About Plettenberg Bay

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You will never forget the first time you see Plettenberg Bay. Once named Bahia Formosa, or ‘Beautiful Bay’ by early Portuguese explorers, Plett is also called the ‘Jewel of the Garden Route’ – an Internationally recognised Natural Heritage area in South Africa, stretching from Storms River on the border with the Eastern Cape to the town of George.

Surrounded by a mountain backdrop as far as the eye can see, Plettenberg Bay offers the best of nature , beaches and coastline, along with excellent accommodation, dining and tourist attractions.

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s premier holiday resort with magnificent beaches and weather to match!

Simply known as “Plett” by the locals, this beach holiday destination is a firm favourite with South Africans and foreign visitors alike. Summer vacation, from December to February is very popular. The town is bustling up to May. Visitors begin returning for the Whale Season from July to November and then we are back to summer again.

Plett offers the visitor a wide range of accommodation options from 5 star to self catering, camping and backpacking.

Getting Here

Plettenberg Bay lies on the spectacular Garden Route on South Africa’s south coast 210km (130 miles) from Port Elizabeth to the east and approximately 600km (370 miles) from Cape Town to the west. The nearest airport is at George, 125km (78 miles) west.

A drive from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay (see our self drive routes) makes the road trip part of an unbelievable holiday!

History

Click here to read about the history of Plettenberg Bay

Climate

Plettenberg Bay is renowned for its hot yet pleasant summers and mild winters. The almost year-round sunshine has summer (October-March) temperatures rising to 27°C (80,6°F) and sometimes even touching the mid-thirties Celsius (mid-nineties Fahrenheit). Winters are mild; seldom going below 10°C (50°F) during the day. Rain falls in both summer and winter, mainly at night, giving Plett all year round green vegetation.

One can expect to be changing clothes as the day progresses from the cool dawn through the warm day and into the cool night. Rest assured though that in general Plettenberg Bay will greet you with a hospitable display of sunshine and temperance.

What to Do

Plett is the ideal place to relax on the beach. From the blue flag Robberg Beach, to the vibey Central beach and the out of the way quieter Keurbooms Beach, the sun worshipper is spoiled for choice.

The Keurbooms Lagoon is a wonderful place to walk, canoe and boat, or let the kiddies play in the shallow warm water.

There are great sundowner watering holes as well as many top notch restaurants and there are a wide variety of beautiful hand made arts and crafts, art and sculpture, unusual clothing and much more – sure to give satisfaction to the avid browser.

Plett has 2 excellent golf courses, and from Plett you can easily have rounds in nearby Knysna. There are many other activities on offer and no matter what your choice is, it will take place in the most beautiful natural surroundings.

Golf, fishing, birding, hiking, cycling, canoeing,
boating, cruises, beaches, shopping …
it’s all here for you!

Plettenberg Bay is the ideal base from which to explore nearby The Crags, Tsitsikamma, Storms River, Natures Valley and Knysna and the many activities and attractions they offer.

There are many wildlife sanctuaries in the area, where conservation is a serious business. You can interact with these animals at close quarters and find out about the challenges facing them.

Plett is internationally recognised for its marine life. See vast schools of dolphin surfing in the waves, quite happy to share their domain with us. Equally at home in the bay are the 3000 seals, living on Robberg Nature Reserve.

From July, the migration of the Southern Right Whale is eagerly anticipated. The calm waters of the bay are ideal for birthing and mating, and spectators are treated to wonderful displays. The whales remain in the bay until November.

Plett is a veritable paradise for dolphin and whale watching…

A walk on any of the beaches should provide great viewing, as do boat cruises and kayak trips. Our whole bay is a Marine Protected Environment.

Nature Reserves

The Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful  small nature reserves in South Africa and is a favourite with hikers, birders, fishermen, and general nature lovers. Here you will also find the Nelson’s Bay Cave – evidence of human habitation in this area 120000 years ago. Follow the airport road (Robberg Road) from town and look for the turnoff to the left.

Robberg is also a popular fishing spot with a large number of places that are good for fishing. Be on the lookout for birds and seals, and remember to have your camera ready for the beautiful views. For info: call +27(0)44 533 2125

Harkerville Forest -Take the gentle Garden of Eden forest walk. A must for all Dalene Matthee and Fiela se Kind lovers! There are plenty of renowned biking trails through the forest and coastal fynbos that start here, though you need to get a permit from the Garden of Eden office first. It’s signposted left off the N2, between Knysna and Plett after Kranshoek.

Tsitsikamma National Park – Not far from Plett is the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park. Indigenous Forest and thundering sea meet for stunning scenery. There is a lovely walk to the Storms River Mouth after which you can cool off and soak up the surroundings at the restaurant. This is also where the famous 42-kilometre Otter Trail starts. For reservations or more info, call them on +27(0)42 281 1607

Plettenberg Bay is a friendly town and visitors are especially welcome. We hope to see you here soon!