Plettenberg Bay

The jewel of the Garden Route is Plettenberg Bay. It is tranquil and charming, hospitable and rather special. Originally and rightly christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers.

Plettenberg Bay is characterised by sweeping, unspoilt golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula, intriguing lagoons and estuaries, towering indigenous forests and unpolluted rivers and sea. With its exceptional climate, and beautiful view sites over the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay is the perfect place to relax or explore.

Plettenberg Bay is home to the rare Knysna forest elephant, teaming wildlife, vast expanses of Cape flora, delicate ecosystems in wetlands and lagoons, gigantic trees, and a bay large enough for Southern Right whales and Dolphins to calve in. (see 43 things to do) The resident dolphin pod can often be seen playing in the waves when lazing upon one of the unspoiled beaches. Or you can take a boat ride and get up close and personal.