Situated between two Marine Protected Areas (Tsitsikamma and Robberg) on the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay supports a wide diversity of ocean wildlife, including Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Killer Whales (Orcas), and Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins. This Marine Protected Area serves as a crucial feeding and nursery ground for cetacean species, with the Southern right whale being one of the most notable and representative inhabitants.

Melissa Theron, the General Manager of The Plettenberg, says the area’s new-found Whale Heritage Site status will elevate marine tourism in the Garden Route town. ‘We are proud of this accolade and look forward to more guests drawn to Plett as a responsible marine tourism destination. Apart from whale-watching boat excursions, here at the hotel, our guests take great delight in dolphin and whale watching on site – from their rooms, the two pool decks, or the restaurant terrace during meals. For many guests, the highlight of the day is being the first to spot a marine sighting and being able to ring our brass whale-watching bell to announce a sighting off-shore – an unforgettable experience for young and old!’

Certified as an official Whale Heritage Site (WHS), one of only three in South Africa. Plettenberg Bay joins The Bluff and Algoa Bay as South Africa’s third Whale Heritage Site and one of only seven fully accredited Whale Heritage Sites worldwide.