Penguin Nature Reserve
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African Penguin / Jackass Penguin at Betty's Bay © Ben Haeringer, License![]()
Penguin colony at Stoney Point, Betty's Bay, Overberg © Christopher Griner, License![]()
"Look tough lads... we're being watched"! Jackass penguins at Betty's Bay © Christopher Griner, License
Penguin Nature Reserve
One of the most beautiful coastal routes in the Overberg region, where mountains hug the coast line, is called Clarence Drive. Clarence Drive is said to be rivaled only by Chapmans Peak Drive on the Peninsula. And it is Clarence Drive that will lead you to the Penguin Nature Reserve in Betty's Bay, home to the Stony Point penguin colony. The penguin colony, is one of only a few mainland based penguin colonies as historically penguins only nested on islands, to keep away from predators. One of the other mainland based colonies is the one at Boulders Beach in Simonstown. The colony which is only 90km from Cape Town first began in 1982 when a breeding pair of penguins, which experts presume came from Dryer Island, landed in the area and decided to stay. Visitors to the colony can view the penguins from a number of boardwalks and viewing decks which were erected between 1987 and 1989 along with protective fencing.
Although there is no official size for the colony, locals believe the birds currently exceed five thousand with the colony growing at a steady rate. This is causing a stir in the community as some believe this growth is not sustainable as there is no natural predator within the reserve area. This area is also the breeding ground for Bank Cormorant, alongside the more common Crowned, Cape and White-breasted Cormorants.
The best times to view the birds are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they return from their fishing expeditions which sometimes exceed 20km's. Although the breeding colony is fenced off it can still be visited daily from 09:00 in the morning until 17:00 in the afternoon with an minimal entrance fee.
The Stony Point Penguin Colony, located in Betty's Bay along the Western Cape coast of South Africa, is one of the largest mainland colonies of African penguins.
Here's what you can expect to see and experience at Stony Point:
African Penguins: Stony Point is home to a significant population of African penguins, also known as jackass penguins due to their distinctive braying call. Visitors can observe these charismatic birds up close as they go about their daily activities, including nesting, preening, and swimming in the ocean.
Boardwalks and Viewing Platforms: Elevated wooden boardwalks wind through the colony, providing visitors with excellent vantage points to observe the penguins without disturbing them. These boardwalks offer safe and unobtrusive viewing opportunities, allowing visitors to get a close-up look at the penguins in their natural habitat.
Educational Signage: Along the boardwalks, you'll find informative signage that provides insights into the behavior, biology, and conservation status of African penguins. Learn about their breeding habits, feeding preferences, and the challenges they face in the wild.
Breeding Season: The breeding season for African penguins typically occurs from March to September. During this time, you may have the opportunity to see pairs of penguins engaged in courtship displays, as well as nesting behavior and the rearing of chicks.
Scenic Views: In addition to the penguins, Stony Point offers stunning coastal scenery, with rugged rock formations, crashing waves, and sweeping views of the ocean. It's a picturesque spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the Western Cape coastline.
Conservation Efforts: Stony Point is managed by CapeNature, an organization dedicated to the conservation of South Africa's natural heritage. The colony plays an essential role in the conservation of African penguins, which are listed as Endangered due to habitat loss, overfishing, and oil spills.
Visiting the Stony Point Penguin Colony offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness the fascinating behavior of African penguins in their coastal habitat. It's an experience that's both educational and memorable, making it a must-see attraction in Betty's Bay.
Accommodation Near Penguin Nature Reserve
Destiny 3510
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Betty's Bay
1.2km from Penguin Nature ReserveDestiny 3510 is a self catering holiday home designed for comfort and pleasure. Sleeps up to 12, 14 or 18 people. Situated at 3510 Disa Circle, Betty’s Bay, at the foot of a majestic mountain overlooking the lakes and sea. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Merlon
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Betty's Bay
1.8km from Penguin Nature ReserveMerlon provides self catering accommodation in Betty's Bay, Overberg/Whale Coast. Situated close to Stony Point, and within half a kilometre of Silversands Beach. Merlon offers self catering accommodation for 10 people, in 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dreams
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pringle Bay
7.3km from Penguin Nature ReserveDreams offers self catering accommodation in Pringle Bay, on the Overberg / Whale Coast. You won't be dreaming when you wake up a mere 100m - 3 minutes walk - to the white sand of Pringle Bay's idyllic beach. Relaxation, comfort, family time, nature... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Tranquility
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pringle Bay
7.5km from Penguin Nature ReserveTranquility is a 3 bedroomed self catering apartment in the popular coast town of Pringle Bay on the Cape's Whale Coast. Relax with friends and family in the spacious apartment (sleeps 6) or in the braai area, in this beautiful unique fynbos biosphere. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Spatalla
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Kleinmond
12.5km from Penguin Nature ReserveSpatalla is situated in Kleinmond, a luxuriously furnished private self catering residence that offers the finest finishing touches including 4 spacious bedrooms with private balconies, all have en suite bathrooms... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview Gordons Bay
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Gordon's Bay
20km from Penguin Nature ReserveBayview offers superbly-furnished self catering accommodation in Gordons Bay, Cape Town. This crisp and contemporary, fully-equipped private home is located in the suburb known as Mountainside, overlooking Gordons Bay. Spread out over 3 floors, Bayview... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Blue Marine Luxury Self Catering
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Gordon's Bay
20.1km from Penguin Nature ReserveThe Blue Marine provides luxury self catering accommodation in Gordons bay, Cape Town. The apartment offers uninterrupted sea views, magical sunsets, private balcony, secure automated parking. Just for the ultimate pleasure whether it be on vacation or bu …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bikini Beach Manor
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Gordon's Bay
20.1km from Penguin Nature ReserveBikini Beach Manor provides luxury self catering accommodation in Gordons Bay, Cape Town. If you are looking for a relaxing retreat of good quality then look no further as you have arrived! Bikini Beach Manor is a 4-storey 1200m2 modern contemporary... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Chalet 10 - Meerensee
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Fisherhaven
20.3km from Penguin Nature ReserveChalet 10, Meerensee is a self catering chalet in Fisherhaven, Hermanus area on the Overberg / Whale Coast. Our self catering holiday home is about an hour's drive away from Cape Town International Airport and 6km outside Hermanus on the R43. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cape Gordonia
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Gordon's Bay
20.3km from Penguin Nature ReserveCape Gordonia provides self catering apartment accommodation in Gordons Bay, Cape Town. Holiday at Cape Gordonia and discover tranquillity just an hour from the sights of Cape Town. Removed from the tourist hustle and bustle of the city centre... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Stony Point Nature Reserve (1.25km)
- Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens (2.75km)
- The Disa River Waterfall (2.75km)
- Sea Farm Private Nature Reserve (5.03km)
- Brodie Link Nature Reserve (5.40km)
- Kogelberg Sonchem Link Nature Reserve (6.41km)
- Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (6.64km)
- Gravity Adventure Festival (7.35km)
- Fynbos Festival and Green Living Expo (11.30km)
- Perdekop 10km (12.83km)
- Kleinmond Golf Club (14.06km)
- Rooisand (Botrivier) Nature Reserve (19.61km)
