Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is a coastal town on South Africa's southern coast that stretches between mountainous headlands and five designated beaches. The bay features natural harbors, rocky outcrops, and wide sandy areas framed by mountains behind them.

The bay was charted by Portuguese seafarers in the 15th century and named after a trading fleet. A permanent settlement was established in 1779 as a military post by the Dutch East India Company.

The name reflects the bird life that draws petrels and gannets to nest on the cliffs. You notice today how the ocean and mountain backdrop shape the character of life here.

The town is accessible via the N2 highway and situated between two major mountain passes, making the drive through varied terrain interesting. Most visitors come during warmer months when whales are not present, meaning beaches and restaurants are less crowded.

During winter months from June through December, southern right whales come to the bay in large numbers to calve, making the beaches a preferred viewing spot. On clear days you can see multiple animals at once from the shore, swimming just hundreds of meters offshore.

Location: Bitou Local Municipality

Inception: 1779

Elevation above the sea: 77 m

Website: http://plettenbergbay.co.za

GPS coordinates: -34.05000,23.36667

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:01