Plettenberg Bay

Travel Guide

Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay

Sandy beaches, majestic wildlife and scenic walking trails make Plettenberg Bay one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route.

Plettenberg Bay offers everything that makes the Garden Route one of South Africa’s most exciting regions. Stay in “Plett” to experience lazy days on golden beaches or up-close encounters with whales and dolphins. Hike through breathtaking coastal scenery and enjoy family-friendly activities in this charming coastal town.

Walk through a town that has been occupied since the Stone Age. The Khoi people lived around the bay and left traces of the earliest stages of humanity. Portuguese explorers landed here in the 15th century, while farmers and frontiersmen settled here permanently in 1763.

Today, tourism is the main industry and people flock to Plett for its combination of sun, sand and sea. Experience all three of these on Central Beach, where you can choose between working on your tan or taking surfing and wakeboarding lessons on the ocean.

Head out onto the waters as part of a wildlife-watching trip. The Robberg Peninsula protects the waters of the bay from the harshest elements, so sea creatures like to swim in the balmy waters here. The bay has a resident colony of Bryde’s whales, while southern right whales visit the waters seasonally. Bring binoculars to spot cape fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and even orcas.

Take your children to Plett Puzzle Park, which is filled with brain-teasing games. Walk along the Plett Trail to see the fynbos, an area of biodiverse shrubland. Hundreds of different bird species fly in the skies above.

Sip on a glass of pinotage in the Plett Winelands. The hills outside Plettenberg Bay are covered in vineyards that produce critically acclaimed wine. Go on a tasting tour to sample several different vintages.

Fly into Plettenberg Bay Airport for quick access to the town. Flights arrive here from JohannesburgOpens in a new window and Cape TownOpens in a new window.

Plettenberg Bay offers different experiences at different times of the year. Visit in the peak season summer months between December and February for blazing sunlight and good surfing. Winter and spring, from June to October, are the best seasons for whale watching, while autumn brings the riches of wine harvesting.

Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay

Robberg Beach #LifeatExpedia

Robberg Beach

5/5(5 area reviews)

Well-liked for its beaches and restaurants, you might stop by Robberg Nature Reserve and Plettenberg Bay Beach while you're exploring Robberg Beach and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Robberg Beach
Sky Villa Boutique Hotel by Raw Africa Collection
Sky Villa Boutique Hotel by Raw Africa Collection
5 out of 5
27 Baron's View Estate, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
The price is ¥14,945 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥14,945
¥17,646 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions St Peters Anglican Church and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (92 reviews)
"This place is an absolute gem! My husband and I truly enjoyed this venue for our last few days in Plettenburg Baii! The venue is absolutely beautiful but I can say that this place wouldn’t be as beautiful as it was without the great staff. The service given was superb and it truly felt like home ..."

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2025

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel by Raw Africa Collection
The Plettenberg Hotel
The Plettenberg Hotel
5 out of 5
40 Church Street, Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions St Peters Anglican Church and Old ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (147 reviews)
Beautiful views and great service.
"Wish we had been able to stay another night as we loved this place so much. It's in such a beautiful spot with spectacular views over the bay. Reception staff were all so friendly and welcoming and we had a fantastic dinner in the on-site restaurant that night with great customer service too. Worth ..."

Reviewed on May 7, 2025

The Plettenberg Hotel
Formosa Bay
Formosa Bay
3 out of 5
N2 National Road, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
The price is ¥7,717 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
¥7,717
¥8,875 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Plett Puzzle Park and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (91 reviews)
Formosa Bay a must to try.
"This is a fantastic resort. Massive grounds. Clean and tidy. The staff are very helpful and friendly. The resort offers a lot. Very safe and conveniently close to Plettenberg Bay. This was a business trip but will be back for a pleasure trip"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Formosa Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plett Quarter Apartments
Plett Quarter Apartments
4 out of 5
Main Street, 9, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions St Peters Anglican Church and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Fabulous PLACE to stay
"What a wonderful place this is.We had an apartment 206.Fully equipped with everything we needed.A beautiful view .Lovely views around the bar near the swimming pool.The staff here were excellent,nothing was too much trouble,The restaurant food is excellent and very resonably priced.SISSY IN THE RESTAURANT ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Plett Quarter Apartments
Sunrise Bay Self-Catering Accommodation
Sunrise Bay Self-Catering Accommodation
4 out of 5
5 Dorethea Avenue, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions St Peters Anglican Church and ...
"Nice property and staff."

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Sunrise Bay Self-Catering Accommodation
Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve Keursee Units
Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve Keursee Units
4 out of 5
Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve, Keurbooms River, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Arch Rock Beach and Arch Rock ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay is truly a hidden gem! The views are absolutely breathtaking, offering panoramic scenery of the mountains, ocean, and lush nature. Waking up to such a stunning landscape is an experience in itself. The host is incredibly welcoming and attentive, ..."

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025

Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve Keursee Units
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Plettenberg Bay

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

cute, quiet beach town

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It's a lovely seaside town with a beautiful beach.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Centrally located to enjoy the Garden Route,