What is Plettenberg Bay known for?

Plettenberg Bay, commonly called "Plett" is a popular vacation destination on the Southern Cape Coast of South Africa. Tourists flock here to play on the golden sands of the Indian Ocean surrounded by lush indigenous forests, lagoons, and estuaries.

The Beaches in Plettenberg Bay

The coastline of Plett has some of the world's most sought after beaches. The Blue Flag status, given to six Plettenberg Bay beaches, is the international gold standard for beaches given on an annual basis by the Foundation of Environmental Education. Altogether, you can relax on over 15 km of pristine sandy beaches and enjoy gorgeous views of Plettenberg Bay.

Lookout is one of Plettenberg Bay's most visited beaches.

 

Since it's close to the town centre, it's easily accessible to both the beach and the city’s attractions. Beachgoers enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the lagoon with distant views of the famous Garden Route's mountains and the Keurbooms River.

Keurboomstrand is a quiet stretch of beach in Central Plett. It's around 10 km further east and perfect for strolling and watching the sunset as it faces directly west. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Robberg Nature Reserve and treat yourself to dinner at one of Plett's gourmet restaurants.

Robberg Beach is perfect for kayaking and paddle skiing, or long walks and jogging.

The 4 km stretch of beach is between the Beacon Island hotel and the Robberg Peninsula. Tourists often spot dolphins, seals, and whales from the shore, and at low tide, it's possible to see the shipwreck Athena that sank in 1967.

Plettenberg Bay Attractions

Besides excellent beaches, Plettenberg Bay attractions focus on the wildlife of South Africa. The Birds of Eden ecompasses more than two hectares of indigenous forests and boasts the title of the largest free-flight dome in the world. It contains over 3,500 birds spanning 250 species.

It's easy to combine a tour of the Birds of Eden with one of Monkeyland right next door. Group tours cover about 1 km and include passing over a suspended canopy walkway with stunning forest views. Visitors can also opt to walk through the forest where wild monkeys from zoos and private homes are rehabilitated and sheltered. The attraction features 10 species of monkeys.

The Keurboom River Nature Reserve is a place to become immersed in the natural surroundings of South Africa. Explore by walking, boating, and paddling on canoe trails. Visitors can also swim, fish, and picnic in the shade of the forest canopy. You can rent a canoe for around R135 per day, and visitors can choose to ferry down the river. Located in the Garden Route region, the lush reserve of around 740 hectares is a famous World Heritage site and a sanctuary for trees such as the Cape beech, Outeniqua yellowwoods, and giant stinkwoods. The wildlife here includes: the vervet monkey, grysbok, and mongoose with the music of songbirds like sunbirds and Knysna loerie in the background.

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa's premier playground for beachgoers and wildlife explorers.