Birdwatching · PENGUIN TOURS

The 15 Best Penguin Tours in the World

141 tours  ·  from $22 a head

Penguins are the easiest wild bird on earth to go and watch, because they nest where people can stand. The 15 below cover Boulders Beach, Phillip Island, Patagonia and Otago, with prices, viewing times and how close the boardwalk really gets.

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - Moonlit Sanctuary: the strongest daytime stop
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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

1.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118Our pick

Join Go West Tours for a full-day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. You’ll see Brighton’s bathing boxes, feed kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit the Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore after sunset. Guides such as Cloe, Jools, Aleks, and Graeme add plenty of local color.

“Our tour guide Cloe was excellent. Very nice tour would highly recommend it for amazing experience.!”

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Cape Town: Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Day Tour with Pickup - Pickup, the Sprinter, and the shape of the day
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Cape Town: Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Day Tour with Pickup

2.Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Day Tour with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,362 reviews · 10 hours · from $52

Join guides such as Sylvie, Talent, Gordon, or Isaac for a packed Cape Town day by luxury Sprinter. See seals, African penguins, Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak, Bo-Kaap, and Muizenberg, with hotel pickup, cold water, USB ports, and time for lunch in Simon’s Town.

“Great day with Sylvie our guide and Karl our driver. Really enjoyed all the stops, including lunch. Highly recommend.”

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Cape Point and Boulder's Penguins Full Day Tour - Bo-Kaap and the first look at Cape Town
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Cape Point and Boulder’s Penguins Full Day Tour

3.Cape Point and Boulder’s Penguins Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,118 reviews · from $34

You’ll visit Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and the Cape of Good Hope by comfortable double-decker coach, with English commentary from a local guide such as Paul, Horea, Mark, or Brahm. Expect penguins, wildlife, scenic coastal stops, and an optional hike.

“Meticulously planned tour and included all the stops you'd want in this region. The guides were friendly, punctual, and extremely knowledgeable which all made for a wonderful experience. Highly recommended and thankful I took this tour!”

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Cape of Good Hope & Boulder Penguins Full-Day Tour from Cape Town - Bo-Kaap and the Atlantic suburbs
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Cape of Good Hope & Boulder Penguins Full-Day Tour from Cape Town

4.Cape of Good Hope & Boulder Penguins Full-Day Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,347 reviews · from $48

Spend about nine hours exploring the Cape Peninsula in an air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup. Walk through Bo-Kaap, visit Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, Simon’s Town, and Boulders Beach. Guides such as Rodney, Candice, Mabee, and Nana are known for lively storytelling, careful driving, and helpful photo stops.

“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our day. The scenery along Chapman’s Peak Drive was stunning! Boulder’s Beach and Cape of Good Hope were also highlights of the day. Thanks Peter for being an amazing guide! Highly recommend!”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Brighton Beach Boxes and the first coastal views
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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

5.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,932 reviews · 12 hours · from $112

Travel from Melbourne in a small air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Dirk, Matt, Toni, or Charlie. Feed kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit Brighton Beach and the Nobbies, then watch little penguins return from the sea. Expect a long, well-filled day and a chilly evening.

“our guide Mattie was fabulous! love his sense of humor and great knowledge of the places we visited. so kind.”

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Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour Cape Town - Table Mountain and the cable car question
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Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour Cape Town

6.Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,797 reviews · from $62

This 10-hour Cape Town tour links Table Mountain, Bo Kaap, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Beach, Cape Point, Simon’s Town, and St James Beach. You travel with a shared guide and driver in a group of up to 15. Guide names vary, with Talent and Sylvie among the highly praised leaders.

“Tour was as advertised, and run very professionally. Silvie was a great guide, who kept things on track with a sense of humor.”

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Cape Town Tour: Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point+Pickup - Table Mountain delivers the day’s biggest view
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Cape Town Tour: Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point+Pickup

7.Cape Town Tour: Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point+Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,671 reviews · 10 hours · from $65

Spend 10 hours touring Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula in a shared Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Toyota Quantum GL. Your English-speaking guide takes you from Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain to Boulders Beach, Cape Point, Simon’s Town, and Muizenberg. Entry tickets and lunch cost extra.

“Jeff by far has been the most helpful and knowledgeable tour guide that I’ve ever had. He made the trip so special by explaining everything and also being a very approachable and friendly person. His organization helped us to stay on plan throughout the day and enjoy every single stop to its maximum.”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour - From central Melbourne to Phillip Island
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

8.Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · 9h 30m · from $123

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Fiona, Vicky, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. Expect a long but well-paced day, about 300 km of driving, chilly evening air, and no photography during the penguin viewing.

“Well organised, ran to time and was exactly what we expected. Fiona the driver and guide was excellent!”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour - Moonlit Sanctuary: the most hands-on stop
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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

9.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,211 reviews · 12 hours · from $109

Spend 12 hours exploring Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai in summer, The Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade from Melbourne. Your English-speaking guide handles the long drive, while an app offers audio information in 16 languages. Expect wildlife, cold coastal air, and a late return.

“Great trip, Simon is great driver, guide, and entertainer 😆😆”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Meeting at The Hotel Windsor
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

10.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, or Nathan, pairing a Puffing Billy steam-train ride with the Nobbies and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Transport, train fare, and parade entry are included, while lunch and dinner are at your own cost.

“I joined a one-day tour to Puffing Billy and the Penguin Parade, and it was truly amazing! Our guide, Lorraine, was the heart of the trip—warm, energetic, and so knowledgeable. From the very start, she shared fun stories and insights, making the whole ride lively and engaging. Even though the weather wasn’t perfect, Lorraine made sure we didn’t miss a thing. She helped us spot wild kangaroos and wallabies, and the highlight was at the Nobbies, where we saw tiny penguin chicks in their burrows—absolutely magical! Riding the historic Puffing Billy through the misty Dandenong Ranges felt like stepping back in time, with eucalyptus trees surrounding the railway. Ending the…”

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Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket - Arrive before sunset for the Visitor Centre
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Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket

11.Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,069 reviews · 2 hours · from $22Best value

Watch Little penguins cross Summerlands Beach after sunset, then follow them along the boardwalk toward their burrows. General Viewing includes tiered grandstand seating, the Visitor Centre, café access, and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Bring warm clothes, and leave all cameras and phones switched off.

“Make meals available after the Penquin Parade, not everyone wants dinner before 5pm.”

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Cape Town: Table Mountain, Cape Point, Penguins Group Tour - Bo-Kaap starts the morning with color and character
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Cape Town: Table Mountain, Cape Point, & Penguins Group Tour

12.Table Mountain, Cape Point, & Penguins Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,063 reviews · from $62

Spend a full day touring Cape Town’s biggest sights by air-conditioned bus, from Table Mountain and Chapman's Peak to Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins, Muizenberg, and Bo-Kaap. Guides such as Nuria, Armando, Gabriel, and Albert bring local history, humor, and flexible planning when weather changes.

“We were out and about for 10 hours and we saw a lot in that time. The drive down the coast gave us a beautiful insight in to Cape Town and the surrounding area. We had a lovey stop for lunch at Seaforth in Simons Town after we had visited the penguins at Boulders Beach. I loved our first stop which was Table Mountain.”

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Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Small Group Tour from Cape Town - Bo-Kaap’s painted streets set the tone
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Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Small Group Tour from Cape Town

13.Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Small Group Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,054 reviews · from $44

Spend 8 to 9 hours touring the Cape Peninsula by minibus, with stops at Bo-Kaap, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and St James Beach. Guides such as James, Gordon, Lueya, and Sylvie are praised for clear storytelling, but entrance fees, lunch, and optional boat trips cost extra.

“Places you visit are nice. However, the organization aspect is very lacking, despite small group there was 0 incentive to cater to the specifics of the group, interaction with the guide was minimal, most places he actually stayed in the car and jRead more”

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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai offers a short coastal break
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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

14.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 867 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne with a friendly guide such as Michael, Bluey, David, or Reuben to meet Australian wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary, walk the Nobbies, visit Cape Woolamai, and watch little penguins return from the sea. Expect a 12 to 14 hour day, cool evening winds, and no photography at the parade.

“While a long day, the ti.me passed quickly with relevant and amusing chatter from David. Seeing the birds and animals in their natural habitat was such a treat. I couldn't believe how the wallabies just stood and watched us go by. And the penguins AWESOME. Food was ok. Bring snacks instead of standing in line in the busy times.”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - The Melbourne departure and the long road south
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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

15.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach, stopping at the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before the famous Penguin Parade. Guides such as Cray, Peter, Lauren, Joel, and Tom have been praised for lively local stories, though the long day can feel rushed and the penguin viewing is structured.

“It’s a long drive from Melbourne to see this beautiful place and well worth the time. Plan on something to do to occupy yourself on the bus. Make sure you have a wire for your phone (usb, not c). The bus rows do not allow for a great deal of leg room. The penguin parade is charming and will delight all age groups”

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New in Penguin Tours

★ 5.0CAPE OF GOOD HOPE AND PENGUINS PRIVATE FULL DAY.7 reviews
★ 5.0Cape Agulhas and Stony Point Penguin TourFrom $2495 reviews
★ 3.1Boulders Penguin Colony Prebooked Entry TicketFrom $2910 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Private Tour with Cape Point & PenguinsFrom $20222 reviews
★ 4.6Halfday African Penguin tourFrom $7727 reviews
★ 5.0Cape Point Cape of Good Hope, Penguins Private Half day TourFrom $1655 reviews
★ 5.0cape point and penguin ,muizenberg, bookappFrom $369 reviews
★ 5.0Cape Point & Penguins: Private Cape Peninsula Tour.From $2513 reviews
★ 4.9Cape Peninsula & Penguins Beach Half Day Tour from Cape TownFrom $368 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour:Cape Peninsula &Penguin Beach, Cape Point &moreFrom $3083 reviews
★ 4.6Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Private Tour with Entry FeesFrom $2367 reviews
★ 4.7Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Small Group Tour from Cape TownFrom $464 reviews
★ 4.9Cape of Good Hope: Sightseeing and African Penguins TourFrom $4428 reviews
★ 5.0Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Private TourFrom $1755 reviews
★ 5.0Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Private TourFrom $914 reviews

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Penguin Tours in Cape Town63Penguin Tours in South Africa66Penguin Tours in Australia42Penguin Tours in Melbourne34Penguin Tours in New Zealand9Penguin Tours in Argentina9Birdwatching Boat Trips10
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