Best things to do in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is a wonderful weekend getaway destination.

The stunning seaside town of Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s Garden Route is a must-visit, especially the scenic Keurboom Lagoon. This charming destination offers everything from breathtaking sandy beaches like Robberg and Poortjies to world-class surf spots.

Top 10 things to do in Plettenberg Bay (Plett)

what is the top 10 things to do in Plettenberg Bay start with hiking in nature adventure

Surfing

Plettenberg Bay is a fantastic place for surfing! Its beaches, particularly Robberg and Poortjies, are known for great waves and conditions suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Robberg Beach, in particular, has consistent waves and offers stunning views, while Poortjies is famous for its more challenging surf breaks, attracting surfers looking for adventure. With its variety of surf spots, Plettenberg Bay is definitely a top destination for surfing along the Garden Route.

Visit Robberg Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is a must-visit when you’re in Plettenberg Bay. The reserve has beautiful hiking trails, a stunning beach, and plenty of wildlife to see. You can hike the trails to see the Cape fur seal colony or take a boat tour to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a day at the beach

 Plettenberg Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa. The most popular ones are Central Beach, Lookout Beach, and Robberg Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.  Take a picnic and enjoy some family time, but don’t forget the sunscreen.

  • Explore Keurboom Lagoon: A peaceful spot for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, Keurboom Lagoon is perfect for a relaxing day surrounded by nature. You can also enjoy scenic walks along the water’s edge and spot a variety of birdlife.

Visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden

These two sanctuaries are located next to each other and offer a unique opportunity to see monkeys and birds up close.

Monkeyland is home to over 550 primates, including gibbons, lemurs, and capuchin monkeys, while Birds of Eden is the world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to over 3,500 birds from over 200 species.

Birds of Eden’s has a unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) that spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. Their main focus is African birds. You can visit Birds of Eden and explore self-guided, however, guided walks are offered on request.

Visit the Big Cat Sanctuary

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary (Big Cat Sanctuary)

The photo of the tiger is with compliments from the Instagram account, which displays many more stunning photos of the sanctuary. – Do visit their Instagram profile.

Hiking

Plettenberg Bay is often the starting point of the coastal and famous Otter Trail.

Take Short Road Trips from here:

Plett is perfectly situated to enjoy scenic day trips to:

  • Knysna (29 min (32,3 km) via N2) – Where you can see the magnificent “The heads” as it opens up to the sea.
  • Brenton on sea (46 min (47,4 km) via N2)
  • Wilderness (1 hr 5 min (79.3 km) via N2)
  • George  (1 hr 20 min (95.1 km) via N2) 

Experience the amazing Tsitsikamma National Park 

Offering wonderful hiking opportunities.  (We suggest you definitely book a guided tour.)  The Tsitsikamma National Park adds a touch of wilderness with its forests, suspension bridges, and dramatic ocean views.

The park encompasses an area of approximately 80 km of rugged coastline, ancient forests, and fynbos vegetation, and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna.

Birds of Eden Plettenberg Bay Things to do

Instagram Photo opportunity

Arch Rock in Plett

Take a photo at Arch Rock:  Situated at Main Street, Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay

If you go at the right time, you’ll have the opportunity to take magical photos.

Here is the link to the high and low tide timetable for the area:  Tide information – Plettenberg Bay

Arch Rock at Plettenberg Bay Things to do in Plettenberg Bay Wat om te doen in Plettenbergbaai

how to get to Arch rock Plettenberg Bay

Arch Rock is a popular attraction located on the beach in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Here’s how to get there:

  • By car: The easiest way to get to Arch Rock is by car. From the center of Plettenberg Bay, head towards Robberg Nature Reserve. Before you reach the reserve, you’ll see a sign for the Arch Rock viewpoint. Turn left here and follow the signs to the parking area. The parking area is located a short walk from the viewpoint.

  • By foot: If you’re already at Robberg Nature Reserve, you can hike to Arch Rock from there. The walk takes about 30-45 minutes, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the reserve. The trail is well-marked, and you’ll have beautiful views of the coastline along the way.

Once you arrive at the Arch Rock viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the natural rock formation in the ocean. Please note that swimming or climbing on the rocks are not allowed due to the strong currents and potential danger. Enjoy the stunning views from the viewpoint and take plenty of photos!

7 Best places to stay in Plettenberg Bay The Most Beautiful Hotels travelandhome
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Go on a Whale Watching Tour:

If you’re visiting between June and November, Plettenberg Bay is a prime spot for whale watching. Take a boat tour to see these majestic creatures up close as they migrate along the coast, along with dolphins and other marine life.

Book adventures in advance for your holiday

Overall, Plettenberg Bay offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and wildlife, making it a great destination for all types of travelers.

Getting there

The nearest airport is Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) however you can drive up the Garden Route from Cape Town and visit all the beautiful places along the way as part of your holiday experience.  Taking the N2 from Cape Town International Airport (Cpt), Plettenberg Bay is a 5 hr. 36 min (504,6 km) drive.  I would suggest stopping for an overnight at least one place along the way.

Best places to stay

There are more than 400 beautiful places to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top choices:  Read more…

More information

The people in Plettenberg Bay speak both Afrikaans and English.  

The town is situated near:
  • Jeffreys Bay (1 hr 48 min (163,6 km) via N2)
  • Mosselbay (and Groot Brak) (1 hr 47 min (141,4 km) via N2 and N2)
  • George (1 hr 20 min (95,1 km) via N2)
  • Wilderness (1 hr 5 min (79,3 km) via N2)
  • Knysna (31 min (32,3 km) via N2)
  • Tsitsikamma National Park (approx. 26 km)