Plettenberg Bay is home to so many incredible things to do. Spectacular views, beautiful scenery, a yearly whale migration, great hiking trails, and wildlife are just some of the things you may experience during a stay in Plettenberg Bay. So as might have noticed there is something to do for everyone. In this guide, you will find 9 amazing things to do in Plettenberg Bay.
1. Admire the beautiful birds at Birds of Eden
One of the many great things to do in Plettenberg Bay is to admire the beautiful birds at the Birds of Eden Sanctuary. This was one of our favorite things to do! Birds of Eden is a free-flight sanctuary that serves as home to over 3.500 birds. Walking around and watching the birds live their lives in the 2-hectare dome is incredible.
2. Go hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve
Another one of our absolute favorite things to do in Plettenberg Bay – actually in South Africa – is to go hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve. Spending a day hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve is the perfect way to take in the stunning views. Depending on the length of your hike you might encounter smelly seals, massive sand dunes, or even spot a great white shark. If you are visiting during the whale season this is definitely one of the places where you want to keep your eyes on the horizon. During our hiking, we spotted a couple of whales.
Check out our complete guide to hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve if you want to know more about our experience and what you can expect from your visit.
3. Visit the big cats at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Another great thing to do in Plettenberg Bay is to visit the big cats at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary. This place serves as a home to animals who have been rescued from people’s homes and circuses around the world. During your visit, you might spot leopards, lions, tigers, pumas, cheetahs, caracals, and many other animals. Today they all call Jukani home. And you are able to visit these big cats by joining a guided tour around the grounds.
4. Walk amongst the monkeys at Monkeyland
Monkeyland is another animal sanctuary that you will find in Plettenberg Bay. This is actually the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. And it is definitely worth a visit. You must join a guided walking tour to experience the monkeys. The tour lasts about 1 hour and takes you through the jungle and over the canopy walkway. While you are walking in the forest you might spot a black and white ruffed lemur, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, gibbons, and many other species.
5. Watch for whales at Whale Tail Lookout Point
Whale season is a big draw for tourists in South Africa – and it is very understandable why. Plettenberg Bay is especially a great place for whale watching. From around June to November you can spot dozens of Southern Right and Humpback whales along the coast of South Africa. They tend to come here to breed and nurse their young.
The Whale Tail Lookout Point is the best place to watch whales from in Plettenberg Bay. You might also spot some playful dolphins (we did), and even orcas if you are lucky.
Even if you aren’t visiting during the whale season the lookout point is also a great place to watch the sunset. The view is absolutely amazing!
6. Visit Old Nick Village
Old Nick Village is a quaint small village with galleries, artisan shops, and a café. This is a great place to stop by while in Plettenberg Bay. There are so many independent shops where you can find a unique souvenir.
7. Drive along Beachy Head Drive
This one might be a bit random for some people. However, we usually like to drive around in the cities we visit. And in Plettenberg Bay, we stumbled upon Beachy Head Drive. This road is actually known as ‘millionaire’s drive’ as it is where you will find some of the most expensive houses in Plettenberg Bay. But it is also a very scenic road from which you overlook the Robberg Peninsula. The homes as well are beautiful and are a great setting for a drive with the windows rolled down.
8. Visit the stunning beaches
Plettenberg Bay is also home to various beautiful beaches. Especially during the hot summer months, these are great to visit. Some of the beaches that are worth a visit are the following.
Lookout Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Plettenberg Bay – especially among surfers.
Robberg Beach: This beach is located in Robberg Nature Reserve and requires a hike of about 2 kilometers to reach. You will be rewarded with stunning views and a beach with very few people other than some hikers.
Central Beach: A popular one among locals. In the summer months, there might be big crowds.
Sanctuary Beach: This beach seems to be a popular one amongst locals as it is located in a residential neighborhood and near Beachy Head Drive. This long stretch of white sand is perfect for sunbathing, as well as a walk along the beach.
9. Shopping at Main Road
If you are craving a bit of shopping, you should head to Main Road in Plettenberg Bay. Though it is not a big town there are a few shops along the road that are worth a peek. Most of them are independent boutiques and should be able to find a little souvenir if that’s what you are looking for.
