Activities
The surroundings of Plettenberg Bay is a playground for sports enthusiasts and the list of sports activities is almost endless. The lagoon and the bay itself are perfect for all sorts of water-related sports and activities including boat cruises and sailing, paddling, fishing, swimming and scuba diving, while the beaches allow for long solitary walks. Between July and December the bay is home to Southern Right Whales that come to calve in the protected waters. The mountains and forests offer a variety of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseriders. Plett's golf courses are highly regarded and provide plenty of challenges.
Golf
There are two golf courses close to the apartment:
Plettenberg Bay Golf Course located at the Country Club on the same road as the apartment complex. This 18-hole, highly-rated golf course is set in a private nature reserve and proves a very popular tourist destination. Despite the competition from the nearby white beaches and rolling surf, the club is busy and booking is essential; open for visitors from Sunday to Friday. Morning play is advised as most days have competitions in the afternoon. A popular course with a rather smart pub.
Goose Valley Golf Course which was originally a 9 hole course has been re-designed by the Gary Player Design Company to form a notable 18 hole layout. It lies only 2km from Plettenberg Bay and borders on the Keurbooms Lagoon. A nature reserve borders many of the holes that allow for some spectacular views of the ocean. No caddies but golf carts are available. Competitions on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Other 18 hole courses are available at Knysna and George. Unlike the UK, anybody can play any course in South Africa, only one or two of the clubs require a member to be included in the party.
Useful websites:
Riding
There are six equestrian centres within the Plettenberg area offering, amongst other facilities, scenic rides through the forests and fynbos. One such centre, The Valley Riding Centre, is on the same road as the apartment complex.
On the water
Skiing
To conserve the natural habitat of the area, water skiing is only permitted in Plettenberg Bay's Central Ocean or the Keurbooms River, and Knysna's ocean and lagoon. The Bay of Plettenberg is an excellent venue for Hobie Cat sailing, Surfing and Wave Skiing. The Keurbooms River is an ideal venue for water skiing and canoeing, and is zoned regarding water sports.
Sailing
Sailing is available through local boat clubs and canoes are available for rental. Particularly popular are canoeing/bird-watching trips along the Bitou River.
Diving
There are excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities in the area amd three diving operators in Plettenberg; Beyond the Beach located in the Beacon Island Hotel. The Diving Club, and Diving International both located on the Central Beach front.
Fishing
For anglers, there are great opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater fishing and fishing excursions and deep sea fishing trips are also available.
General activities
What else might you want? Hiking, cycling, canoeing, sea kayaking, abseiling and even bungee jumping (the worlds highest at about 712ft), all are available around Plettenberg Bay. Come and have fun - plan and book your stay now.
