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 perfect for tourists interested in exploring, watching or just lazing
 
ACTIVITIES
Boat Cruises
Cruises in our bay to experience the wealth of marine life found here (dolphins, whales, seals etc.) usually take place during the morning and afternoon. The cruises, which departs from Central Beach, are one and a half hour to two and a half hour trips and the cost range from R150 to R200 per person which includes soft drinks

Keurbooms River Ferry and Angling Club
The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is situated 5 km from Plett, direction P.E. This nature reserve stretches up the river for about 5-6km. To experience the beauty of the reserve you can either take a ferry trip which lasts 2½ hours (cost: R60 per adult, R20 per child under 12 years old. Make a booking at Tel No: 044-5327876) or you can hire a boat with engine from the Angling Club (Tel 044-5359740) at the river, and travel up the river by yourselves. There are a number of picnic spots next to the river with little beaches where you can spent your whole day swimming, tanning, fishing etc

Canoeing on the Keurbooms River
If you are keen on canoeing, you can hire a canoe from the Angling Club (Tel 044-5359740) or from the Aventura Resort (Tel 044-5359309) and canoe up the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve. Canoes can also be hired for day trips on the river from the entrance to the Keurbooms Nature Reserve at the N2 bridge (tel 044-5332125). The two day Keurbooms Canoe Trail is an easy 7km (14km in total) flatwater experience. A fully equipped overnight hut can sleep 10 people and can be booked at 044-3830042.

Abseiling Abseiling can be done at Storms River.

Blackwater Tubing
Storms River Adventures will take you tubing down the Storms River. The trip starts at 8h30 and finishes back at the Centre at 14h00. The cost is approx. R299 p/p which includes wetsuits, helmets, tubes, a trained guide and lunch. Other activities offered by Storms River Adventures: mountain biking, snorkel trails, guided hikes, boat cruises & the Woodcutters Journey.

Bungi Jumping
The highest commercial bungi jump in the world is at Bloukrans River Bridge. The height is 216 metres with a 7 second free fall! The cost is R500 p/p The adventure company Face Adrenalin will make sure you have an experience of a lifetime! Bookings essential at Tel 042-281 1458.

Diving 
There are excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities in our area. There are two diving companies that can take you out on a diving trip:
Beacon Isle Adventure Centre (in the Beacon Isle Hotel) Tel/fax 044-53 31158
Diving International (Central Beach) Tel/fax 53 30381.
They could also give you advise on where to snorkel etc.
There is also a snorkeling route at the Tsitsikamma National Park,
Tel 042-281 1607.

Sea Kayaking
You can experience ocean or river kayaking at Plettenberg Bay. Contact Dolphin Adventures (Cell 083 590 3405) or Real Cape Adventures (Cell 082 556 2520) to see sea birds, dolphins, seals up close from your kayak! Beacon Isle Adventure Centre: Come dive your heart out. PADI Scuba Dive courses, fun diving, fills, tours and snorkel. Tel: +27(0)44 533 1158

Fishing and Angling
Good rock angling sites include Nature's Valley, Keurbooms, Lookout Rocks, Beacon Island and Robberg Beach. No fishing is permitted in the Tsitsikamma National Park which extends 5,5kms out to sea except for a short strip to the west of the Storms River Mouth. Rock anglers can expect to catch Galjoen, Elf, Roman or Steenbras. Deep Sea anglers may expect Tuna, Leervis, Hake and Calamari (seasonal). Please do not leave litter or line behind on rocks and beaches and please adopt the ÒTag and Release system. (For more info phone 533 2941).  
 

Boating and other Watersports
The Bay is an excellent venue for Hobie Cat sailing, Surfing, Wave Ski and Bathing. Launching of power boats is permitted on Central Beach (contact the Ski Boat Club ph.533 2941) and sailing boats may launch off Hobie Beach. The Keurbooms River is an ideal water-skiing and canoeing venue. The river is zoned regarding watersports. Contact Nature Conservation (ph.533 2125) for more details or if you would like to hire canoes for the overnight canoe trail and stay-over in the Whiskey Creek hut. This overnight canoe trail is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. Boats may be launched at the river slipway situated next to the N2 bridge that crosses the river (Stanley Island turn-off). A sunset cruise on the river or out to sea is a must.

Mountain Biking
The Harkerville Cycle Route is the most popular. Permits and maps for this trail are available at the "Garden of Eden" which is situated ±17 km from Plett on the N2 to Knysna. The trails range from easy to difficult. Guided biking trails are also available, contact Outeniqua biking trails at Tel no 044-5327644 in this regard. There is also a mountain biking route at Storms River Tel 042-281 1609. Closer to Knysna is the Diepwalle Forest Cycle Route - permits are available at the Diepwalle Forest Station. Contact the Forestry Dept. in Knysna for more details - Tel 044-3825466.

Hiking
There are many hikes and short walks in our area. Robberg is by far our most popular walk. There are three trails to choose from: 45 min., 2 hours and the 9,2 km or 4½ hour walk. If you want to go on a guided tour of Robberg, contact Robberg Guided Walks on Tel 044-53 32632. Other walks include Kranshoek, Garden of Eden (guided tours available - contact Pristine Discoveries at 082 9541314), Nature's Valley, Wittedrift, Milkwood Trail, Tsitsikamma National Park trails etc. The most popular trail towards Tsitsikamma is the Otter Trail which is 44 km long and which lasts 5 days. Bookings for this trail can be made at the National Parks Board Offices in either Pretoria or Cape Town

Horse Riding
There are two companies near Plettenberg Bay who provides horse trails in the forest. (Unfortunately no horse riding allowed on beaches) Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch is situated at Fisanthoek, approx. 14 km from Plett direction Knysna (tel. 044-532 7885). Equitrailing is situated on the Wittedrift Road and does 1 hour to overnight trails. (Tel 044-53 30599) Valley Riding Centre offers rides in Plett's beautiful surrounds. (Cell: 082 767 7427)

Golf
Plettenberg Bay is well known for its beautiful golf courses:
Plettenberg Bay Country Club - Tel 044-5332132 - 18 holes
Rietvlei Mashie Course - Tel 044-5359262 - 9 holes
Goose Valley - Tel 044-5335082 - 9 holes

Monkeyland is unique as a primate sanctuary. It is home to many varied species of monkey from several continents which were captive bred prior to their release at Monkeyland. Situated 16 km east of Plett, it offers visitors safaris conducted by game rangers. This is the world's only multi specie, free roaming primate sanctuary. Tel 044-5348906

Outeniqua Choo-tjoe
This unique steam train departs daily from George to Knysna in the morning and back to George in the afternoon. Beautiful scenery along the way.
Bookings: 044-801 8288.

Elephant Park
Here the legacy of the Knysna Elephant lives on. The experience is somewhat of a closer kind than at Kruger or Addo - visitors are allowed to touch and feed the elephants Harry, Sally and Duma.
Tel 044-532 7732.

Nyati - Traditional Mampoer & Witblits Distillery
To visit this distillery at Wittedrift is a unique experience. The owner, Jack Mudd, has recently won prizes at an annual agricultural show near Pretoria for his superior mampoer and witblits. Tour hours - 9h00 to 12h00 and 14h30 to 16h30. Bookings essential. Tel 044-5359739.

Fishing Charters: African Fishing Adventures - boat-based fly fishing, early evening game fish, traditional line fishing experience etc. 083 701 5793.
Plett Fishing Charters and Bay Cruises - traditional deep sea fishing, salt water fly fishing etc. 082 940 7062

Team building & motivational seminars
The Garden Route Lodge offers team building/motivational seminars. Swimming pool, tennis, volleyball. Beautiful country setting. Tel/Fax: 044-5348837

Scenic flights & Gliding
African Ramble offers fun filled scenic flips and informative flights of the magnificent Plettenberg Bay coastline. Whale watching flights concentrates on a unique aerial encounter of these ocean giants. Tel 044-5339006. Ocean Safari's offers gliding trips which depart daily from Stanley Island, Tel 044-5359442 

Umthombo Theatre Group and township tours
The Umthombo Theatre Group was formed four years ago in Qolweni Township. The aim of the group was to raise funds for the community as to improve conditions in the townships, pay school fees etc. For more information on performances and bookings, you can contact 044-5335083.

Wild Waters Park
This is an adventure park especially for children. It has a supertube, mini-golf, jumping castle, kiosk, picnic spots and braai areas. Situated in the Piesang River Valley, it is next door to the Plettenberg Bay Health Centre and swimming pool.

Scenic drives & Day trips
Kranshoek picnic site - overlooking cliffs and sea;Garden of Eden - picnic site, circular walk and Big Tree;Prince Alfred Pass - stunning mountain views along the historical
pass;Bloukrans Pass - unique pass amid indigenous forests to Nature's Valley;
Plettenberg Bay Arts & Crafts Route/Historical Route - maps at office.

Forest Wagon Trails
Experience the romance of a bygone era with a leisurely 2-hour horse drawn carriage ride through the forests, once home of the Knysna Elephants, down to a private and unspoiled krantz on our rugged coastline. Not only can you sit back and relax as you enjoy the trip on board the cart, you can also feast your eyes on some magnificent scenery at a
private and secluded, panaromic viewpoint. Tel: +27 (0)44 532 7651

ROUTES & MEANDERS
ARTS & CRAFTS ROUTE
The ultimate Arts & Crafts guide to the Garden Route from Sedgefield to Plettenberg Bay and all the tucked away areas in between

HISTORICAL ROUTE
Prehistoric Man
Archeological findings in Nelson's Bay Cave and Matjes River Cave indicate that these caves were inhabited for over 100000 years by Middle Stone Age man and then later by ancestors of the Khoisan. The Khoisan (KhoiKhoin) were possibly the same people who traded with the Portuguese survivors of the San Gonzales wreck. Deposits of their tools, ornaments and food debris can be viewed in these caves which are still being excavated. One can also observe the geological changes over the past millions of years which affected prehistoric life.

NATURE RESERVES/GAME RESERVES
The biggest nature reserve is the Tsitsikamma National Park stretching 65kms along the coast from Natures Valley to Oubosstrand. It is a marine breeding area for the repopulation of exploited species and is a research area for marine and terrestrial ecosystems. One can enjoy outdoor recreation including walk and dive trails. Accommodation, a shop and a restaurant are provided. The Robberg Nature Reserve is an excellent view site and whales and dolphins are often seen from the top of the cliffs. There are three circular walks of various lengths, caves, and extensive information about Robberg's geology, archeology and existing marine life. Other nature reserves include Forest Hall, Keurbooms, Wadrift and Wittedrift. For more comprehensive information on the ecology, visit the Info Centre in Plettenberg Bay.

MARINE RESERVES
Between 70 and 2 million years ago, the ocean stretched inland to the foothills of the Tsitsikamma mountains. The existing coastal plain is one of the best examples of wave-cut terracing in South Africa. 80% of the Tsitsikamma National Park is marine reserve extending 5,5 kms out from the shore. Daily records of sea temperatures show an average of 10 up-wellings of cold water p.a., mostly in summer. These are caused by persistent easterly winds making cold water from the ocean depths rise to the surface. Dense fog results and occasional fish fatality occurs.

FAUNA & FLORA
The small Cape Floral Kingdom between Cape Town and Grahamstown (0,04% of the world's land mass) contains 8500 different flowering plants. This is more than is found in the entire Northern hemisphere. There are 27 common species of Ericas in this area, our special ones being Erica formosa and Erica newdigateae. There are a great many wild proteas and the list of geophytes that can be seen is extensive. Shrubs typical of fynbos are blombos, berzelia and bietou giving the local fynbos its particular character. Longstone Park on Beacon Isle Crescent. is being developed as our local botanical garden

Between 1777 and 1939 much of our indigenous forests were exploited in the timber trade. Although it is the largest tract of natural forest in SA. only 65 000Ha of the original forest remains today. The Outeniqua yellowwood or kalander is a true forest giant reaching over 50m in height. Other magnificent specimens are the ironwood and stinkwood trees

More than 260 species of birds have been sited in this area with it's unique four habitats, namely the forests, fynbos, wetlands and the coastal region making this area a birdwatchers paradise. Special birds include the Knysna Loerie, Narina Trogan (both found in indigenous forests), the African Black Oystercatcher (coastal), and the Orangebreasted sunbird (fynbos). A list of the most interesting birds that can be seen in this region is enclosed on page 9. Common mammals that may be spotted include the bushpig, dassie, caracal. genet, baboon, vervet monkey, blue duiker, bushbuck, grysbok, leopard, mongoose and the Cape clawless otter. The most common species of reptiles include the dwarf chameleon, boomslang, night adder and puff adder.