Plettenberg Bay
Africa · South Africa
See also
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Knysna
South Africa34.05°S 23.05°E · 9 m
Tsitsikamma National Park
South Africa33.92°S 23.92°E
Oudtshoorn
South Africa33.58°S 22.20°E · 319 m
Overview
Plettenberg Bay (or Plett) is a small coastal resort town in South Africa's Western Cape along the famous Garden Route. It offers beautiful beaches, excellent marine wildlife viewing including whales and dolphins, and serves as a quieter alternative to nearby Knysna for travelers seeking beach-focused relaxation.
Languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Why Go
Plettenberg Bay (or Plett) is a small coastal resort town in South Africa's Western Cape along the famous Garden Route. It offers beautiful beaches, excellent marine wildlife viewing including whales and dolphins, and serves as a quieter alternative to nearby Knysna for travelers seeking beach-focused relaxation.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Plettenberg Bay is accessible via the N2 highway. The town lies between Knysna to the west and Nature's Valley to the east. Most visitors arrive as part of a Garden Route road trip or by bus from major cities like Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get Around
The town is small enough to explore on foot in the central area. A car is recommended for visiting attractions like Robberg Nature Reserve, Monkeyland, and Birds of Eden which are located outside town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
The best time for whale watching is July to December when southern right and humpback whales migrate past the coast. Summer months (December to February) offer warm weather ideal for beach activities, though this is also peak tourist season. The Robberg peninsula is part of a speed bump migration route for sea life.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels like Nothando Backpackers (dorm R290) and Amakaya Backpackers (dorm R240) to guesthouses like Milkwood Manor and holiday villas. The central beach area has the Milkwood Centre with beachfront accommodation options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
The Milkwood Centre on Central Beach hosts several dining options including Fat Fish Seafood Restaurant and Live Green wholesome fresh food. The Yellowwood Spur offers casual dining. For coffee, visit the coffee shop at Melville's Centre. Nightlife includes Flashbacks bar on the main road and VIP (Vegas in Plett) club outside town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Key attractions include Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve with seal colonies and hiking trails ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Ocean Safaris and Ocean Blue Adventures offer sea safaris with close encounter permits for whales, dolphins, and seals. Other activities include ziplining at Plett Zipline (R550), Monkeyland primate sanctuary, Birds of Eden aviary, and hiking trails ranging from under an hour to six days.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Great White sharks have been seen in the bay around the time when seal pups are young. Swimmers and surfers should be aware of potential shark encounters. The town itself is generally safe for travelers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Continue west along the Garden Route to Knysna, or east to Nature's Valley. Both destinations are easily accessible by car via the N2.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
African Array Lodge
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Amakaya backpackers hostel
Recorded price: R240 per dorm bed
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Forever Resorts Plettenberg
Chalets, log cabins and caravan park.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Holiday Homes Plettenberg Bay
Holiday accommodation rental.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Home from Home Holiday Villas, Homes & Apartments
Offers holiday accommodation - beach villas, family holiday homes and apartments.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Milkwood Manor
The Georgian-styled building is designed for spaciousness, reflecting the vast landscape surrounding it, without sacrificing its ambiance of intimacy. This is epitomized by the airy double-storeyed foyer, the large yet cosy restaurant, the private patios and balconies, and large breakfast and sundowner terrace, that afford spectacular views over the Indian Ocean, Keurbooms River Mouth, Keurbooms Lagoon and Tsitsikamma Mountains. Guesthouse and restaurant.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Nothando Backpackers hostel
Recorded price: dorm R290
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Enrico’s Ristorante
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is available through South African cellular networks. WiFi is typically available at accommodations and some cafes.
Money
South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Shoprite at The Square mall is the cheapest supermarket in town. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments.
Transport
The N2 highway runs through Plettenberg Bay. A car is useful for visiting regional attractions. Local transport options within town are limited.