History

Shark Awareness is a universal goal to understand one of the most fascinating sea creatures of this world. Sharks (like fish) date so far back in history that scientists refer to them as “living fossils”. Sharks have been on the earth for 420 million years, and have survived five mass extinctions.

Plettenberg Bay is known for its beauty, as well as its rich history; which began during the time when Bartolomeu Dias chartered the bay in 1487, and named it Bahia das Alagoas (‘Bay of the Lagoons’). During the 15th century, Plettenberg Bay was then named Bahia Formosa (‘Beautiful Bay’) by Portuguese navigator and cartographer, Manuel de Mesquita Ptrestrélo (Christopher Columbus married into this famous family of seafarers).

Whether in calm or stormy weather, The Heads has proven itself time and again as the greatest antagonist to ships; be it small fishing boats to great schooners and brigs. No matter what technology mankind may perfect in years to come, nature will always have the upper hand.

Stretching 300km from Mossel Bay to the Storms River, the Garden Route is the most popular tourist attraction for all travellers and holiday seekers. It derives its name for the lush, shady evergreen forests, deep gorges and wide sandy beaches, stunning lakes and lagoons, as well as a wide variety of birds, sea mammals and wildlife.