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Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay Overview
Plettenberg Bay Recommended for:
  • Beach /
  • Hiking /
  • Surfing /
  • Restaurants /
  • Snorkelling /
  • Walking Trails /
  • Golf /
  • Lagoon /
  • Elephant Sanctuary /
  • Coffee Shop /
  • Canoeing /
  • Bungee Jumping /
  • Wildlife /
  • Animal Sanctuary /
  • Cycling /
  • Whale Watching /
  • Bird Sanctuary /
  • Monkey Sanctuary /
  • Pubs /
  • Souvenier Shop /
  • Nature Reserve /
  • Wild Cat Sanctuary /
  • Dolphins /
  • Diving /
  • Abseiling /
  • Kayaking /
  • Paintball /
  • Skydiving /
  • Stopover /
  • Horse Riding /
 

Description

Plettenberg Bay, or Plett, as it is more familiarly known, is the most fashionable spot on the Garden Route and has been called the Riviera of Africa. It’s no exaggeration. With fabulous beaches stretching for miles, whole neighbourhoods of expensive summer homes hogging the best views, a couple of championship golf courses, and about a dozen world class polo fields, it’s definitely the playground of the rich.

But there’s more to Plett than glitz and glamour. It’s one of the best boat based whale and dolphin watching destinations in the world, the diving is good, the surfing is great, and the fabulous Harkerville mountain biking trails are about halfway between Plett and Knysna.

There are some awesome hikes close to the town and loads of great day walks. You can do a tandem skydive, fly in a glider or just do a scenic whale and dolphin watching flight.

When the 15th Century Portuguese explorers first saw the place we now call Plett, they dubbed it Bahia Formosa – the beautiful bay – and it’s apt. The spectacular Robberg Peninsula, which defines the western edge of the bay, is a nature reserve where you can do walks ranging from a half hour to a day, look at seals, whales and dolphins from the cliff and visit a stone age cave with an informative site museum.

The Keurbooms and Bitou Rivers meet up near the national road to the east of the town and join up to form the beautiful Keurbooms Lagoon. There is great paddling on both rivers, particularly the bigger Keurbooms, which has a lovely overnight hut, accessible only by canoe, about 7km upstream.

Plett is absolutely stuffed with lovely guest houses, great restaurants, good hotels and wonderful little coffee shops. The many creative locals that have chosen to make their home in this little paradise create a constant supply of innovative crafts, foods and clothing that supply the numerous retail therapy venues.

Every place has its down side, though, and Plett’s is its popularity with school leavers. At the end of November, or beginning of December, they descend on the town in full breeding plumage, usually in Daddy’s second or third BMW, and make their presence known. But if you steer clear of the pubs and clubs you should manage to avoid them – and they only get to the beaches in late afternoon, immediately upon waking.

Plettenberg Bay & Surrounds

*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.

In and Around

Nearest Airport
Featured Destinations
Bars and Nightclubs
Gallery and Museums
 

Customer Reviews

Reviews 36 of 36
lize freislich
South Africa

Love it!

02 April 2013
desre berry
South Africa

the outdoors at night watching the sunset its amazing especially in spring

13 September 2012
Shirwa Rohm
South Africa

What a fabulous holiday we had in Plettenburg Bay this July. Made a booking with Safari.Now.com and we stayed in a lovely estate in Piesang valley Whale Rock Estate just minute from the beach made an awesome morning run a pleasure and plenty of fresh air and walks with our kids. We loved visiting monkey land which is only few km away and driving to the town for coffee at Europa. We enjoyed delicious pizza deals with stunning views at the Beacon Isle hotel. Kids loved the lagoon and using their fishing nets to catch tiny fish and collect seashells. We had lovely evening braai's and enjoyed glasses of red wine from our flatlet patio overlooking a lovely pool. The kids got to be kids and run around in a safe estate we had a great time at Whale Rock estate Plettenburg Bay gets all my votes we will be back soon Shirwa Rohm

21 August 2012
Louise Herr
South Africa

I love the relaxation and the beauty of Plett. The beaches are pristine and the water just the correct temperature for bathing, The scenic routes and walks are spectacular and numerous and one is never short of something to do and somewhere to go. It is an ideal relaxing, wholesome family holiday destination.

21 August 2012
Johan Verdoorn
South Africa

I have been visiting Plettenbergbay since the late 70's ans still find going there irresistable. Not only does the scenery inspire you to return year on year, but it is also the friendly people that makes a stay there worthwhile. I have made some friend there over the years and often feel like a local when visiting the many interesting places such as The Potter (my wife probably by now has shares in Rudi's business), Monkeyland, Old Nic's (Best breakfast spot) The Heath, Wolf Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary to mention a few. Plett boasts fine quisine and there are sufficient flyers at the info kiosks where you can choose a restuarant that suites your tastebuds and that provides a great ambiance wherein to relax. And last but not least, there is no better beach in the whole of South Africa! Robberg beach is great for sun tanning, walking, jogging, late afternoon photographing, searching for the famous Panzy shell, making new friends etc. If you have never been to Plett, you have never experienced the withdrawal symptoms when not being able to visit it at least once a year! Plett is the greatest holiday destination that you can vistit in SA! ~ Johan Verdoorn

20 August 2012
Phumza Mbiyo
South Africa

i am not a poet but i will tell you as it is. I got the best of all, more than i anticipated. Firstly the BB that i was staying in gave me a feel of being in the best place in the world. The next morning when i took a drive, site seeing i felt like i was in a rural, beautiful and tranquil environment. When i went to the beach the other day i thought to myself this is Tahiti on its own so i don't need to save to go overseas for a holiday. The resturants and the nightlife is as good. I recommend Plet to all my friends. I will be visiting it again this year.

20 August 2012
Gerrit Marais
South Africa

Plettenberg Bay certainly is a beautiful place to visit, but it also leaves one with that unconfortable feeling of "so much wealth when there are so many suffering out there?". I realise this is a world reality, but I cannot stop being bothered by this. All these palatial homes that are used only a few days or weeks a year. I know it is all relative, but somewhere, something is wrong with this. I visited my daughter Grace for Christmas and we certainly had a good time. During the season though, the restaurants are packed most of the time and it is advisable to do a booking if you wish to go out. The Plet beaches are certainly spectacular and ideal for late afternoon walks. The town itself offers everything you may need and there is certainly no need to drive to a bigger centre for anything. However, Plet is also close to many other interesting and worhwhile places on the Garden Route and as such it is thus an ideal base to work from. Certainly worth considering for your next holiday.

20 August 2012
Cheslin Bagley
South Africa

Had a wonderful stay in Plettenberg Bay for my sister's anniversary. The weather was beautiful although it was winter. "Plett" is definitely the destination for those who want to relax or have an adventure. It has beautiful beaches, an array of hiking trails and lots of places to visit.

20 August 2012
Erika Jacobs
South Africa

What a holiday! What a place! Plett is definitely THE palce for a fun loving young adult to go for an unforgetable holiday. I have been to a few other places before and since my last holiday there, but whenever I talk OR think about 'holiday' it is the images and memories of Plett that comes up in my mind. The place has a vibe of life and energy during the night and offers good fun and relaxation with your friends after eventful days. In Plett no day - no matter how eventful and interesting - end with an anti-climax. You can relive and share the events of the day with friends until late at night or early in the morning - dancing away your last energy. The days are just as much fun. The beaches and views are beautiful. We were fortunate to stay on the beach front and enjoyed many wonderful days on the beach - the weather during our whole stay was lovely. But Plettenberg bay is also close to so many other places. We visited Natures Valley, went to Stormsriver for bungee jumping, the Tsitsikama forest and also Knysna. Plettenberg Bay is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa's coast line. Any one who CHOOSES to go anywhere else for a holiday, definitely never had the privilege to visit Plett before. Look out for me - I'n bound to become a regular! Werner Jacobs

17 August 2012
Ross Sinclair
Spain

Wonderful place with stunning views of the bay and the sea. We stayed in a villa overlooking the sea and was the best accommodation we have experienced. A walk to the town centre with some super restaurants - great Chinese food sitting on a bench!! Many places to visit for example the Cheetah sanctuary. The golf course looked good but could not play this time. We loved Plettenberg bay. Ross & Lynda S

17 August 2012
Darren Cohen
South Africa

We visited Plett in December 2011, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. If it wasn't spending our days enjoying the white sandy blue flag beaches, it was exploring the many lovely restaurants in the area. Plett is only a short drive away from exploring the Tsitsikama forest and the lovely town of Knysna. I would highly recommend visiting this jewel on the coast of South Africa.

17 August 2012
Nick Roberts
Australia

Visited "Plett" to catch up with an old school friend I hadn't seen since I was in my 20's. I've lived in New Zealand and Australia for the last 30 years so think I know something about beautiful beaches. Plettenberg Bay is right up there with the best. A lovely curved, sheltered bay with clean white sand and very clear water - there are no rivers near the southern end of the beach so its almost always clear. The township and surrounds are interesting with good restaurants and as much shopping as you need. Gin and Tonic out of the back of a "bukkie" (ute) was very special as the sunset faded to dusky grey; running along the beach in the morning as the sun came up and listening to the idiotic Guinea Fowl scaring the life out of each other to no good purpose were just a few of the memories of Plett. Couldn't recommend it more!!

08 August 2012
Marie Cowie
South Africa

There are more than 20 uniquely unforgettable, easily accessible tourist attractions within 30 minutes' drive from Plettenberg Bay, and several more within comfortable day-trip distance. From wild animal sanctuaries, township tours and lunch among vineyards to theatre, art, whale watching and the highest bungee jump in the world, Plettenberg Bay and surrounds offer something for everyone. The Garden Route has a Mediterranean Maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the richest rainfall areas, most of which occurs in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian ocean. Any time of the year is good for visiting the area, depending if you enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months or a bustling holiday destination during the summer. Originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay can now be accessed by first class national roads, by sea or by scheduled air flights. The great forests lying at the feet of the fabled Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the incredible indigenous African wealth of Plettenberg Bay, which lies on South Africa's spectacular south coast 210 kms from Port Elizabeth and +/- 600 km from Cape Town. The Outeniqua-Tsitsikamma indigenous forests are a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and temperate forest and offer the nature lover world-renowned hiking trails and an exciting opportunity to see the last remaining forest elephants of South Africa. The entire area teems with birdlife. Nearly 300 species are to be found in the great variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands. No less than ten important nature reserves embrace the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life. The bay itself is Nursery to the endangered Southern Right Whale which come here to calve in the winter and spring (July to December) The area is of course a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of water sports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots. Alternately one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas. At night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants. Plettenberg Bay Accolades: Perfect weather, perfect beauty, perfect atmosphere - that's Plett Perfect. The Plett locals know it and our visitors know it! Trip Advisor CHOICE DESTINATION AWARDS: Trip Advisor recognised Plettenberg Bay as the number three most popular Beach & Sun Destination in Africa for 2011. WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS: The World Travel Awards ranked Plettenberg Bay as the 2010 Leading Beach Destination in Africa. ADVENTURE TRAVEL AWARDS: Plettenberg Bay was voted as one of the Top 10 Sky Diving Destinations in the world by Adventure Travel. FRIENDLIEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION: SMILES ALL ROUND FOR PLETT!!! Want to be sure of a smile this summer? Best you head for the Garden Route, and the friendliest town in South Africa. That’s according to Kulula.com, whose Friendliest Destinations survey says that the warmest holiday welcome in SA is to be found in Plettenberg Bay. GOLF DESTINATION OF THE YEAR South Africa was named “Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States Golf Destination of the Year 2011" by the International Association. of Golf Tour Operators. Plettenberg Bay boasts two amazing golf courses. The magnificent Goose Valley Golf Estate offers a splendid Gary Player designed 72 par, 18-hole signature golf course in pristine surroundings, only 4km from Plettenberg Bay. The Plettenberg Bay Golf & Country Club has an 18 hole par 72 golf course set in a private nature reserve Lush Kikuyu grass fairways and bayview greens recently over seeded to bent grass provides golfers with an excellent playing surface, with year round consistency, on this parkland golf course Plettenberg Bay has become a premier adventure destination with affordable adventure activities. Visit mountains, forest, rivers, lakes and ocean the choices are endless, or just laze away the plus 300 sunshine days of Plettenberg Bay. What ever your preferences, we can help you to plan a holiday itinerary jam packed with fun. Add to these our pristine beaches and choice of superb restaurants, and you have the recipe for a holiday you’ll never forget.

18 July 2012
Linda Packwood
---Not Specified---

Be prepared to have your soul captured by this beautiful place. With it's spectacular natural beauty, sublime beaches, fantastic cuisine, arts and culture, adventure activities, sports, marine mammals and more. You will want for nothing. Visitors almost always return (some for good) as it is near impossible not to fall in love with Plettenberg Bay. Memorable and uplifting - Plettenberg Bay!

04 June 2012
Jane Donald
South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is a must see on our beautiful Garden Route. So much to offer and something for all. We have stunning beaches and an ocean to be explored, either by sea kayak or speed boat. Whales and dolphins shelter here, and tours will take you so close to them. For the energetic we have many activities. Some of the best mountain bike routes in the country take you deep into the knysna forest where the great Knysna elephants used to roam. Many hiking trails lead you to some of the most spectacular spots in the area. We have really mild winters, clear skies for most of the time and hot and wonderful summers where lazing on the beach is a popular pastime. We also boast some superb restaurants where one can relax and enjoy an evening with friends and family. Plett has more than enough accomodation and will cater for any budget and taste. Visit us and experience a bay of beauty and plenty!!

01 June 2012
adri hurter
---Not Specified---

Plettenberg Bay is the best spot to explore a big part of the Garden Route. Based in Plettenberg Bay you can visit Knysna and Tsitsikamma which is only a 30 minute drive, and even take a day trip to Oudtshoorn which is only 2 hours away. We have such a big variety of activities and good restaurants in Plettenberg Bay which makes it the perfect destination in the Garden Route for a 4 - 5 night stay, and you will still have to return to do everything that is around the area.

01 June 2012
Mirjam Elsinger
South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is absolutely the best town on the Garden Route. The setting is fabulous: mountains, forest, beaches.... Activities for all: whale watching, Dolphin trips, Golf, Sea kayaking, Surfing, Sunbathing, Canoeing, Hiking on Robberg nature Reserve, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Elephant Sanctuary, Knysna Elephant Park, Tenikwa cat rehab center, Plett Game Reserve, Buffalo Hills Game Reserve and much more... Boutique shops, nice coffee shops, art galleries and lovely restaurants...What else does a traveller need??

01 June 2012
Tony Raponi
England

Plettenberg is the quieter heart of the Garden Route with its own unique charm and history. Plett, as it is affectionately known, genuinely offers something for everyone. There is as much, or as little to do, as you wish. Of special recommendation are the tapas style lunches with their own cellar wines at the Bramon Wine Estate and the Harkerville Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings, a must for foodies and local crafters. For those a bit more sporty, Plett has two of the most scenic golf courses in SA and for the adventurous black water rafting, abseiling and not forgetting the world's highest bungy jump. The list goes on. Plett is sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains giving it its own temperate weather and creating exceptional vistas from every angle. But don't just take my word, spoil yourself, come and see.

01 June 2012
Chris Myburgh
South Africa

Winner of three prestigious awards, the famed Trip Advisor's Traveller’s Choice Award for Africa's top beach and sun and outdoor and adventure destination as well as the BBC's Tourism award for the spectacular temperate weather makes Plettenberg Bay a great year round destination. So do not delay, book your visit: business or pleasure, family or romantic getaway now.

01 June 2012
Fran Molloy
---Not Specified---

Sunshine, beaches, Whales and Dolphins, Good restaurants, Excellent place to stay! Beautiful Golf Courses in the area. We have a very mild climate in Winter, and everyone offers amazing specials for the next 3 months. Come and see for yourselves.

01 June 2012
Gerrie Scheepers
South Africa

This is a nice and friendly environment. It has very nice restaurants, especially The Lookout Deck.

25 March 2012
Mike Gull
United Kingdom

The area has a beautiful beach and interesting excursions.

22 March 2012
Mike Gull
United Kingdom

Beautiful beach and interesting excursions.

22 March 2012
Jane Nhamo
South Africa

Plett and the Garden Route in general has so much to offer. The landscape is so varied. It is very child friendly. Nice crafts, some fantastic restaurants and markets. Some aspects of the region are overpriced (in my opinion) but most offer excellent value. I love the interactive animal experiences that the region has to offer.

24 February 2012
JUNE HARTLEY
South Africa

The bay is so beautiful with mountains surrounding it. The area has plenty of things to do nearby. Wonderfully peaceful area.

13 February 2012
Victor How-Kow
South Africa

So much to see and do. Excellent beaches and restaurants too!

04 January 2012
greg hendricks
South Africa

We absolutely loved Plettenberg Bay. There is so much to do and such beautiful beaches. Great holiday destination!

29 December 2011
Kurt Cannell
South Africa

I love Plet. The beach was great and the town has a nice and relaxing atmosphere. This will always be one of my favorite holiday destinations.

19 December 2011
Annette Waagemans
South Africa

There are a whole bunch of activities for all different interest groups in the area. Awesome nature, lovely place to stay.

13 November 2011
Holger Philippin
Germany

We had an amazing hike on the island. There is awesome nature viewing and lookout points.

03 October 2011
Lizelle Castle
South Africa

It was our first time in Plettenberg Bay. There is so much to see in Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding areas. People are very friendly and helpful. There are beautiful long beaches and exciting animal attactions to visit, from the game reserve and Monkeyland to the animal sanctuaries. We will definitely be back to visit soon.

28 September 2011
Elecia Johnston
South Africa

Plett is a lovely beachside town with friendly people and loads of activities in the surrounding areas.

31 August 2011
Carolynne Higgins
South Africa

Plett is a vibey coastal town that is an ideal holiday destination for both families and party goers. The main beach in Plett is safe for swimming and the water is always warm. Whales, dolphins and porpoises frequent the bay and can easily be spotted from a variety of beach cafés. The beach is jam-packed with teenagers over the new years period which is notorious for the 'Plett rage'. New years is not an ideal time to be in Plett, unless you're 18. There are great bars, beaches and restaurants in Plett. Well worth a weekend away!

23 August 2011
Kyle Hepple
South Africa

What a great place for a vacation! Beautiful long sandy beaches and perfect waves. The town centre is packed with awesome restaurants and bars!

03 August 2011
Johan Prins
South Africa

We adore Plettenberg Bay and try to visit the place as often as we can.

31 July 2011
Jeremy Kerchhoff
South Africa

Pristine beaches unaffected by major developments where man and nature comes together in harmony. All the mod cons for urbanites are met. Recreational facilities the best in South Africa. Robberg Nature Reserve a must-destination for nature lovers.

14 July 2011

Travel Guide
Latest Reviews

Great place!…”  Read more

lize freislich - 02 April 2013

Our love the view its amazing…”  Read more

desre berry - 13 September 2012

Visited Plettenburg Bay in July…”  Read more

Shirwa Rohm - 21 August 2012

Plett is the best…”  Read more

Louise Herr - 21 August 2012

PlettenbergBay...The place to be…”  Read more

Johan Verdoorn - 20 August 2012

My Best holiday destination thus far…”  Read more

Phumza Mbiyo - 20 August 2012

Plet for the man on the street?…”  Read more

Gerrit Marais - 20 August 2012

The Nautilus in Plettenberg Bay…”  Read more

Cheslin Bagley - 20 August 2012

What a holiday!…”  Read more

Erika Jacobs - 17 August 2012

Plettenberg Bay…”  Read more

Ross Sinclair - 17 August 2012
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Whale Breaching In Plettenberg Bay