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Hello,

I know that that there are colonies of African Penguins and Cape Gannets in the West Coast National Park, but they are located on the islands. Is there a way to get there? Are there any ferries or perhaps boat tours? How to see them?

Thank you.

I know this reply is wwwaaaaayyy to late.....but if you meant Jackass Penguins, just go to Boulders. There are excellent viewing opportunities of Jackass Penguins there, SANPARKS did a great job to make it accessible to the public while still ensuring the safety and natural behaviour of the penguins.

Thank you, this is good to know.

HI pva,

As gjorgi says, that is a great option. But if you have your own wheels and want to mission, the Lamberts Bay population of Gannets (and small penguin population) is accessible by car. Its about 3 hours drive from Cape Town. A great place to go and if in the area and you are into nature, head down to Verlorenvlei which is a RAMSAR site. Thats south of Lambert's Bay close to Elands Bay (which is a big surfing destination).

Otherwise if you want to visit those islands, you can get distant view of them from Tsarbank whichis in the West Coast National Park. But not good for viewing the birds themselves. Schaapen (meaning sheep in dutch) island will be a nice place to visit by boat with an interesting last couple of 100 year history with its gulls and european rabbits. ENquire from Langebaan, the coast lagoon town from where you would go on a boat to Schaapen. They may also organise a tour to those other islands but beware, most of the time the sea is very rough, thats why there probably are not many if any tours to those islands.

Have a great trip

Thank you very much!

Lamberts Bay is on my list, and I've found the exact GPS location of this RAMSAR site near Verlorenvlei, will definitely go there.

Hi pva,

Why not post your question in the Birds forum, we have some avid birders who may be able to give you some tips?

Hi saraf,

Thank you, I think I have enough information. Unfortunately, I will have only couple days, so I won't have enough time to explore the West Coast in details.

There is another penguin colony at Betty's Bay, just east of the eastern end of False bay about 90 km from CT. The coastal road along the eatern side of False Bay is very good for spotting southern right wales as well.

Thank you, I'll try to get there as well. Although in July there will be probably no wales.

You could get lucky pva, season is said to be between May - November. My SO has seen them in June.

OK, thanks, I'll try.