Cape Town in 1 Day for Couples - See the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach (Simon's Town)
In Collaboration with HYM CAPE TOURS. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Full-day private sightseeing tour of the Cape Peninsula: scenic Atlantic Seaboard drive (Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay), Hout Bay (optional Seal Island boat), Chapman's Peak photo stop, Boulders Beach penguin colony, picnic and lighthouse visit at Cape Point Nature Reserve, and a hike to the Cape of Good Hope and Diaz Beach. Pickup and drop-off at selected accommodations in Cape Town Central. Light/s
This itinerary was created in collaboration with HYM CAPE TOURS, inspired by the tour Cape Peninsula Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Tour in Cape Town. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- See the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach (Simon's Town)
- Scenic Atlantic Seaboard drive with Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay views
- Chapman's Peak coastal drive and photo stop
- Picnic and lighthouse visit at Cape Point Nature Reserve
- Hike to the Cape of Good Hope and Diaz Beach
Itinerary
Day 1
Picnic lunch and 45-minute hike to the Cape of Good Hope (Diaz Beach)
Enjoy a picnic lunch at Cape Point Nature Reserve followed by a guided hike (approx. 45 minutes one-way, moderate terrain) to the Cape of Good Hope and Diaz Beach; time for photos at the headland.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy walking shoes and a windproof jacket — coastal winds can be strong on the hike.
- Bring a small daypack with water and camera; the guide will carry picnic supplies until arrival.
- There is limited mobile signal inside the reserve; agree a clear meeting time with the guide before starting the hike.
Hotel/hostel pickup (within pickup area)
Pickup from your selected accommodation in the Cape Town Central pick-up zone. Please wait in the hotel lobby at the confirmed pickup time (pickup window 07:45–08:30; final pickup time confirmed in chat).
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in your hotel lobby 5–10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time; meeting times are confirmed by chat.
- If your address is hard to find by GPS, go to the allocated pickup hotel listed on your reservation.
- Have any mobility needs or special requests noted in advance so the guide can assist at pickup.
Hout Bay stop — optional Seal Island boat or curio markets
Short stop in Hout Bay. Guests may choose to walk the harbour and curio markets or take an optional local boat trip to Duiker/Seal Island (boat at own expense; bring cash if you plan to join).
Tips from local experts:
- If you want the optional Seal Island boat, bring small change in cash — the boat operator often requires on-the-day payment.
- Harbour-side stalls take cards sporadically; carry small rand notes for souvenirs and snacks.
- Allow 30–40 minutes here to join a short cruise or browse the quay; confirm time with the guide before leaving.
Scenic drive and viewpoint at Camps Bay (Atlantic Seaboard)
Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard with a short stop at Camps Bay to admire the beach and Twelve Apostles mountain backdrop; photo opportunity and short walk along the promenade.
Tips from local experts:
- Camps Bay can be windy — bring a jacket for comfortable photos on the promenade.
- Parking is limited; follow the guide's instruction for the quickest photo point and return to the vehicle promptly.
- If you prefer a café stop, mention it to the guide early; a quick coffee/tea stop can be arranged within tight timing.
Visit Boulders Beach / Simon's Town (African penguin colony)
Visit Simon's Town and the Boulders Beach penguin colony boardwalks — time to view and photograph the African penguins and explore a little of Simon's Town's naval harbour.
Tips from local experts:
- Boulders Beach has boardwalks for viewing penguins — follow signage and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
- Bathrooms and a small café are available at the Boulders Beach reserve entrance; use facilities before reboarding.
- Arrive with a light layer — mornings can be cool by the water; sun protection is still recommended in summer.
Chapman's Peak Drive photo stop and light breakfast snack
Drive the renowned Chapman's Peak Drive; stop for photos at a scenic lookout and enjoy a light breakfast snack provided during the stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Chapman's Peak can be narrow and windy — listen to the guide for safe photo positions at the lookout.
- The light snack will be given during the stop; if you have dietary restrictions, notify the operator in advance.
- Traffic on Chapman's Peak Drive can be slow; allow buffer time and keep cameras ready for changing coastal views.
Cape Point Nature Reserve — picnic and lighthouse visit
Visit the Cape Point lighthouse area for panoramic coastal views, enjoy your picnic lunch inside the reserve, then prepare for the short guided hike toward the Cape of Good Hope.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve entry tickets are included; keep your small park ticket or confirmation on hand for ranger checks.
- Wear sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses — the picnic area is exposed with little shade.
- Follow marked paths to the lighthouse and designated picnic zones; do not feed or approach wildlife in the reserve.
Twelve Apostles mountain backdrop (Atlantic Coast drive)
Drive along the Atlantic coastline with views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range; a photo stop provides the classic backdrop seen from the Atlantic Seaboard.
Tips from local experts:
- This is primarily a photo and short-stop location — keep camera ready for quick scenic shots.
- The area can be windy and cooler than the city; bring a layer for comfort during brief stops.
- If you want extended photography time, tell the guide early so the vehicle schedule can accommodate it.
Cape of Good Hope headland visit
Visit the Cape of Good Hope viewpoint at the southwestern extremity of the Cape Peninsula for photo opportunities and to experience the historic headland.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay behind designated barriers at the viewpoint for safety — cliff edges can be unstable.
- Bring binoculars for possible marine and seabird spotting from the headland.
- Return transfer to vehicle is included; meet at the pre-agreed pick-up point and time after photos.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Outdoor, Transfer, Attraction, Neighborhood |
