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Cape Town’s Boulders Beach has been named among The World’s 50 Best Beaches for 2026. Boulders, outside Simon’s Town, was placed at number 45 on the international list, which ranks beaches from around the world based on input from travel professionals, influencers, beach experts and the World’s 50 Beaches team.
Raving about Boulders for both the opportunity to get up close and personal with the resident colony of African penguins, as well as the striking backdrop of large granite boulders, ‘this setting makes it distinct from other Atlantic Ocean beaches in the area,’ says The World’s 50 Best Beaches. ‘The presence of the penguins, combined with the safe, warm swimming spots, draws both tourists and locals who are looking for a unique beach experience that combines wildlife observation with leisure activities.’
At the top of the 2026 global list is Entalula Beach in the Philippines, followed by Fteri Beach in Greece and Wharton Beach in Australia. The rest of the top 10 includes Nosy Iranja in Madagascar, East Beach on Vomo Island in Fiji, Shoal Bay East in Anguilla, Dhigurah in the Maldives, Playa Balandra in Mexico, Koh Rong in Cambodia and Donald Duck Bay in Thailand.
Happily, Boulders was one of several African beaches to make the cut. Madagascar’s Nosy Iranja was the highest-ranked beach on the continent, placing fourth overall, while Seychelles’ Anse Source d’Argent came in at number 24. Mauritius also featured, with Le Morne Beach ranked at number 40, and Paje Beach in Zanzibar at number 47.
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Managed as part of Table Mountain National Park, Boulders is one of the most popular places to go in Cape Town, and one of the best beaches to visit in the city. Whether you’re coming to visit the resident colony or simply lay out your towel on the tiny slip of sand, it remains one of Cape Town’s most memorable coastal escapes.
So who cast the vote for Boulders? According to the organisers of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, more than 1,000 travel professionals voted for this year’s list, with beaches assessed not simply by popularity, but also against criteria including natural setting, wildlife, remoteness, calm water, lack of crowds and the likelihood of an idyllic beach day.
And while locals may quibble over whether Boulders is the best beach in Cape Town, its ranking on this new list is a reminder that this sheltered False Bay cove offers something few other coastal destinations can: warm water, granite boulders and a front-row seat to one of Cape Town’s most charismatic wild residents.
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