.

Next to the parking area, you’ll find a small café, clean facilities, and the official entrance to the Nature Reserve. Even outside the protected zone, penguins are everywhere — along the coast, beside the path, and often crossing the walkway to reach their burrows.

What to Expect Inside the Stony Point Nature Reserve

The gate to Stony Point closes early, but the parking area remains accessible. Only once did we arrive in time to enter the protected zone, but it’s absolutely worth it.

A 500‑meter boardwalk leads above and along the nesting area. It’s fully accessible, with benches installed so visitors can observe the penguins and enjoy the scenery. Paying the entrance fee helps fund ongoing conservation efforts.

Inside the reserve, penguins are curious and often approach visitors — but please respect distance. We are entering their home, and they are close to extinction.

The Decline of the African Penguin Population

The outlook is worrying. The African penguin population in Namibia and South Africa is now around 2% of what it was 100 years ago. Only 170,000 penguins remain — about 10% of their numbers 50 years ago. The only stable colony is Boulders Beach; all others are declining.

At Stony Point, more than 700 penguins have been microchipped after release. Researchers monitor their movements, breeding success, and survival. These long‑term data provide crucial insights into their life cycle and help guide conservation strategies.

African penguins weigh up to 3 kg, mate for life, and return to the same nesting site for up to 15 years. They are endemic to Southern Africa and tragically listed as endangered.

If you want to learn more about their biology, threats, and conservation, check out my detailed article on Boulders Beach.

Where to Stay in Betty’s Bay – Our Top Self‑Catering Tip

Our stay at Misty Shores Cottage - Kalliste Ocean Front Stays was unforgettable. The cottage sits in one of the most spectacular locations in Betty’s Bay — the mountains rising behind you, the ocean stretching out in front. We spent four nights here, and it felt far too short.

This is one of the quietest and most peaceful places we’ve ever stayed. The house is beautifully designed, spotlessly clean, and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable self‑catering holiday. Our hosts were fantastic, and their attention to detail made the stay even more special.

One of our favourite moments each day was simply sitting outside in the evening, listening to the waves and watching the sun set over the ocean. The outdoor seating area is just steps from the sea — a perfect spot to unwind after exploring the penguin colony or hiking in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

If you’re looking for a serene, oceanfront escape in Betty’s Bay, this cottage is truly exceptional. We can highly recommend it. 

Essential Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

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