Plettenberg Bay is world-renowned for spectacular views across ocean, forest and mountains, here are nine of the best views in Plett:
- Robberg
Robberg Peninsula, named for the Cape Fur Seals that have made the peninsula their home, is an icon of Plettenberg Bay. With 3 circular hikes of 2km to 5km and 9km, Robberg offers elevated photo opportunities and stunning views. These vistas stretch across the bay towards the Tsitsikamma Mountains; and back across “The Island” along the dramatic Harkerville coastline towards Knysna.
- Whale Tale
Perched on a small rise, looking out over the Lookout and Keurbooms Beaches, the Whale Tale bench is a simply splendid place to stop for photos, watch the whales frolicking in season or admire the antics of the surfers, dolphins and kite-surfers below. The bench is carved in the shape of a whale’s tale and is the perfect prop for photos.
- Nature’s Valley
Tucked away at the bottom of a mountain pass, Nature’s Valley is often missed by travelers along the Garden Route. But if you make time to traverse the winding pass, you’ll find a little gem waiting to be discovered. Lagoon, forest, rock pools and beach make for a wonderful adventure. Nature’s Valley is located at the end of the famous Otter Trail and, while the ocean here can be a bit rough, exploring the shoreline, surrounding hikes and lagoon will delight nature-lovers, photographers and birders alike.
- Salt River
One such incredible hike around Nature’s Valley is the Salt River Hike. Accessible either from the village of Nature’s Valley, along the coast and up through the forest or downward from The Crags to the Salt River mouth, hikers will be transported into another, wilder world perfect for those deserted island photos.
- Keurboomsstrand
Dramatic rock formations and dolphin sightings characterise another of Plett’s Blue Flag beaches, Keurboomsstrand. There are a number of entrances to Keurbooms Beach, but make sure to meander down to the famous Arch Rock and take a chance at throwing a stone through the small ocean-made hole above the arch.
- Lookout Beach
Lookout Beach epitomizes summer in Plett – surfers, ice cream and sandcastles – but take a stroll around dawn or dusk and you’ll find a colourful landscape stained with peaches, oranges and purples that are absolutely magical. The sun rises from across the bay and behind the Tsitsikamma Mountains making for lovely sunrise photos and sets behind the town, turning the lagoon pink in the process.
- Robberg 5 Beach
In the summer months, Robberg 5 Beach is the place to be seen. Warm waters and beachfront villas make it easy to while away the days in sun-drenched relaxation. In the colder months, visitors stroll along the shoreline, which stretches for kilometres, looking for pansy shells and watching the whales.
- Bloukrans Bridge
The only way to get this photo and enjoy this view over Bloukrans Gorge is to take the plunge off 216m Bloukrans Bridge. Although the jump lasts only seconds, you’ll be amazed at how much you can take in in those few seconds – the surrounding forest bursts with colour and upside down view of the sea under the bridge will remain with you forever, as will the heart-stopping thrill of the jump. There is also a bridge walk on offer for those fainter of heart.
- From the ocean
Whether beneath the waves or on them, these are some of Plett’s most unforgettable views. A close up view of Robberg Peninsula and the seals from a kayak or watching the whales and dolphins swim around a marine safari boat are just some of Plett’s more memorable experiences. Or grab a mask and snorkel and explore the underwater world as Plett is an ideal example of South Africa’s mix of colder and warmer water, breeding a fireworks display of soft coral, anemones and sponges – so grab a GoPro and get exploring.