Home › Destinations › Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa - Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa - Complete Travel Guide

Plettenberg Bay, affectionately known as 'Plett' by locals, is a impressive coastal resort town located along South Africa's famous Garden Route. This picturesque destination has pristine golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters where the Indian Ocean meets ancient indigenous forests. The town serves as a perfect base for exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Western Cape, from marine sanctuaries teeming with whales and dolphins to lush forest reserves home to elephants and exotic birds. With its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty, Plettenberg Bay attracts adventure seekers, beach lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The town offers world-class activities including bungee jumping from Africa's highest commercial bridge, shark cage diving, whale watching, and canopy tours through ancient forests. Beyond the adrenaline activities, visitors can enjoy excellent restaurants, boutique shopping, and some of South Africa's most beautiful beaches, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Top Plettenberg Bay

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Experience close encounters with southern right whales, humpback whales, and pods of dolphins in the pristine waters of Plettenberg Bay. The bay is considered one of South Africa's premier marine wildlife viewing destinations, with excellent visibility and frequent sightings year-round. Boat-based tours offer the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close while learning about marine conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours during peak season (June-November) well in advance, with prices ranging from R400-800 per person. Choose operators with marine biologists on board for educational value, and morning tours typically offer calmer seas and better wildlife activity.

Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump

Take the ultimate leap of faith from the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jump at 216 meters above the Bloukrans River. This iconic adventure activity offers impressive views of the surrounding gorge and indigenous forest canopy. Even non-jumpers can experience the thrill by walking across the suspension bridge or trying the flying fox zipline.

Booking Tip: Bungee jumps cost around R1,200-1,500 and no advance booking is required, but arrive early during peak season. Weight restrictions apply (35-150kg), and the experience includes professional photos and videos for an additional fee.

Tsitsikamma Forest Canopy Tours

Glide through the ancient Tsitsikamma forest canopy on a series of ziplines and suspension bridges, reaching heights of up to 30 meters above the forest floor. This eco-adventure offers a unique perspective of the indigenous yellowwood trees, some over 800 years old, while spotting various bird species and smaller wildlife. The experience combines adventure with environmental education about this precious ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Tours cost approximately R650-750 per person and run multiple times daily, but booking 24 hours ahead is recommended. Wear closed shoes and comfortable clothing, and tours operate in light rain but may be cancelled in severe weather conditions.

Robberg Nature Reserve Hiking

Explore the dramatic Peninsula of Robberg on well-maintained hiking trails that offer spectacular coastal views, archaeological sites, and diverse fynbos vegetation. The reserve features three different trail options ranging from 2-9 kilometers, each providing impressive vantage points over Plettenberg Bay and opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, and seasonal whales. The longest trail leads to ancient shell middens left by Khoi-San people thousands of years ago.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around R40 per adult, and no advance booking is required. Start early morning to avoid crowds and heat, bring plenty of water and sun protection, and allow 2-5 hours depending on chosen trail length.

Shark Cage Diving

Experience the thrill of coming face-to-face with great white sharks in their natural habitat during a cage diving expedition from nearby Gansbaai or Mossel Bay. These full-day excursions include boat transfers, safety briefings, and the opportunity to observe these apex predators up close while safely enclosed in a steel cage. The experience also includes education about shark conservation and marine ecosystem protection.

Booking Tip: Full-day shark cage diving costs R1,800-2,500 per person including transport from Plettenberg Bay. Book with reputable operators who prioritize safety and conservation, and be prepared for early morning departures and possible seasickness in rough conditions.

Getting There

Plettenberg Bay is located approximately 550 kilometers east of Cape Town along the scenic Garden Route (N2 highway), making it easily accessible by rental car with a drive time of about 5-6 hours through spectacular coastal and mountain scenery. The nearest airport is George Airport, located 32 kilometers away, which receives daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg, followed by a 45-minute drive or shuttle transfer. Alternatively, the Baz Bus backpacker service and various tour operators offer transportation from Cape Town, while luxury coach services like Intercape provide comfortable overland travel options for those preferring not to drive.

Getting Around

Plettenberg Bay is a relatively small town that can be explored on foot in the central area, but having a rental car is highly recommended for accessing beaches, nature reserves, and adventure activities scattered throughout the region. Local taxi services and ride-sharing apps are available but limited, while many hotels and guesthouses offer shuttle services to popular attractions. For those staying in the town center, bicycles can be rented from several operators, and many of the main beaches and restaurants are within walking distance of most accommodations.

Where to Stay

Central Beach
Lookout Beach
Keurboomstrand
The Crags
Robberg
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve

Food & Dining

Plettenberg Bay's dining scene perfectly combines fresh seafood with South African culinary traditions, featuring numerous restaurants that capitalize on the town's coastal location with spectacular ocean views. The local food scene ranges from casual beachfront cafes serving fresh line fish and calamari to upscale establishments offering contemporary South African cuisine with international influences. Many restaurants source ingredients locally, including fresh oysters from nearby Knysna, excellent South African wines, and seasonal produce from the fertile Garden Route region, while several establishments offer traditional braai experiences and local specialties like bobotie and potjiekos alongside international favorites.

Top-Rated Restaurants in South Africa

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Marble Restaurant

4.5 /5
(5122 reviews) 4
bar

GOLD Restaurant

4.5 /5
(3856 reviews) 3

SMOKE Pretoria

4.6 /5
(1215 reviews)
bar

Belly of the beast

4.8 /5
(1127 reviews)

Ethiopian Madam Taitou

4.7 /5
(986 reviews) 2

Cuisine Afrique Fire Grill

4.7 /5
(707 reviews) 2
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Plettenberg Bay is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November when the weather remains warm and pleasant with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. Summer months (December-February) offer the warmest weather perfect for beach activities but bring peak season crowds and higher prices, while winter (June-August) provides excellent whale watching opportunities and mild temperatures ideal for hiking, though some ocean activities may be limited due to rougher seas. The region enjoys a moderate maritime climate year-round, making it a viable destination in any season depending on your preferred activities and tolerance for crowds.

Insider Tips

Visit the Plettenberg Bay Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings for fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and the best coffee in town while mingling with locals
Book accommodation with ocean views well in advance during December and January as the town becomes extremely busy with South African holidaymakers during summer school holidays
Pack layers as coastal weather can change quickly, and always bring sun protection as the African sun is intense even on cloudy days, especially when reflected off the water

Activities in Plettenberg Bay