The colony at Stony Point is one of only two land-based African penguin colonies in South Africa.
The site was formerly an active whaling station until whaling operations were permanently closed in the 1920s.
African penguins are the only penguin species that breeds on the African continent.
The penguin population at Stony Point was established naturally in the early 1980s rather than through human introduction.
The reserve acts as a vital refuge for birds affected by oil spills and environmental shifts in the nearby ocean.
The rocky coastline of Betty's Bay provides natural protection for the penguins against land-based predators.
Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to one of the largest successful breeding colonies of African penguins in the world. Visitors observe the flightless birds from an elevated wooden boardwalk that stretches along the coastline and through the nesting grounds. The reserve is situated on the site of a former whaling station, with remnants of the old stone infrastructure still visible near the colony. Aside from penguins, the area serves as a habitat for Cape cormorants, crowned cormorants, and bank cormorants. Rare instances of rock hyraxes and various coastal bird species can also be spotted among the rocky outcrops. The site is managed by CapeNature and focuses on the conservation of endangered marine wildlife. The boardwalk is designed to protect the birds' burrows while providing close-up viewing opportunities for the public. It is a key location for monitoring the population trends of the African penguin in South Africa.
The mid-section of the boardwalk where the trail curves closest to the densest clusters of nesting penguins.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes to navigate the boardwalk and uneven gravel paths safely.
Maintain a respectful distance; while the penguins are accustomed to the boardwalk, they are wild animals that can bite if approached too closely.
Bring binoculars to better view the various cormorant species nesting on the offshore rocks.
Do not attempt to touch or feed the penguins, as this causes them stress and can disrupt their natural hunting behaviors.
Stay strictly on the designated boardwalks to avoid disturbing nesting burrows; dogs are prohibited.
