The Best Things To Do in Plettenberg Bay + Surrounds

For the best golden beaches on the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay has the sun-worshippers flocking. It’s a small town with big-city attitude, filled with stylish restaurants, bars, shops and markets to keep visitors happy. But Plett is also blessed with scenic splendour – not just along the coast but inland too, where wild animals, mountains, forests and rivers beckon.

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Plettenberg Bay
Tsitsikamma

Plettenberg Bay

Robberg Peninsula day hikes

Scott Ramsay

The Robberg Peninsula is a natural national monument, due to its prehistoric rocks and Stone Age sites. It’s also an incredibly beautiful, pristine place to go for a walk, with its rugged coastline, stunning sea views and diverse landscapes. You’ll encounter seabird and seal colonies, see dolphins and whales (in season) and might just spot a rare blue duiker (as tall as a 30cm ruler!). Along the three circular hiking trails, you’ll encounter ancient caves, a lighthouse, picnic /viewing decks, a shipwreck, rock pools and majestic white dunes. The Gap Circuit takes half an hour; the Point Circuit takes 4 hours and the Witsand Circuit 2 hours.
Good to know For ultimate seclusion and a back-to-nature experience, book an overnight stay in CapeNature’s rustic Fountain Shack – and wake up to spectacular sea views.
Times Daily, 7am – 8pm
Cost R65 (adult); R45 (child)
Contact 087 087 8250 (permits, Monday – Friday, office hours)
Where to find it Robberg Road, off N2/Piesang Valley turn-off, Plettenberg Bay

Swim with seals

The Robberg Peninsula is home to around 6 000 Cape fur seals. To get up close to them, you can take a trip on a semi-inflatable boat – and then jump into the water to swim and frolic with these playful and inquisitive creatures. Under the watchful eye of a qualified guide, you snorkel with the seals and learn more about them. Those cute little faces coming right up to you and checking you out from every angle will stay in your memory forever.
Good to know Offshore Adventures has the only Blue Flag-accredited boat in SA. The minimum age for this activity is 6 years old.
Times Daily; 10am, 12pm + 2pm
Cost R895 (snorkelling); R750 per person (groups of four or more)
R495 (seal-viewing from boat)
Where to find it Central Beach Car Park, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
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Whale and dolphin cruises

Tsitsikamma is one of the oldest Marine Protected Areas in the world, which means the waters around Plett teem with wildlife – from humpback, Bryde’s and southern right whales to orcas, dolphins, sharks, turtles, seals and a thriving variety of fish and seabirds. The shallow waters within the half-moon bay serve as a nursery for the whales’ calves – you can view them from land, but even better is onboard Ocean Adventures’ custom-built marine safari boat. You’ll almost always spot something; the southern rights and humpback whales are in residence from June to November, while Bryde’s whales and bottlenose dolphins are there all year.
Times Daily, 7.30am, 9.30am, 12pm + 2.30pm
Cost R600
Where to find it Central Beach Car Park, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
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Jet-skiing

There aren’t many places you can rent a jet-ski, but Plett is one of them. Indulge your 007 fantasy and whiz around in the waves off Central Beach, to the envy of all. They’re super-fast and super-fun. You’ll be kitted out with a wetsuit and life jacket, then you can “piggy-back” with a qualified skipper, or take the controls yourself if you have a skippers license (a temporary one can be issued for R50). You must be 16 years or older to drive the jet-ski, and the weight limit is 125kg.
Good to know An ID document (alternatively a driver’s licence, passport or birth certificate) is required for all rentals. No children under six years old.
Times Daily, 8.30am – 3.30pm
Duration 30 minutes
Cost R900; R450 (passenger 6 – 16 years old)
Where to find it Central Beach Car Park, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
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Swim at Central Beach

Also known as the “family beach”, Central is the busiest stretch of soft, golden sand in Plett – and for good reason, The water is safe, clean and clear, the outlook is exquisite, the vibe is festive and the mid-sized waves are perfect for body-boarders and surfers alike. There are takeaway kiosks for snacks and treats, lifeguards all year round, hobie cats and jet-skis for hire and – if you go in the summer holidays – you may even get a massage on the beach.
Good to know Poortjies Beach on the Keurbooms Lagoon is another favourite for families (and furkids). The sand is soft, the beach is flat and expansive, and the water is shallow, warm and safe for splashing around. It’s much more secluded than Central Beach and you won’t find any shops (so pack snacks), but there are public toilets and you’re never far from the centre of town.
Where to find it Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
Poortjies Beach: Off Phitidis Walk

Sea Kayaking

Head out into the sparkling blue yonder to see the world from a different angle. The views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, Robberg Peninsula and the golden beaches and coastline are wonderful from out at sea, and there is every chance you’ll encounter dolphins, seals, large seabirds and other marine creatures up close. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the ocean, so you’re in good hands. The kayaks are super-stable, sit-on-top style, which means they can be used by anyone, including first-timers (minimum age 8 years old).
Times Daily, 9am, 12pm + 2pm
Cost R400
Where to find it Central Beach parking lot, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
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Mountain-biking

Oakpics

When you consider the quality of the mountain-biking trails that have been built, the quality of the bikes you can rent, the calibre of the guides and the variety of places to explore, it’s easy to see why some call Plett the centre for mountain-biking in South Africa. If you need proof, simply visit Plett Bike and hop on a high-end Scott Strike eRide for one of their fabulous tours and experiences. There’s something for everyone, from families and beginners (who can enjoy a leisurely meander through town) to trail-busters and advanced thrill-seekers (who should ask for the “Let’s Dial it Up” experience).
Good to know Bikes come with helmets and water bottles; the guided ride – morning or afternoon – also includes snacks and transport to the trails.
Times Monday – Friday, 7am – 4.30pm
Saturday + Sunday, 7am – 5pm
Cost R900 (guided ride)
R600 (rental per day); R270 (bike transport)
Contact 079 383 5578 (WhatsApp)
Where to find it Eleven Coffee Shop, 11 Main Street, Plettenberg Bay
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Tandem Skydiving

What may have seemed like a beyond-your-skills dream can now come true: jumping out of a plane and flying like a bird. It starts with a Cessna flight up to 10 000-feet altitude (that’s around 3km up), where you’ll be attached to the harness of a skydiving instructor, exit the plane together and experience the rush of freefall at 200km/h for 35-40 seconds before the parachute opens. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery from up there before landing – either back at the airport or on the beach. There is an option to jump from 12 000 feet for an even longer freefall.
Good to know The weight limit is 100kg for safety reasons; the age limit is 12 years or older.
Times Daily, 9am – 4.30pm
Cost Airport landing: R3 450 – R4 150 (depending on altitude)
Beach landing: R800 extra
R1 050 – R1 950 (video + pics)
Where to find it Plettenberg Bay Airport, Airport Road, off Robberg Road, Plettenberg Bay
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Mungo Mill

Set up in a one-of-a-kind building just outside Plett – as much a work of art and craftsmanship as the products made within it – Mungo Mill is a proudly South African textile company that produces world-famous woven goods (you’ll have seen them adorning the most stylish stays in the Cape, and at trade shows as far afield as New York). You can watch the weaving process take place and see the collection of restored looms from different eras, before stocking up on the beautiful, heirloom-quality textiles in the flagship store next door. Having expanded to Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Johannesburg, Mungo hasn’t forgotten its roots – and even produced a series of towels to celebrate the local lifeguards.
Times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost Free
Contact 044 533 1395, retail@mungo.co.za
Where to find it Old Nick Village, N2, 4km from Plett

Keurbooms River picnics

Put it this way: you simply cannot leave Plett until you’ve packed a picnic and putt-putted your way up the river, stopping at one of the super-secluded beach picnic/braai spots (complete with proper ablution facilities) for a refreshing swim and a leisurely lunch. The dark waters twist and turn through a protected reserve of indigenous forests, unspoilt river gorge, and protected kloofs for about 5.5km. Boats can be launched from the CapeNature slipway, and you need to own a skipper’s licence and pay the launch fee. Alternatively, take a kayak or canoe (they can be hired at the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve entrance gate on a first-come first-served basis if you don’t have your own).
Good to know There’s also a gorgeous caravan park right by the water’s edge of Keurbooms Lagoon – but you’ll need to book well in advance.
Cost R85 per day (launch fee for boats with engine capacity above 15 horsepower)
Times Reserve gates: 7am – 7pm (September – March); 7am – 6pm (April – August)
Contact CapeNature Contact Centre: 087 087 8250
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve: 044 533 2125
Where to find it N2 (turn left at the “ferry” signboard immediately after crossing the white bridge), Plettenberg Bay

Robberg Coastal Corridor trails

The recently opened Robberg Coastal Corridor, which links the inland mountain forests to the sea, has a stunning selection of hiking and mountain-biking trails, from short, self-guided, scenic meanders to longer, guided hikes that lead to stalagmite-studded caves and even an Olympic-sized rockpool. The flagship is the guided Inqua Trail (one, two or three nights). Cairnbrogie Farm runs guided hikes (including access to the private Cairnbrogie beaches), plus offers mountain-biking, horse trails, fishing, a pump track and coffee shop. It’s also home to a herd of “heritage horses”, whose ancestors were brought to Plett by the Griqua people about 100 years ago.
Good to know There are more than 60 spectacular trails criss-crossing this region (including in the Robberg Nature Reserve) – and you’ll find all of them on the new Plett Trails app, along with detailed information about each route and the option to report any issues.
Times Cairnbrogie: Tuesday – Sunday, 7.30am – 5pm
Cost Inqua Trail: From R3 700
Contact Cairnbrogie: 044 533 9192, andrew@cairnbrogie.co.za
Inqua Trail: 076 2315336, info@robbergcoastalcorridor.co.za
Where to find it Cairnbrogie Farm, Airport Road, Kranshoek, Plettenberg Bay

Plett Wine Route

Established in 2000, SA’s youngest wine region has made a splash ­– especially for bubbly and sauvignon blanc. Bramon was the pioneer, and the vineyards now stretch within a 45km radius from Harkerville to The Crags (a particularly scenic area known as the “Bubbly Route”, with several farms conveniently concentrated here). Wineries with tastings include Bramon, Newstead-Lund, Kay & Monty, Lodestone, Packwood, Luka, Bitou and Plettenvale. The estates are small and family-run, ensuring an authentic and hospitable experience.
Good to know Many farms serve light meals, platters and/or picnics. Some also have accommodation. See our post on the wine route here, with booking links.
Times Most open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm (check with individual farms)
Where to find it Redford Road in The Crags, off the N2, has several farms; for others, see the map available from Plett Tourism.

Old Nick Village

Looking for unique gifts – and a unique day out? Old Nick Village, set in a historic 1880 farmstead and trading store surrounded by gardens, is a highly underrated creative hub filled with boutique shops and gallery spaces, as well as the fabulous Prêt-à-Pot ceramic studio (and Mungo Mill). When you’re feeling peckish, we recommend a chilled, family-focused meal at Nice Neighbour restaurant, followed by wine tasting at Boplaas and a few artisanal treats from Shautany Chocolatiers.
Good to know Every Wednesday, there’s an outdoor market where you can stock up on fresh, ethically farmed local produce, homemade foods and handmade products.
Times Daily, 9am – 5pm (6pm in high season)
Restaurant: from 7.30am
Wednesday market: 9am – 2pm
Contact 044 533 1395, info@oldnickvillage.co.za
Where to find it On the N2, 4km from Plett

Market Off Main (MOM)

Plett’s longstanding Market On Main has moved – you guessed it – off the main street and into the old market square, where it now boasts spectacular sea views, more parking and a diverse selection of fabulous stalls (including a nail bar). The food vendors serve up anything from pizzas, prawns, steaks and prego rolls to sushi, ice cream and Mediterranean gyros. It’s fun and family-friendly, with live music on weekends, a bar area and a lively atmosphere.
Good to know Look out for the occasional Market Days to find fresh produce and Friday “happy hour” from 4.30pm.
Times Monday – Thursday, 8am – 8pm
Friday + Saturday, 8am – 10pm; Sunday until 3pm
Contact 083 784 1400, daron@marketonmainplett.co.za
Where to find it 7 Sewell Street, Plettenberg Bay

Canyon at The Crags

Take a leap (or several) into a hidden Jurassic world – without the dinosaurs, of course, but with the steady support of professional guides. This kloofing trip navigates a river gorge in several different ways – from floating through the shallows and swimming in rock pools to leaping off boulders, manoeuvring down water slides, abseiling in and around waterfalls, and ziplining over water – in a world that you never knew existed, even though it has always been there. You’ll be kitted out with a wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket and optional aqua shoes, and then it’s game on!
Good to know The outing takes 2 – 3 hours, and is suitable for anyone from age 8 upwards.
Times Daily, 9am, 11am + 1pm (standard trip); 10am + 2pm (intro trip)
Cost R1 055 (standard trip); R835 (short trip)
R80 (aqua shoes rental)
Where to find it The Mill Centre, Monkeyland Road, The Crags
Book Standard
Book Short

Kurland Horse Trails

You can cover a lot more ground on horseback, so saddle up to enjoy the magnificent scenery of this section of the Garden Route. Starting from Kurland Park (a picturesque equestrian centre at The Crags), guided rides take you through the indigenous forest, over fynbos-covered hills, across farmlands and along the ridges of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. For example, the two-hour fynbos river ride follows the course of the Hol River along dappled shady banks; a half-day trail, which includes a river crossing, heads out to Newstead wine estate for a wine tasting and tapas lunch.
Good to know There are horses to suit every kind of rider. Children under six years can enjoy a pony ride at the stables.
Times Daily, 8am – 4pm
Cost R625 (one hour); R900 (two hours); R1 550 (half-day)
Contact 082 771 3745, horseridinggardenroute@gmail.com
Where to find it Kurland Park Horse Trails, off the N2, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
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Monkeyland + Birds of Eden tours

A rainbow nation of birds of all colours and sizes live in Eden, the largest free-flight aviary in the world (50 metres high and two hectares big). There are more than 220 exotic and indigenous species here; all formerly caged or pet birds, they now fly free in this protected forest, which includes a deep gorge and waterfall. Wandering along boardwalks, visitors can enjoy the birdsong of more than 3 500 birds. Next door, Monkeyland is the “forever home” of around 600 rescued primates from around the world. Here you’ll see free-roaming lemurs, squirrel and spider monkeys, gibbons and hear the deafening call of the howler monkeys on a guided walking safari (private tours are available too). Monkeyland also boasts the longest suspension bridge in the southern hemisphere (128 metres), where the animals love to hang out.
Good to know Both sanctuaries have a strict, ethical policy of no touching, feeding, petting or posing with the animals.
Times Daily, 8am – 5pm
Cost R350 (adult); R175 (child)
Combined ticket for both: R590 (adult); R295 (child)
Combo ticket + Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary: R700 (adult); R350 (child)
Where to find it Monkeyland Road, off the N2, The Crags
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Kwendalo Bird Hide

With more than 350 recorded species to spot, birding’s an increasingly big deal in Plett – especially since Kwendalo Wellness Farm launched its new bird hide. The eco-sensitive hide is nestled among the reeds by a vlei, offering visitors the chance to spot 93 (and counting) bird species in the surrounding wetlands. It’s also a wonderfully serene spot for some time out away from the bustle. There are also guided tours of the 16-hectare farm, including a medicinal herb garden, and The Green Café for healthy farm-to-fork breakfast, lunch or beverages.
Good to know Kwendalo has various wellness offerings, from reflexology to ozone therapy, as well as one- or three-day detox retreats.
Times Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Café: Tuesday + Thursday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 044 004 0366, hello@kwendalo.co.za
Where to find it Corner N2 and Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay
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Abseil at Robberg

For the ultimate panoramic views of the rugged coastline, head over the edge of the cliffs and 12 storeys down towards the ocean. Once on terra firma, you’ll have some time to explore the Nelson Bay Cave on the shoreline – a Stone Age archaeological site – and have a dip in the sea, before heading back up on a short hike. For this 45-minute extreme abseil, you’ll receive a full safety briefing and gear, and be in the capable hands of an expert guide.
Good to know This activity is not for children under 12 years old.
Times Daily, 9am, 11am and 1pm
Cost R850
Where to find it Central Beach Car Park, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
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Tsitsikamma

Head an easy 64km east of Plett along the N2, and you’ll reach the natural playground that is Storms River village, surrounded by the Tsitsikamma forests. An altogether wilder stretch of the Garden Route, it offers plenty of additional adventure options for visitors to Plett.

Kayak & Lilo Adventures

Head through the magnificent Storms River Gorge and discover the quiet pools, hidden caves and ancient forests of this hidden, mostly inaccessible world. It begins with an ocean paddle underneath the famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge before heading upriver between spectacular cliffs and into a small cave. Then you swap the kayak for a lilo and simply float deeper into the gorge. On the way back, there’s some (optional) rock-jumping into deep pools.
Good to know It’s suitable for all fitness levels and children aged from 5 years; maximum weight 190kg (for two people sharing a kayak). There is also an “extended” lilo and kayak adventure option that goes even further into the gorge.
Times Daily, 9am – 2pm
Cost R880 (2.5 hours)
R1 500 (extended 4 hours)
Rental: R70 (aqua booties); R95 (wetsuit)
Excludes SANParks conservation fees.
Where to find it Untouched Adventures, Storms River small boat harbour (via entry gate to SANParks office)
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Bloukrans Bungee

Its reputation precedes it, drawing thousands to the highest bridge in Africa – to leap off it. Even Prince Harry has given it a go. The world’s highest natural commercial bungee jump is a drop of 216 metres, and it’s a real adrenaline buzz. You reach your launch site at the top of the bridge arch via a 200m zipline (which is exciting enough) and once you’ve jumped you get to do the Sky Walk – a walkway suspended from the bottom of the bridge (also good for those who’d like to experience the lofty views but don’t want to bungee). The new Hang Out option combines the zipline, a chance to just dangle over the edge without jumping, and the Sky Walk.
Good to know Minimum age for bungee is 14 years; for Sky Walk, zipline & Hang Out 8 years. Minimum weight is 35kg and maximum weight 150kg.
Times Daily, 9am – 4pm
Cost R1 690 (bungee)
R650 (zipline + Hang Out)
R400 (Sky Walk)
Where to find it Bloukrans River Bridge, N2 (2.7km after toll plaza, 23km before Storms River)
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Tsitsikamma mountain-bike tour

One of the most scenic sections of the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma is a land of deep forests, rivers and streams, and craggy coastline. This two-wheeled tour (a collaboration between Biocamps, MTO and Firefly Falls) will take you through it all – even to places cars can’t go. Departing from The Crags, it leads through forest up to a mountain camp; the next day it heads down to the coast, edging above the famous Otter Trail, and into the Bloukrans River gorge. The final leg to Nature’s Valley traverses fynbos fields and whizzes down a mountain pass, with a final celebration at the Blue Rock Café. You’ll stay in safari-style dome tents with beds, enjoy three meals a day (including packed lunches at stunning viewpoints and fireside dinners), and have time for river swims. Bike rental is available.
Cost From R7 950 per person
Where to find it Loredo South Road, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
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Storms River hikes

There are nine self-guided hiking trails in and around Storms River, ranging from a 2km stroll through the forest to a stream and various routes to The Big Tree, as well as a small taste of the world-famous Otter Trail on the 6km Waterfall Trail. The showpiece walk is the 2km Mouth Trail, which crosses the suspension bridge and visits a Khoisan heritage cave en route to a panoramic lookout point. If it’s a hot summer’s day, the 5km Striptease Trail from Tsitsikamma Lodge takes in 11 crystal-clear rock pools.
Good to know SANParks also operates the Spirit of Tsitsikamma boat, for a cruise up the river. Enquire at the Cattle Baron restaurant.
Times Daily, 6am – 6pm (gate times)
Cost Conservation fee: R78 (SA adult); R39 (SA child)
R156 (SADC adult); R78 (SADC child)
R326 (international adult); R163 (international child)
Contact 042 281 1607 (SANParks office)
Where to find it Off the N2, 13km before Storms River

Zipline Canopy Tour

Get an unbelievable view of an enchanting world… The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour zips through the ancient indigenous rainforest, 30 metres above the ground. You’ll spot rare, colourful birds and other forest creatures, and learn more about the giant yellowwoods and the secret life of the forest. There are 10 steel-cable ziplines running from tree to tree, plus a suspension bridge to traverse. You’ll be harnessed up, given a full safety briefing and escorted by informative guides. Children can do it in tandem with a guide.
Good to know Stormsriver Adventures also offers guided hikes in the Tsitsikamma forests and a unique journey for tree-lovers, navigating an old woodcutters’ pass in a specially designed safari vehicle.
Times Daily, 8am – 3.30pm
Cost R895 (adult)
R795 (child 5 – 17 years)
Where to find it 101 Darnell Street, Storms River Village
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Segway Forest Tour

Glide through the Tsitsikamma forest on a two-wheeled, battery-powered personal transporter – they’re self-balancing, eco-friendly and easy to operate (a short training session is provided). The tour kicks off in Storms River village – the best way to get around town! – before heading into the forest. There are a variety of paths to explore, and the longer two-hour tour goes deeper into the forest. It’s a great family adventure; children (6 – 17 years) ride for half-price.
Good to know Riders should be a minimum of 1.1 metres tall. It’s an all-weather activity with rain jackets provided if needed.
Times Daily, 6am – 1pm
Two-hour trips: 9am, 11am + 2pm
Cost One-hour trip: R650 (adult); R325 (child)
Two-hour trip: R950 (adult); R475 (child)
Where to find it 40 Darnell Street, Storms River
Book 1-hour
Book 2-hour

Snorkel at Storms River Mouth

Discover what happens beneath the waves, where the river meets the ocean, on a “sea safari”. The Storms River Mouth is part of a Marine Protected Area, so it’s pristine and teeming with life. Explore tidal pools filled with colourful and curious marine creatures, chase schools of fish over the reefs and look out for rays and starfish on the seabed. Wetsuits and snorkelling gear are supplied, and guided trips can be arranged on request for first-timers, children and groups if ocean conditions are favourable.
Good to know If you’d like to scuba dive, this can be organised too.
Times Monday – Saturday
Cost R750 (guided)
Self-guided: R300 (wetsuit), R450 (wetsuit + gear) per hour
Excludes SANParks conservation fee
Where to find it Untouched Adventures, Storms River small boat harbour (via entry gate to SANParks office)
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