A chic resort town with a stunning location overlooking a beautiful bay. Long sandy beaches and panoramic views of the ocean and Tsitsikamma Mountains.
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The Portuguese called it Bahia Formosa (beautiful bay) when they first saw Plettenberg Bay in 1497. Now ‘Plett’ is also known for its temperate climate, superb sandy beaches, water sports and the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve. It is immensely popular with South Africans at Christmas as one of the beach resorts of choice, with occasional sorties from the international polo jet-set crowd. But outside of the festive (Christmas) season it returns to being a charming and quiet seaside town.
From its three beaches, you may be lucky to see the Southern Right Whales which come right into the bay to calve from July to November. (The peak season is September and October). Daily ocean safaris are on offer for boat-based whale-watching during that season. With marine cruises to enjoy the dolphins and seals in the summer months.
Plettenberg Bay is ideal if you want to spend time on the beach. But it’s also a great base to explore the eastern side of the Garden Route such the Tsitsikamma National Park and the Crags.
As well as hotels and boutique lodges in Plettenberg Bay itself, there are some stunning hotels in rural areas nearby, including The Crags which lies only 20km away.
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