Plettenberg Bay in South Africa is a dreamy seaside destination located along the Western Cape’s famous Garden Route. It is home to pristine beaches and is surrounded by untouched nature, making it a relaxing destination for vacation or to do remote work. However, note that the distance to the nearest airport and some of the activities mean a budget car hire may be useful.
5 Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay is a great place to visit all year round. The surrounding mountains help to prevent the hot interior temperatures from reaching the bay. It experiences mild weather making it an incredible place to experience if you enjoy spending time outdoors. The town does experience an influx of visitors during the holiday periods, so keep that in mind if you are searching for quiet. Are you planning a trip to Plettenberg Bay before the year ends? There are different ways to fill your day with fun activities. Consider the following things to do whenever you visit Plett.
1) Hike the Robberg Peninsula
This national monument is steeped in history and offers incredible views from the peninsula that extends 1.8 km from the shore. You can explore the prehistoric rocks or visit the site of Stone Age artifacts. Three circular routes offer a variety of distances and difficulties, ranging from 30 minutes to four-hour-long hikes ,allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty of this location at your own pace and ability level. Keep an eye out during your hike for the Southern right whales that visit to calve in the months of June to November.
Those seeking for a leisurely stroll can explore the plateau before traveling to the beach. The wooden stairway leading to a magnificent quiet beach may be found just past the Gap.
Hikers who are more serious about their hiking should consider the Witsand or The Point excursions. These hikes are not for the faint of heart, so expect to work up a sweat. The Point climb takes about four hours to complete and is the most difficult.
2) Swim with Seals
After an exciting boat launch from Central Beach, your qualified dive master will take you to the Robberg Nature Reserve’s Marine Protected Area to the colony of over 6,000 Cape fur seals. This memorable experience lets you swim with the inquisitive seals in their natural habitat. The best part is you’ll go home with the precious memories in addition to photos from your trip.
3) Go Canyoning
Following a safety briefing, you’ll don a wetsuit and helmet before tackling a 25-meter abseil into the canyon. The adventure continues as you jump into the water and proceed down the river to zip-line or abseil down a waterfall. While this activity is a 20-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay, it is exhilarating and is suitable for anyone over the age of seven.
4) Monkey Land & Birds of Eden
Not far from the canyoning is an award-winning primate sanctuary and the largest free-flight aviary in the world. Located next door to one another, you can bundle these two activities into the same afternoon. You will be able to see over 550 primates of various species and experience a 128-meter long suspension bridge that runs through the forest canopy. The Birds of Eden is home to 3,500 birds of 220 different species. Pairing these two activities will leave you with a deeper understanding of the incredible diversity of these animals.
Unwind in Plettenberg Bay
Whether you are planning a vacation or you are a digital nomad looking to live in South Africa, Plettenberg Bay should be on the top of your list of destinations. The magnificent sunrises, ocean creatures, and natural spaces nearby make this small town a very appealing place to be. Have you traveled along the Garden Route? Share your experience in the comments below. Also, do not forget to share this post!
