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Staying at Tintswalo Boulders in Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Staying at Tintswalo Boulders Cape Town

Details of Our Stay:

When to Visit

Year-round

Property Type

Boutique Villa

Type of Trip

Family/Romantic

Highlights

Penguins!

Sometimes, you just need to hit pause and escape to somewhere bliss. And if you’re in Cape Town, Tintswalo Boulders is the perfect home away from home.

Sitting right above Boulders Beach, where you find the famous African Penguin colony, this boutique B&B is all about ocean views, laid-back luxury, and, best of all, penguins as your next-door neighbors!

With the waves crashing just beyond your balcony and a private, homey feel, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down, soak it all in, and never leave.

Here’s my experience staying at Tintswalo Boulders in Cape Town, South Africa!

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Getting There

From Cape Town International Airport, it’s about a one-hour drive down. Hop in an Uber, pre-arrange a private transfer through the hotel, or rent a car for ultimate flexibility on your trip.

There’s free private parking, so no stress if you go the self-drive route!

Services & Amenities

Tintswalo Boulders feels like your own private beach house, except with a discreet team ready to pamper you when needed.

It’s a luxurious B&B rather than a full-service hotel, but the in-house manager doubles as a top-notch concierge.

Spa: Relax and be pampered from the comfort of your suite. Enjoy a massage or facial as you hear the waves crashing

Sunset canapés: Every afternoon, sit back and soak in the views as you indulge in complimentary canapés. Because sunsets + snacks = the ultimate combo.

Pool: Perfect for cooling off between beach adventures or lying in the sun with a good book.

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The Location

Here at Tintswalo Boulders, you’re literally neighbors with the famous colony of endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach, and you get direct access to the boardwalk and cove. No need to fight the crowds, just stroll down and say hi to your tuxedoed friends.

Beyond the penguins, Simon’s Town is just a five-minute drive with charming Victorian-era streets and a small harbor. From there, it’s easy to explore nearby coastal towns like Kalk Bay, where you can grab classic fish and chips at Harbour House or Kalky’s and browse vintage shops along Main Road.

A little further along the coast, Muizenberg is the place to try surfing, while nearby St James is known for its colorful swim huts—one of the most photographed spots along the Cape Peninsula.

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The Rooms

With nine spacious and beautifully appointed rooms in this double-story villa, including the whimsical penguin-themed children’s room, each one has its own unique character.

You’ll enjoy ocean views from nearly every room, though the Victory Suite (also known as the Courtyard Suite) steals the show with its private courtyard.

For the ultimate luxury and best seaside views, the Premier suites, Drommedaris and SeaWitch, are a true dream, located on the top floor beside the rooftop pool.

Every room is equipped with everything you need to feel right at home including air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, a minibar, and a television for those lazy evenings in. The Premier suites even come with cozy gas fireplaces.

The bathrooms are an absolute highlight—spacious, with separate tubs and showers, and hand-decorated with delicate shells.

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Dining

While there’s no on-site restaurant, breakfast here is a feast—and trust me, you won’t be leaving the table hungry.

Think fresh fruit and juice, yogurts, homemade muesli, local cheeses, warm breads, and buttery pastries. The chef also whips up daily specials like quiches, fritters, and all the bacon and eggs your heart desires.

Prefer a hot breakfast made just the way you like it?

No problem! Whether you’re craving classic scrambled eggs or have special dietary needs, they’ve got you covered.

The villa also offers packed lunches, so you can head out for the day with a delicious meal in tow.

Activities & Experiences

Not only do you get a front-row seat to Boulders Beach’s famous penguins, but you’re also perfectly placed to explore Cape Town’s dreamy southern coastline. Here’s how to make the most of your time:

Visit the African Penguins at Boulders Beach: You can actually swim with these adorable little tuxedo-wearing locals if you visit Boulders Beach. Or, head to the viewpoint at the Visitor’s Center. The water is crystal clear, the cove is protected from the wind, and the whole setting feels super postcard-worthy.

Snorkeling in the Bay: Grab a mask and fins and dive into the underwater world of False Bay. Expect colorful marine life, kelp forests, and maybe even a curious penguin popping by to say hello.

Simon’s Town Water Bikes: Ever tried biking on water? This is your chance. These eco-friendly water bikes let you pedal across False Bay without even getting wet. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins along the way.

Whale Watching: From June to November, whale-watching is the ultimate experience. Hop on a tour and spot Southern Right, Humpback, and Bryde’s whales breaching and tail-slapping just off the coast.

Lunch and Shopping in Kalk Bay: It’s easy to explore nearby coastal towns like Kalk Bay, where you can grab classic fish and chips at Harbour House or Kalky’s and browse vintage shops along Main Road.

Surf Muizenberg: A little further along the coast, Muizenberg is the place to try surfing, while nearby St James is known for its colorful swim huts—one of the most photographed spots along the Cape Peninsula.

Cape Winelands Tour: If you love wine, a day trip to the Cape Winelands is a must. Think rolling vineyards, world-class reds and whites, and charcuterie boards with cheese, biltong, and fresh bread.

Visit Table Mountain: Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and an absolute must-do when in Cape Town.

Visit the Boulders Penguin Sanctuary (SANCCOB): It’s not just about cute photo ops—this sanctuary is dedicated to African penguin conservation. Learn about the rescue efforts, and if you want to do your part, you can even “adopt” a penguin to support the cause.

Simon’s Town Heritage Museum: Step back in time and discover the rich naval and cultural history of this harbor town.

Visit Cape Point: Home to some of the most breathtaking coastal views on the planet. Hike the trails, visit the lighthouse, and stand at the very tip of Africa.

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In My Opinion

Tintswalo Boulders is all about location, relaxation, and luxury with a laid-back edge. If you love unique stays that feel intimate yet indulgent, this place ticks all the boxes.

Plus, how often do you get to say you shared a beach with penguins?!

More Information

Hotel: Tintswalo Boulders

Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Accommodation: Luxury

Price Range: $$$$

I was invited to experience a stay at Tintswalo Boulders. I was not asked to share a blog post or compensated for this review. All opinions are my own!

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    We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

    There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

    It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

    If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

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    Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance. It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it! If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special. NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit. It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary. This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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    Our stay at @aksanctuary Chief’s Camp in Botswana was one of those rare travel experiences that truly exceeded every expectation.

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    So deeply grateful to have experienced it 🤍
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