The town of Plettenberg Bay is one of the most highly sought-after attractions of the Western Cape. Situated on the famous Garden Route, the town was built on top of a hill, with most of the area leading down to the ocean, making for breathtaking views and a fantastic setting for holiday accommodation. Over the years, the town has drawn a multitude of visitors.

Why should you miss out?

There is so much that you can do while in Plettenberg Bay that if you really want to explore all the attractions, it would be best to book a few days to give yourself the best vacation experience ever. You could spend your time visiting the various nature reserves, participate in watersports, relax on a boat cruise or go on various tours. With the vast number of activities you can discover out here, we’ll just leave you with 10 of the most popular attractions you can visit while staying in Plettenberg Bay. Each one comes highly recommended, so you know you’ll be in for a treat. As for how you get to them, towards the end of this article, you’ll find an interactive map showing the locations of all the attractions around Plettenberg Bay.

 1. Visit the Robberg Nature Reserve

If you’re up for a combination of adventure and gorgeous scenery, then this is an attraction you must visit. Just a short drive southeast of the city of Plettenberg Bay, the Robberg Nature Reserve offers numerous hiking trails, across rocky terrain, with some steep inclines. However, many of these trails lead you along the ocean, guaranteeing amazing sea views, and even the opportunity to spot a shark! The hiking trails come in a range of distances and difficulty levels and therefore appeal to many travellers who might fancy taking up this adventurous offer.

2. Discover the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary

Perhaps you’re one of those who likes to get up close and personal with nature or are just curious. The Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, located around a 20-minute drive to the northeast of the city of Plettenberg Bay, offers visitors a guided tour showcasing a variety of snake species and even the chance to touch them. One visitor even went onto his social media platform and shared and image with a snake around his neck!

3. Explore the Birds of Eden

A bit further northeast than the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, is the Birds of Eden, a bird sanctuary that is an attraction ideally tailored for the bird lovers visiting Plettenberg Bay. The birds here enjoy a habitat that allows them plenty of space to move about. Travellers will get as many chances as they could want to discover a wide variety of the colourful birds of the sanctuary, who have been rescued and now reside in a safe environment.

4. Interact with the residents at the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary

As you can see so far, Plettenberg Bay is rich in natural attractions. Here is another: the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. Situated only a short walk from the Birds of Eden sanctuary (you can simply park your car at one spot), this venue includes a large enclosure that gives the various breeds of monkeys there plenty of space to roam about, allowing visitors to see them in as natural a state as possible.

5. Have a memorable encounter at the Elephant Sanctuary

For those interested in learning more about elephants, this is where you should go. The Elephant Sanctuary is on the route towards the Birds of Eden sanctuary. Not only will you get an informative experience courtesy of dedicated guides, you’ll even get to walk with these incredible animals as well as help feed them.

6. Meet all the animals at the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary

At this sanctuary, you can discover a wide variety of different animals, including the predators of the animal kingdom in Africa. You can enjoy a completely safe tour of the sanctuary, courtesy of passionate guides, who come with all the knowledge necessary to leave you fully enlightened on the behaviour patterns of the various animals as well as the history of the different species. The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is a bit closer to Plettenberg Bay, just off the N2 highway.

7. Enjoy many thrills with AfriCanyon River Adventures

For those seeking some exhilaration, booking a tour with AfriCanyon River Adventures is a must. Various tours are available, with different time lengths, all offering a variety of activities, including abseiling, canyoneering, zip lining, and more, all with breathtaking scenery. If you have any fear of being injured, you can relax, because the tour includes knowledgeable and friendly guides, who will make sure you get through every activity safely. AfriCanyon River Adventures is also on the way to the Birds of Eden Sanctuary.

8. Spend time with the Radical Raptors

If you’re interested in birds of prey, this is a place you have to visit. Well-informed guides will teach you about the various species that call the sanctuary of Radical Raptors their home. The birds here are not situated in a different section, but fly around, and visitors even have the chance to interact with the birds, with protective gloves allowing them to let the birds sit on their arms. Radical Raptors is just a 10-minute drive to the west of Plettenberg Bay.

9. Have fun with the family at Plett Puzzle Park

This list just serves to show how many different kinds of attractions there are in and around Plettenberg Bay. This one is perfect for the family enjoying a vacation together. Participate in the various games, puzzles and brainteasers that will be available. An added attraction is the maze, which many visitors have said has given them a considerable challenge when trying to get out! But if you can’t get out, don’t worry, friendly staff members will be available to guide you out. The Plett Puzzle Park is a short drive northeast of Plettenberg Bay, along the N2 highway.

10. Take to the skies with Skydive Plettenberg Bay!

Get a view of Plettenberg Bay that not everyone will ever experience! For the brave, daring and adventurous, let Skydive Plettenberg Bay take you high into the sky, from where you will jump! With a trained skydiver, of course, to help you relax and just enjoy the stunning view below, and get to the ground safely. Skilled and efficient staff will be available beforehand to guide you through the whole process involved with skydiving for those first timers, but for the others, this is where you can truly have fun! Skydive Plettenberg Bay is around a 10-minute drive to the southwest of Plettenberg Bay.

You can use the interactive map below for directions.

Like we said before, these are just a few of the attractions you can experience while enjoying a stay with us in Plettenberg Bay.  Now that you have an idea of what is waiting for you here, get in touch with us today to get some accommodation booked for your next unforgettable holiday in South Africa!