Plettenberg Bay Attractions 
Plettenberg Bay has developed into one of the most popular bathing resorts on the Garden Route, thanks to the marvelous beaches which extend for almost 12km/7.5mi round the town, many of them particularly suitable for children. The sun is claimed to shine on 320 days in the year at Plettenberg Bay, and the temperature of the sea is around 20°C/68°F throughout the year. These advantages have attracted many South Africans to build luxurious holiday homes here, while for visitors there are numerous hotels, guest houses and camping sites. During the main holiday season in summer the 10,000 inhabitants of the town are outnumbered by anything up to 50,000 visitors. There are fewer visitors between February and April, and since during these months weather conditions are usually ideal that is the best time to choose for a visit.
The Portuguese navigator Mesquita da Perestrelo, who anchored in the bay in 1576, originally named it Bahia Formosa ("Beautiful Bay"). Its present name comes from the governor of the Dutch colony, Joachim van Plettenberg, who visited the region in 1778.
The Portuguese navigator Mesquita da Perestrelo, who anchored in the bay in 1576, originally named it Bahia Formosa ("Beautiful Bay"). Its present name comes from the governor of the Dutch colony, Joachim van Plettenberg, who visited the region in 1778.
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Robberg Nature Reserve
This reserve along the coast attracts all kinds of water birds and is a good place to spot dolphins and whales. A cave in the area shows signs of habitation by prehistoric man.
Beacon Island
Beacon Island, just off the coast near the town center, is now linked with the mainland. A Norwegian whaling station was established on the island in 1912; it was abandoned in 1920 but some of its buildings remain. In 1972 a new, spectacularly situated hotel was opened on the peninsula, offering magnificent views of the bay and the open sea. Many whales are to be seen here between July and September, when they come to this sheltered bay to give birth to their young.
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve
Keurbooms Nature Reserve lies 7km/4.5mi northeast of Plettenberg Bay, near N 2. The banks of the Keurbooms River are lined by dense forest, while on the hills fynbos vegetation predominates. In addition to large numbers of birds there are wild pigs, monkeys and antelopes to be seen in the reserve. A short hiking trail (about 1 hour) runs along the river; but it is even better to explore the reserve in a canoe (which can be hired).
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Nature's Valley, South Africa
(Near Plettenberg Bay)
East of Pletteberg Bay is Nature's Valley, an idyllic holiday resort lying between the sea and the hills. The whole town lies within a nature reserve. This the starting-point of the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail and the end-point of the Otter Trail.
