African Penguin Breeding Colony (Dyer Island) — Stony Point, Betty's Bay

About this spectacle

At Stony Point in Betty's Bay, one of the largest land-based African penguin colonies in South Africa occupies a rocky shoreline backed by fynbos scrub. Visitors walk a timber boardwalk that winds through the colony, close enough to watch penguins waddle between burrows, preen each other, and guard fluffy grey chicks during the breeding season. The air carries the unmistakable tang of a working colony — fishy, briny, and alive. Calls range from braying honks to soft mutual-preening murmurs. Resident cormorants and kelp gulls add to the coastal clamour. Early morning light catches the black-and-white plumage beautifully, and the backdrop of sheltered cove against mountain fynbos makes the scene distinctly Cape in character. The colony is active year-round, with peak breeding activity bringing the highest density of birds and chicks onshore.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Jan — Dec

Getting there

Nearest airport: CPT. Nearest city: Cape Town.

Booking options

Goyova doesn't process bookings directly. When you tap "Plan this trip" in the app, you'll see options from our partner providers — accommodation, tours, transport — with affiliate links where applicable. See our affiliate disclosure for details.