Stony Point Nature Reserve
Stony Point Nature Reserve
Stony Point Nature Reserve
4.7
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.7
972 reviews
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Mike
Thorne, UK61 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Visited as we travelled from Cape Town to Hermanus as guide books suggested it would be less commercial than Boulder’s Beach. Car park was free and felt very safe.
Whilst you have to pay to visit the furthest part of the reserve you can see South Africa penguins within seconds of arriving as they are located across the beach. It is however worth while paying the small fee to see the full reserve and beautiful coastlines.
As well as penguins there is an abundance of wildlife and bird life to see.
We spent a couple of hours here and thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
Cafe and toilets on site.
Whilst you have to pay to visit the furthest part of the reserve you can see South Africa penguins within seconds of arriving as they are located across the beach. It is however worth while paying the small fee to see the full reserve and beautiful coastlines.
As well as penguins there is an abundance of wildlife and bird life to see.
We spent a couple of hours here and thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
Cafe and toilets on site.
Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Les De Q
Utrecht, The Netherlands2,528 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Stony Point Penguin Colony is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It offers a quieter and less crowded experience compared to other colonies, making it even more enjoyable. Arrive early to make the most of the serene atmosphere.
The colony itself is fantastic, allowing you to see penguins up close in their natural environment. What’s even better is the casual walk along the beach just outside the colony, where you can spot penguins at play in the water—it’s a delightful bonus!
The boardwalk is newly constructed and offers excellent views of the colony without disturbing the penguins.
Stony Point is an incredible spot for a peaceful and memorable penguin encounter. Highly recommended!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The colony itself is fantastic, allowing you to see penguins up close in their natural environment. What’s even better is the casual walk along the beach just outside the colony, where you can spot penguins at play in the water—it’s a delightful bonus!
The boardwalk is newly constructed and offers excellent views of the colony without disturbing the penguins.
Stony Point is an incredible spot for a peaceful and memorable penguin encounter. Highly recommended!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Written January 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D D
Samarate, Italy8,588 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
As an alternative to Boulders beach, if you want to see penguins living in the wild, this is a viable alternative , less frequented and cheaper (50 ran)
Open every day from 8.00 to 16.30 a long walkway that crosses the colony takes you a short distance from the animals. In addition to penguins, you will also find seagulls, cormorants and cape wrath.
Open every day from 8.00 to 16.30 a long walkway that crosses the colony takes you a short distance from the animals. In addition to penguins, you will also find seagulls, cormorants and cape wrath.
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Written September 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Orcbait
Vancouver, Canada79 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This March was our first trip to South Africa, and we were lucky enough to visit the Stony Point penguin colony after also having seen the Penguins at Boulder’s Beach near the Cape. For us, the Stony Point experience was 100% superior - way more penguins, all looking pretty fat & sassy, not bedraggled, lively & interacting, no crowds, and the beautiful, wind-swept environs of Betty’s Bay. I’d highly recommend this, as well as the incredible coastal route to get there (beautiful, and totally safe), if you’re anywhere in the vicinity.
Written March 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura V
49 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We loved this place. we arrived too close to the closing time to spend much more than 40 minutes here but we could have easily spent a couple of hours. Penguins are spread out across the beach, the rocks, and in their little homes. The boardwalk is winding and interesting. The entry charge is inexpensive. The surrounding scenery is spectacular.
Written August 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth S
Seattle58 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
This Penguin site is not crowded like Boulders Beach. It is just 40 Rand admission. It is a relaxing place to stroll and admire these gorgeous birds. There are also three types of cormorants. I spotted a penguin trapped in a plastic bag. The staff immediately reacted to rescue and remove the bag. These beautiful birds are so precious.
Written September 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Islandgirl
Dublin, Ireland71 contributions
Jan 2023
A rare chance to see an endangered species up close. Around 90% of the African Penguin population has already been lost, so your gate fees will help protect the remaining small colonies. Also a great way to see four different Cormorant species on their nests. Added to that, a beautiful rocky coastline with a view of mountains. Stick around on the coastal path nearby to watch the penguins return to their burrows at sunset.
Written January 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobdbl
Wetherby, UK345 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited both Bettys Bay and Boulder Beach penguin colonies, and Bettys Bay was undoubtedly the better value of the two. The Bettys Bay boardwalk is considerably longer, there are far fewer tourists and the cost is a fraction of Boulder Beach. In addition to the penguins, we saw many Dassies and lizards. plus other sea birds.
It is quite possible to just park in the car park and see some penguins on the old harbour without going into the boardwalk, but the full visit is very good value and far more penguins will be seen.
Touching the birds is not allowed, and virtually impossible, although the penguins are totally unfazed by human proximity. The community restaurant on site is well worth a visit, and behind it in the building is a 'museum' with the story of the colony. Especially interesting is the story of the oil spill, and how the penguins were protected, not the way you would expect at all.
It is quite possible to just park in the car park and see some penguins on the old harbour without going into the boardwalk, but the full visit is very good value and far more penguins will be seen.
Touching the birds is not allowed, and virtually impossible, although the penguins are totally unfazed by human proximity. The community restaurant on site is well worth a visit, and behind it in the building is a 'museum' with the story of the colony. Especially interesting is the story of the oil spill, and how the penguins were protected, not the way you would expect at all.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy K
loomis ca966 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Nice walk on your own along the beautiful coastline to view penguins and other shore birds. We much preferred this to the tourist attraction near Simons town several years ago. There is reportedly a very small charge when the walkway is open. For some reason it was closed when we were there but it didn’t impact our experience one bit.
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob O
Kenilworth, UK208 contributions
Aug 2022
A great place to see the penguins in a more natural and less busy environment. A nice journey out from Cape Town, or stay nearby. There's plenty of good accomodation. Penguins can be seen from the car park, or pay the small fee to walk along the route with nests next to the path and even penguins underneath the rises sections. There are also lizzards, hyrax, nd other interesting birds such as several cormorant species. There a nice visitor centre with a great cafe.
Written May 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are children allowed and if so, from what age? Ie would it be okay to visit with a 16month old?
Written May 16, 2019
Hi there. We visited in December 2018 with a 3 and 5 year old. Remember seeing a father carrying a small baby in a carrier. Do not believe there are any age restrictions, but you will just have to keep an eye that your little one stays on the boardwalk.
Written May 16, 2019
najshaibu
Strand, South Africa
Hi is this place conducive for a group of 120 grade 1 learners .
Written April 13, 2018
Manageable but send them in batches to view the Penguins. Maybe 20 are a time to get the maximum viewing pleasure.
Written April 16, 2018
We will be driving from De Hoop to Hout Bay at end of Feb. Is Hermanus worth going to when the whales are not in town and also if we visited Betty's Bay are the penguins there throughout the day or just early morning and early evening. Think we may be passing through about 2ish.
Written November 28, 2017
Hermanus' shore front is great anytime during the year with little shops, walkways along the cliffs. The whales are just an additional extra in season. The penguin colony is vibrant all year round and a definite worthwhile visit.
Written December 1, 2017
koenigsdorfer
Hermanus, South Africa
How far is the walking distance from the car park to the penguins?
Written November 9, 2017
C'est juste à côté, peut-être 200m. Ensuite on se promène sur une promenade en bois au milieu des pingouins. Ce n'est vraiment pas éprouvant physiquement
Written November 10, 2017
Are the penguins here all year long? Are certain months better to visit to see more penguins?
Written October 15, 2017
There were many penguins there in June.
Written January 23, 2018
Hello,
How does this place compare to Boulder's Beach? Thank you!
Written March 1, 2017
Like others have said Stony Point was much more enjoyable in our opinion. Less crowded and you were able to see more. There was also a nice cafe to have a drink afterwards. Price was very reasonable and it was just so much quieter. I am glad we stopped off here during our trip. Boulders is definitely worth visiting if you're in Cape Town we had fun on the actual beach seeing the penguins and the boulders themselves are really nice. Hope this helps.
Written March 1, 2017
Planning to visit this place in third week of this month. Would like to know what time this opens. I find 07.30, 08.00, and 09.00 hrs at three sites! Can any one please tell me the right timings? Thanks in advance.
Written April 10, 2016
I think it is 8.00am. I would agree with everything said in other answers. You have to take the coastal route from CapeTown as it is an amazing drive. You can get up close and personal with the Penguins even before you pay to go into the official sanctuary. Much better and cheaper than Boulders Beach.
Written April 11, 2016
Hi myself and my husbands are coming to Capetown in August this year and would like to see the Penguins. Could you tell me how far away Betty's Bay is please?
Many thanks
Tina
Written January 10, 2016
Dear Tina expect it to take at least an hour from Cape Town depending on the traffic
Written April 11, 2016
HI I was wondering if the penguins are only there during certain times, or months of the year. We will be in South Africa in February. Thanks,
Written November 18, 2015
Hi, like everyone else has mentioned the penguins are there all year. We were also there February earlier this year and I couldn't believe how many we saw
(It is so much better than Boulders Beach and not as commercialised!)
Make sure you walk all the way to the end of the viewing area/deck as you will also see lots of rock dassies hanging out with the penguins! A very funny sight!
Have a great time!
Written November 18, 2015
Hi.i would like to ask what is entrance fee to see pinguin colony and if is any car park where i can leave a car
Written March 28, 2015
Confirm the above two replies. R10 per person and plenty free parking. New restaurant has opened up at the site as well.
Written March 29, 2015
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