5 of Plett’s Overlooked Marine Wonders
As the Plett Ocean Festival approaches its 5th anniversary edition – taking place from 3 – 12 July 2026 – we’re leaning into fives in a big way! While we’re celebrating the icons we all know: the Southern Right Whales, the charismatic Cape Fur Seals and gregarious Bottlenose Dolphins, beneath the surface and along the shoreline of our Plett Hope Spot, there are several “stealth” stars that deserve a moment in the spotlight.
Here are five overlooked marine wonders to look for in Plett this winter.
1. The “Now-You-See-Me” Bryde’s Whale
While the Southern Right and Humpback whales grab the headlines with their aquatic antics, the Bryde’s Whale (pronounced “broo-dus”) is a deeply mysterious resident. Unlike migratory whales, they stay in Plett all year. They are sleek, fast, and famously shy—earning them the nickname “now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t.” Look for three parallel ridges running along the top of their head. If you see a slender dorsal fin slice through the water and vanish quickly, you’ve likely met a Bryde’s.
For the past 20 years, local marine biologist, Dr Gwen Penry has focused her research on the Bryde’s whale. She is a research fellow at Nelson Mandela Bay University and a research associate at MRI Whale Unit, University of Pretoria and works with the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research- CMR. You can catch Dr Penry at the Plett Ocean Festival, Marine Science Symposium from 10 – 12 July 2026
2. The Gentle Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin
While Bottlenose Dolphins love to surf the waves at Central Beach and Common Dolphins create quite the spectacle on an ocean safari, the Humpback Dolphin is a far more rare and delicate sight.
These resident dolphins are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List with less than 500 individuals estimated to be left in South African waters. They prefer the shallow, quiet waters close to rocky reefs and river mouths. Keep an eye out for them along the coastline first thing in the morning with a distinct humped base under the dorsal fin. They are less “showy” than other dolphins, surfacing with a quiet, slow roll rather than a leap and they travel in comparatively small groups.
3. The “Shy” Sharks
While National Geographic documentaries tend to focus on the larger species in our area, Plett is home to a variety of “shysharks” which are endemic to our South African coastline and vital to the ecosystem. Their names are as distinct and colourful as the animals themselves: Puffadder Shyshark, Pyjama Shark, Leopard Shark. A tiny, endemic treasure. When threatened, it curls into a circle and covers its eyes with its tail—literally becoming “shy.” These sleek beauties are the “gardeners” of our reefs, keeping fish populations healthy and balanced.
4. The World’s Rarest Resident: Knysna Seahorse
It might have Knysna in the name, but this tiny marvel calls the Keurbooms Estuary home too. This is the only seahorse species in the world that is Endangered, and it is found only in three South African estuaries. You won’t see them in the surf; they hide in the submerged eelgrass of the estuary. They are masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings.
5. Everybody’s favourite: Cape Clawless Otter
The “marine” world doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. Our rocky shores and sandy beaches are patrolled by this exquisite mammal. Most early morning beach walkers are fortunate enough to spot the tracks of the elusive Cape Clawless Otter but few set eyes on the animal itself. Often mistaken for a seal from a distance, these apex predators hunt for crabs among the rocks of the Robberg Peninsula. They are a sign of a perfectly healthy marine-to-freshwater link and are known to – on occasion – take a perfectly lovely night swim in the Beacon Isle’s oceanside pool.
Join the Conversation: The 5th annual Plett Ocean Festival is about more than just watching the ocean; it’s about becoming a Citizen Scientist. From the Marine Science Symposium to guided rocky shore excursions, come and discover the wonders that usually hide in plain sight. Bookings open 1 June 2026.
See you on the water! www.plettoceanfestival.co.za
Written by Janet Middleton for www.pletttourism.com
