OceaVisitors to Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa’s renowned Garden Route coastline, have the opportunity to experience the best the bay has to offer. The permitted marine excursions offer an unforgettable close encounter with various whale species (seasonal), dolphins, seals, and a myriad of birds, sharks, and pelagic fish.

Once passengers have boarded the boat, the trip commences with an exciting beach launch through the surf. While the routes may vary, depending on weather, animal distribution, and sea conditions, a typical trip runs as follows:

Prior to launching, your skipper will have determined the route with the highest likelihood of spotting whales. Most recently, the highest success rate is to head offshore to what is referred to as the "humpback highway". This is a passage of water from the Robberg Point across to Nature's Valley and the Tsitsikamma Marine Reserve, where migrating humpback whales are often encountered en route to their breeding or feeding grounds.

Occasionally the boat also heads along the Keurbooms Beach in search of breeding groups of southern right whales. This area is also a popular hang-out for bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Depending on time constraints and the location of whales, you may also visit the Cape fur seal colony at Robberg Peninsula, with a chance of spotting endangered great white sharks.

Finally, head back along the Robberg beach, while a brief run-down on the history of the area is given. After passing the Beacon Island Hotel, built on the site of an original whaling station, end the experience with an exhilarating “James Bond” style landing on Central Beach.