View spots - Whale Watching

Written by daveswart
15
Aug

Plettenberg Bay is one of the world’s premier destinations for whale & dolphin watching, both land-based and boat-based. We know that backpackers and visitors to Plett during the Whale Season are very keen to see whales and dolphins so we have rounded up some of the best viewspots to visit while in Plettenberg Bay. It’s official – the whales have arrived! There have been plenty of sightings from the Beacon Isle, Robberg & Lookout beaches, so we have rounded up a list of our favourite spots for whale watching in Plettenberg Bay.

whale-watching-plett

View spots & Hikes:

1. Robberg Peninsula: the hike of Robberg Peninsula offers some of the best views of Plettenberg Bay on the one side and views of the open ocean on the other, there is always a chance of spotting whales, dolphins, sharks & seals while hiking Robberg. There are 3 different trails, check them out here.

2. Nature’s Valley/Salt River: Nature’s Valley is the end of the famous Otter Trail and is outside the natural protection of the bay. The walk to Salt River takes hikers along the coast and up into the forest with breathtaking views out to sea.

3. Robberg beach, Lookout beach & Keurbooms beach: The beaches of Plett are often a superb place for whale watching. The whales often hang out in the shallows just beyond the breakers and one can often watch them for hours – simply lounging in the water.

4. The Whale Tail View spot: This one is iconic for whale watching, as there is an actual “Whale Tail” bench to enjoy views of both sides of the Lookout Rocks for a truely panoramic view of the bay.

5. Signal Hill: You can’t get much higher than Signal Hill in Plett! The deck overlooks the Beacon Island & Robberg and is a great starting off point to see where the whales are in the bay.

Eat, Drink & Watch the Whales

One of the absolute best things about Plettenberg Bay wining & dining is that there are a number of excellent restaurants & bars with unique and stunning views of the ocean – you can’t get much closer than these:

1. Beacon Island/Island Diner: With ocean views from pretty much anywhere, the legendary Beacon Isle has a Sea Lounge suspended over the rocks, ideal for cocktails & whale watching, while the alfresco seating and evening dining all offer great views of the bay.

restaurants-and-bars

2. Lookout Deck: Located on the returned Lookout Beach, the Lookout Deck has a relaxed ambience and great ocean views of Lookout beach.

3. Enrico’s Restaurant: Enrico’s is in the little satellite village of Keurbooms, just outside Plettenberg Bay and offers lovely views across the bay back towards Plett. Their tagline “Any closer and you’d get wet!” is thoroughly appropriate!

If you are travelling up or down the coast and would like to continue your whale watching adventures, you should consider visiting Hermanus or Rooi Els (if you are headed towards Cape Town) and Jeffrey’s Bay or Port Elizabeth if you are headed east. The coast of South Africa is a hive of activity during whale season and any coastal stop offers the chance of sighting whales.

In Plettenberg Bay, locals are always proud to share their whale knowledge with visitors: where to go, what to look out for and where the whales are!

Whale photos kindly provided by Ocean Blue Adventures.