One of the Best Beaches in South Africa
One of the best beaches in South Africa, Robberg beach did it again in 2011. The kilometres long stretch of golden sand and dunes between the Beacon Island Hotel and the Robberg Peninsula was awarded Blue Flag status for 2011.
Photo courtesy of Patrick Canny Photography
Although this award is technically for Robberg 5, the swimming area half-way down the beach and accessed from Beachy Head Road, the water quality and cleanliness criteria met for the status extends to the rest of the beach…and in fact to the whole Bay.
The Blue Flag status takes into account a number of different criteria – from water quality to wheelchair access, ablutions and parking facilities. (more on the International Blue Flag programme)
Robberg beach is accessible via wooden walkways at a number of points, but from different roads. Robberg 5 is the only part of the beach that has ablutions, parking and access from Beachy Head Rd. It is also one of Plettenberg Bay’s most popular family and swimming beaches thanks to the ever present lifeguards.
Though not criteria for Blue Flag, Robberg beach has a couple of other special qualities too – in summer, it is not uncommon to see pods of Bottlenose dolphins, often with ‘calves’ among them, surf right into the middle of the many swimmers. It is a sight to see, and although it is illegal to swim with dolphins in South Africa, there is no law against them choosing to join us. The entire stretch of beach is Bottlenose surfing territory, and they don’t mind if we are there. Don’t worry though, they are far too fast and agile to ever hit anyone – or let you actually touch them or their babies.
In winter, Southern Right Whales mate, calve and generally hang about so close to the beach that it looks possible to swim out to them and it is a wonder that they don’t beach themselves. They never do…and in August and September the entire stretch of Robberg beach is a prime land-based whale-watching spot.
Robberg beach has another special if not entirely unique quality. The beach was once characterised by the stretch of private luxury houses on what became known as Millionaires Row (Beachy Head). Though it might be now more appropriate to call it Billionaires Row, development on both sides of the road and further along the stretch of Robberg over the past 20 years has opened up the guesthouse accommodation market as well as that for luxury holiday house lets.
Robberg beach faces east and the views from these homes take in a truly amazing vista…and if you wake at 4 am in November and hear a strange and eerie noise reverberating around the Bay…it’s the Humpback Whales. You can sometimes hear their song out of the water in the very, very still, early hours.
See our Guest House and Holiday Rentals listings to find upmarket holiday accommodation on or near Robberg 5.
Looking to spend more time in this beautiful place? If you have ever dreamed of a home right on the beach, with your own walkway down to the sand, and the rising sun flooding through your home – take a tour through Plettenberg Bay Property for properties for sale on or near Robberg Beach, or Plett’s other beaches.
| More info on the town of Plettenberg Bay | More info on the Garden Route area |
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