Got a holiday coming up or planning a long weekend? Why not plan a trip to the charming coastal destination of Plettenberg Bay? This holiday gem is one of the many highlights of the Garden Route with a wealth of unforgettable attractions. If you’re wondering what to do in Plettenberg Bay, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In no particular order, here are many of the top things to do in Plettenberg Bay.
Get ready to experience a delightful variety of Plettenberg Bay activities, from outdoor adventures to relaxing pleasures.
1. Fall in love with animals at Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
Photo credit: @tenikwa_wildlife via Instagram
Situated in The Crags, the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre is all about the rescue, care and rehabilitation of injured and abandoned wildlife. Take the thrilling chance to get closer to big cats like lions and cheetahs. Discover numerous indigenous birds, such as blue cranes, marabou storks and waterfowls. Treat yourself to one of their tours, which cater to various interests and budgets. The cost ranges from R250 to R1,720 per person. Take note that there are different age restrictions for the various tours. For animal lovers, do not miss out on one of the most memorable things to do in Plett.
| Address: | Forest Hall Road, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay |
| Phone: | +27 (0)44 534 8170 |
| Email: | info@tenikwa.co.za |
| Open: | 09:00 – 16:30 |
2. Explore the magnificent Robberg Nature Reserve
Photo credit: @der_andrecit via Instagram
Next, we’re talking to those looking for adventure! Plettenberg Bay offers so much natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Find this fantastic locale only 8 kilometres south of the town. Despite its name, it’s more than a nature reserve, but also a national monument and World Heritage Site. As one of the best things to do in Plettenberg Bay, you won’t be disappointed with the stunning landscapes, incredible dolphin and whale sightings, and the presence of many different bird species.
Some of the highlights of the Robberg Nature Reserve include spotting the rare blue duiker (the Western Cape’s smallest antelope), discovering one of the seven dunes on the Cape coastline, and the Cape Seal Lighthouse (the highest navigation light on the South African shore).
| Location: | 34°06’15.6″S, 23°23’43.4″E |
| Open: | 07:00 – 20:00 |
3. Have thrilling adventures at Central Beach
Photo credit: @jordiblasco via Instagram
One of the top reasons to visit Plett is the fact that it boasts an array of beautiful beaches. Visit one of the most popular ones, Central Beach. It’s where you can indulge in marine safaris, dive charters and ocean kayaking. There are plenty of restaurants and bars when you’re feeling hungry after enjoying all of the outdoor fun. During the festive season, lifeguards will be on duty.
| Address: | Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay |
| Phone: | +27 (0)63 652 6970 |
4. Enjoy the charming vibe at the Harkerville Saturday Village Market
Photo credit: @waldybartie via Instagram
Join other travellers and experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals at this weekly market. Treat yourself to natural and organic products, including home-grown meals, organic vegetables and fresh bread. That’s not all! Browse through a selection of jewellery, artworks, books, clothes and more. The Harkerville Saturday Village Market has been around since 2000. Make sure you don’t miss out on one of the top things to do in Plettenberg Bay.
| Address: | N2, midway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay |
| Phone: | +27 (0)84 510 9939 |
| Email: | hiemstraplett1@telkomsa.net |
| Open: | Every Saturday from 08:00 – 12:00 |
5. Indulge in wine tasting in a fantastic setting with Lodestone Wines & Olives
Photo credit: @lodestonewine via Instagram
Discover the truth to the claim of Lodestone Wines & Olives – their wines bring people together! Even though the estate has only been around since 2012, the passion and commitment of Jon and Ingrid Tonkin toward producing top-class wine has imprinted itself into the hearts of locals and visitors. This is one of those Plettenberg attractions that will have you tasting delicious wines while admiring the awe-inspiring landscapes.
| Address: | 9 Rondebosch Road, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay |
| Phone: | +27 (0)44 534 8015 |
| Email: | info@lodestonewines.co.za |
| Open: | Monday – by appointment only Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 – 16:00 |
6. Experience the enchanting magic of whale-watching
Spending time in Plett during the festive season gives you the excellent advantage to enjoy whale-watching. Many different species visit the coast of the town throughout the year! This is one of those magical things to do in Plettenberg Bay that you must not miss. During the holiday period, you’ll be treated to sightings of humpback whales and southern right whales. You could always spot these incredible creatures from the shore. Still, the best vantage point would be above sea level, with the assistance of a pair of binoculars.
Some of the best spots to enjoy whale watching include:
- Plettenberg Park
- Robberg Peninsula (in the Robberg Nature Reserve)
- No. 1 Beachyhead Drive
- Beacon Island Rocks
- Van Plettenberg Monument
- Lookout Rocks
- Lookout View Site
- Keurboomstrand beaches and lookout points
You can also enjoy a closer viewing opportunity with the various tour operators arranging boat tours.
7. Have an entertaining night at The Barnyard Theatre
While exploring all of the outdoor Plettenberg attractions is exciting, eventually you’ll want to wind down and enjoy a drink. Do that by spending an unforgettable evening at The Barnyard Theatre, a live music venue in The Crags. The Barnyard Theatre often plays host to the top music acts in South Africa, including Freshlyground, Ruhan du Toit, Arno Carstens, Watershed and more. Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious food and access to a well-stocked wine bar.
| Address: | Askop Road, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay |
| Phone: | +27 (0)79 876 0406 |
| Email: | barnyardplett@gmail.com |
8. Have loads of fun at Adventure Land
Photo credit: @adventurelandplett via Instagram
For families enjoying a holiday in the Garden Route, Adventure Land is one of the most exciting things to do in Plettenberg Bay! The water park is in Harkerville, home to a 75-metre-long supertube and a 25-metre mini supertube (for the little ones). For the truly adventurous at heart, enjoy the Kamikzazi Slide and the Free Fall Slide (a 12-metre fall!).
| Address: | N2 Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay |
| Phone: | +27 (0)44 532 7869 |
| Email: | info@adventurelandplett.co.za |
| Open: | Every Saturday from 10:00 – 17:00 Closed from May to August |
| Rates: | Water Park Entry – R160 per person (free for guests staying at Coral Tree Cottages, subject to conditions) Under 3 years old – R60 per person Babies – FREEGroups of 10 or more – R145 (Pre-booked and prepaid only)Pensioners – R120 |
9. Discover more than 3,500 birds at the Birds of Eden
Photo credit: @saasa_birdsofeden via Instagram
Animal lovers should not miss out on this one, it is one of the most magical things to do in Plett. There are about 220 bird species, including a mixture of exotic and African birds. The Birds of Eden is a free flight bird sanctuary, whose mission is the rehabilitation of these beautiful creatures. Top of their to-do list is educating visitors on the preservation of wild animals. Make sure to carry a camera or smartphone along to add to your Insta-worthy moments!
Take note that there is a no-touch policy. Birds of Eden consider it a form of harassment. Also, note that no birds are for sale, and the stance of the company is that wild animals should never be kept as pets.
| Address: | Portion 11 & 12 of Kirbywood Farm Animal Alley, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay |
| Phone: | +27 (0)44 534 8906 |
| Email: | info@monkeyland.co.za |
| Open: | Every day from 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Rates: | Single ticket for adults – R230 Single ticket for children (3-12 years old) – R115 |
10. Soak up the sun at Lookout Beach
This is one of those things to do in Plettenberg Bay you should definitely make time for. Lookout Beach is one of the Blue Flag-awarded stretches of coastline in Plett, meaning you’ll have access to a pristine setting. The locale is perfect for long walks, sunbathing, bodyboarding, surfing and more. Lifeguards will be on duty during the festive season.
| Location: | 34°03’02.3″S 23°22’39.4″E |
| Open: | 24 hours |
So, there you have it: some of the best things to do in Plettenberg Bay! When you arrive, what will you start with?
Before all that, set your travel plans in order and book your cheap flights to Plettenberg Bay!
Wondering about how you’ll be getting there? You can book your cheap flights with FlyCemAir. Flights are available from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay, three times a week on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Take a look at places to stay in Plettenberg Bay so that you’ll be close to many of these fun activities.
Subscribe to our newsletter for fantastic flight specials to Plett and other destinations along the Garden Route.
What’s on your list of favourite things to do in Plettenberg Bay? Let us know in the comments!
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice from the original source. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of information from this website.