Plettenberg Bay, or “Plett,” as it is fondly called among its residents, is a stunning beach town that sits along South Africa’s Garden Route, which comes with a scenic drive that runs for hundreds of kilometers along the southwestern coast of the country.
Plett is one of the crown jewels when it comes to top-notch locations to come to spend your vacation at in South Africa at large, with plenty of things to get you enchanted, such as its charming buildings, hilly seaside town with white sandy beaches, shimmering turquoise water, rolling green mountains, and a whole lot more.
From discovering Sanctuary Beach down to enjoying a ride through the Beachyhead Drive, not forgetting to say hello to the Birds of Eden, and giving the kids their fun moments at the Plett Puzzle Park, below have been outlined and highlighted some of the fun things to do in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Fun Things To Do In Plettenberg Bay
1. Explore the Robberg Nature Reserve
The Robberg Nature Reserve is one which is a must visit should you choose to show up in Plettenberg Bay, a World Heritage Site which also turns out to be a national monument of South Africa known for its geological history, wildlife, and gorgeous views.
Situated just right on the outskirt of Plettenberg Bay, this tourists destination is a popular spot housing the exciting activity and adventures of hiking on its trails which though vary in difficulty,has its own unique beauty and vistas.
What to expect?
Visiting this historic site, visitors gets to be stunned with its natural history of prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artifacts that dates as far back as 120 million years.
2. Visit the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center
Do you desire to catch up with the rare sights of lions and some other big and wild cats, then the Tenikwa wildlife awareness center should be that tourist destination for you to visit, a popular spot which also happens to be one of the top attractions along the Garden Route.
Taking the form of a zoo, the Tenikwa wildlife awareness center is one very tourist attraction housing a wide variety of birds, mammals, and marine life; a wildlife rehabilitation center that treats up to 400 animals every year.
Why you should visit?
Visiting this attraction, you get to be part of its guided sightseeing tour of learn about its conservation efforts as well as some of the indigenous wild cats of South Africa such as cheetahs, lions, and leopards.
Address: The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, 6602, South Africa.
3. Go for swimming at the Lookout Beach
The Lookout Beach stretched out right in between the Keurbooms River and the Indian Ocean, Lookout Beach is yet another popular spots in Plettenberg Bay you should show up at, should you desire to sink your body into its waters to enjoy swimming.
The expansive stretch of white sand unfolds that is complemented also with spectacular views of the mountains in every direction also makes it the perfect spot to either come take a stroll, or enjoy picnic hanging out with family and friends.
Why you should visit?
Around its vicinity, you would also get to find plenty of restaurant houses where you can sit back and enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks
4. Behold the Wildlife of Knysna Elephant Park
There aren’t quite plenty of places to come enjoy wildlife experience in the whole of South Africa at large, making the Knysna Elephant Park a must see when visiting Plettenberg Bay. Just by journeying outside town towards Knysna to the Knysna Elephant Park, you get to catch up with the sight of these gentle giants elephants.
Holding the bragging rights for being the first place in South Africa as a whole to take in and care for orphaned elephants, this is an ideal location to come get up close and personal with these gentle giants, roaming freely around the vicinity of the park
What to expect?
Showing up here is to come to be part of the experience of a field field, where you get to feed as well as walk alongside the elephant herd.
Address: Just off the N2 between Knysna and, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
5. Enjoy snorkeling at The Wreck Beach
The Wreck Beach located at the south end of Plettenberg Bay right before the Robberg Nature Reserve, is a long stretch of coastline which in recent times has now turned out to be a popular spot to among surfers as well as those looking to dive into its beach.
Bearing the historical significance of being the wreck of the skeleton of the Athina vessel, which sank in the 1960s just off the coast, it now as of today serves as a tourist attraction for snorkelers and divers to explore the flora and fauna feeding off the bones of the ship.
Why you should visit?
This is one very location to come explore sunken treasures from the wreckage, as well as admiring its beautiful white stretch of sand, teal water, and carpet of green forest.
6. Go shopping at the Old Nick Village
The Old Nick Village isn’t what the literal meaning of its name points at, but rather a popular destination open for all to come be part of its shopping spree experience of souvenirs to gift themselves or their loved ones.
Taking the form of a picturesque village housing quite a vast number of beautiful homes surrounded by lush gardens, blessed with plenty of buzzing shopping location with a mix of vendors, offering for sale all things handmade art and pottery.
What do they offer?
Right over at the Old Nick village, you get to shop for all things handmade art and pottery items such as artisan bread, textiles, plants, and clothing; mostly as souvenirs or perhaps gift for a loved one.
Address: N2, 3km east of Plett, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
7. Discover the Sanctuary Beach
The Sanctuary Beach of Plettenberg Bay is popular and famous for its presence of scrub-covered dunes rolling on its stretch of powdery sand, serving as an ideal location for quiet and safe hangouts as well as enjoying swimming.
Situated right on the very end of the famous Beachyhead Drive, en route to the wrecked beach and the Robberg Nature Reserve, this can also serve as an ideal location to come sit back and relax, enjoying the company of family and friends.
What to expect?
Visitors showing up here gets to either sprawl out on a towel or sit on anyone of its many benches to enjoy the beautiful views of its surroundings.
Address: 6600, 7 Alguada Reef Dr, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
8. Enjoy a ride along the Beachyhead Drive
The Beachyhead Drive routes and pathways happen to be as well one of the most scenic coastal roadways along the Garden Route just on the outskirt of Plettenberg Bay, an experience that comes with you getting to enjoy as well the gorgeous views of its oceanfront road lined with luxury villas.
Nicknamed the “millionaire’s drive,” this is the perfect spot to come enjoy an adventurous ride that overlook its spectacular sea views, one that should create some living memories for you upon trying out.
What other things happen here?
The Beachyhead Drive has also given me the experience of taking a stroll or just a mere walk across the city’s many footpaths that lead directly down to the beaches.
Address: 19 Beachy Head Dr., Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
9. Hangout at the Whale Tail Lookout Point
The tourist attraction of Whale Tail Lookout Point in Plettenberg Bay is blessed with plenty of options for beautiful views, making it a perfect spot for you to come hang out in the area and grab one of the flavorful drinks it’s got to offer.
Made famous and popular for its clifftop perch, which is recognizable by the blue whale tail that sticks up from the viewing platform, this is an ideal location to come enjoy the scenic views of Lookout Beach.
What other things happen here?
The tourist attraction of White Tail Lookout Point is also one of the top places to visit in Plett for spotting whales.
Address: 18 Formosa St., Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
10. Visit St. Peter’s Anglican Church
The St. Peter’s Anglican Church is blessed with a charming oasis of sitting atop a hillside overlooking Plettenberg Bay. This edifice of worship, which has been in existence for over a century now, as far back as 1878, was built for the first bishop of the Church of England in the Cape of Good Hope region.
Showing up here is not only to come to enjoy a solemn moment with the creator but also to explore its lovely building surrounded by beautiful gardens, stone archways, and fountains.
Why should I visit?
Being one of the favorite top spots in Plettenberg Bay for weddings,this place of worship with a beautifully colorful floor open for you to come explore is also one to enjoy the gorgeous views over the water and beautiful design.
Address: 24 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
11. Come hangout on the Central Beach
Blessed and naturally endowed with a broad stretch of sand, while being surrounded by plenty of restaurants houses, and boat tours, it’s not surprising to see this tourist destination of the central beach as tourists’ favorite spot visiting Plettenberg Bay
Holding the bragging rights of being the safest beach in town, what better place to hang out in Plettenberg Bay than one described as the best beach for families? There are quite a few tour companies and fishing charters offering the adventures of sport fishing and whale watching.
What other things happen here?
If any of the aforementioned doesn’t seem to interest or impress you, there is also the option to rent paddle boats to cruise up the Piesang River or test your skills in a pickup game of beach volleyball.
Address: Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
12. Take a Drive through the Garden Route
What better place to come to enjoy an adventurous ride than the Garden Route with beautiful views, one of the world’s most beautiful drives in South Africa’s southwestern coast, offering a 300-kilometer road trip?
Talking of its 300-kilometer road trip, it is going to see you journeying between the towns of Mossel Bay and Storms River, which cuts across Plettenberg Bay itself, checking out some of the top sites along the Garden Route.
What should I expect?
This is an adventurous experience that would see you embarking on a 30-minute journey checking out neighboring attractions such as the village of Knysna alongside the wild mountains and forests of Tsitsikamma National Park.
Address: 14 Serica Pl., Plettenberg Bay, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
13. Say Hello to the Birds of Eden
Amid plenty of wildlife to behold in Plettenberg Bay, there’s also plenty of birdlife to catch up with. Plan a trip to the tourist attraction of the Birds of Eden along the Garden Route, a free-flight bird sanctuary open to all.
This very bird sanctuary accommodates over 3,500 bird species swooping in and out of its vicinity, going through rehabilitation before they are set free into the aviary to fly around at ease.
Why should I visit?
Visiting this attraction is part of the self-guided aviary tours of its birdlife, though you can also choose to spend time at its primate sanctuary and apex cat sanctuary.
Address: Portion 11 & 12 of Kirbywood Farm Animal Alley, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, 6602, South Africa.
14. Give kids their moments at the Plett Puzzle Park
Should you be traveling to Plettenberg Bay in the company of your kids, courtesy demands they shouldn’t be left out of the fun and exciting activities the area has to offer. This is another reason why a visit to Plett Puzzle Park is highly recommended.
Talking of the Plett Puzzle Park, it is an ideal location to be part of a Forest Puzzle Walk on its designated pathway that spans a staggering length of over 350 meters through the forest and fynbos.
What should I expect?
This exciting activity sees you being required to solve timed puzzle challenges to make your way out of the forest.
Address: The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, 6602, South Africa
15. Browse sculptures at Bronze Fields Foundry
The tourist destination of Browse Fields Foundry is one worth visiting mostly by art enthusiasts, as it offers them a spectacular experience never to be experienced anywhere else, one that has to do with spending time with the amazing sculptures by Robert Leggat and his son Brendan Leggat.
This attraction is located on a working farm that also serves the purpose of being a workshop, bronze foundry, and sculpture garden. It is owned by the legendary artist Robert, whose crafts were also behind the famous life-size bronze sculpture of a dolphin and calf in Plettenberg Bay’s town center.
Why should I visit?
Visiting this tourist attraction is to explore the crafts of Robert and Brenda, using a combination of bronze, silver, and stainless steel with great skill. You can also show up here should you happen to be an artist and have your work commissioned by them.
Address: N2 road, Plettenberg bay, South Africa
16. Go Snorkeling with seals in Plettenberg bay water bodies
If you are looking forward to enjoying some exciting and adventurous activities on or close to an ocean body, then you are at the right place with Plett, which houses plenty of marine animals that frequent the shores, especially the playful seals that live among the kelp and rocks.
To be fully involved in any of its exciting activities and adventures, guests are expected to sign up to be part of its guided snorkel tour and get to witness the fascinating lives of seals while learning more about them.
What should I expect?
Here, you get to embark on its boat ride, with provisions already being made for a wet suit and gear, to enjoy its snorkel tour to the fullest while also capturing pictures of some of the beautiful moments from your excursion.
17. Lodge over at the Boutique Hotel
Mounted on a hilltop and blessed with 360-degree views of the ocean and Keurbooms lagoon, the Boutique Hotel of Plettenberg Bay should be one lodging facility you should consider lodging at during your short visit to the area.
A modern and spacious hotel with bronze sculptures and metallic-colored chandeliers, where you can come pass the night over while enjoying the comfort of being at home with its variety of lounge chairs, couches, deck chairs, and more.
Why should you stay here?
The boutique hotel, aside from offering relaxing and comfortable rooms to lodge in, also has a vibey hangout spot with a festive atmosphere and tranquility.
Address: 17 Main St., Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
Also, Read 20 Fun Things To Do In Barberton, Mpumalanga, South Africa
18. Come visit the Cairnbrogie Farm
The Cairnbrogie Farm is yet another tourist attraction in Plettenberg Bay that has its entrance fee labeled free as well, granting access to members of the public. This location is a popular spot among outdoor enthusiasts, as they not only get to enjoy hiking on its designated trails alone but also mountain biking as well.
Naturally endowed with hundreds of coastal fynbos and spectacular scenery, this is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for you to come visit, should you happen to be an outdoor lover.
What should I expect?
Visitors showing up here get to enjoy the exciting activities and adventures that come with its hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse and pony rides, dog walking trails, fishing spots, and birding spots. With the option to enjoy a coffee treat as well at its nearby cafe.
Address: F14, Plettenberg Bay’s Airport Rd., KRANSHOEK, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
19. Eat and shop at Market on Main
What better location to come enjoy the sweet combination of dining and going on a shopping spree than at the food court of the Market on Main in Plettenberg Bay, one that gives you the liberty to browse through its lists of unique and locally-made items?
With its entrance fee labeled free, this popular spot in Plettenberg Bay is open to all members of the public to come to have an amazing time enjoying its variety of options of food and drinks, as well as it’s very lekker vibe
What do they offer?
Being one of the most popular spots to come to visit in Plettenberg Bay at large, the Market on Main does offer for sale all things pizza and sushi, alongside a wide array of drinks, as well as jewelry and home decor, as it interests tourists and visitors generally.
Address: 10 Main St., Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
20. Enjoy the exhibitions of the Art Source Africa/Dallas Smith Gallery
The Art Source, Africa/Dallas Smith Gallery of Plettenberg Bay is yet another top-notch tourist destination to come to visit as an art enthusiast, a building that is an embodiment of the spectacular art of Plettenberg Bay at large.
This is evident in the fact that The Art Source Africa/Dallas Smith Gallery in Main Street does houses and has gotten on display some of the incredible works by world-renowned artists Dallas Smith and Michelle Bestbier.
What other things happen here?
Here as well, you are granted the privilege of browsing through the unique paintings of artists such as Hesty and Zachary Smith, as well as the fascinating sculptures by Timothy Smith. Interestingly enough, there is also the opportunity to meet up with some of these artists in the gallery when you pop by.
Address: 29 Main St., Central, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Plettenberg Bay is the perfect town to spend your summer months and holidays should you consider visiting, one that is always lively and bubbling with plenty of tourist activities in a friendly atmosphere.
From exploring the Robberg Nature Reserve down to visiting the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center, as well as enjoying swimming at the Lookout Beach, not forgetting the wildlife of Knysna Elephant Park, and going on a shopping spree at the Old Nick Village, there is a whole lot more to enjoy here, as aforementioned already.
