Mossel Bay
South Africa · Western Cape · 15 m
Description
Mossel Bay is a historic coastal and harbour town at the western gateway to the Garden Route, combining maritime heritage with beaches and diverse nature experiences. The town is known for its mild climate, the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, and its sheltered location on the South African coast, where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias landed in 1488. Mossel Bay offers a wide range of outdoor activities and serves as a gateway to the archaeologically significant caves of Pinnacle Point, where discoveries dating back more than 160,000 years provide important insights into the early development of modern human behaviour. With its blend of coastal scenery, history, culture, and adventure, the town is a popular stop along the Garden Route.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Pinnacle Point Caves & Point of Human Origins
- Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
- Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse & Cave
- St. Blaize Trail
- Santos Beach
- Post Office Tree
- Seal Island Boat Cruise
- Whale Watching (June - November)
- Dias Caravel Replica
- Mossel Bay Maritime Museum
- The Point & Cape St. Blaize Coast
- Mossel Bay Zipline
- Shark Cage Diving
- Great White Shark & Marine Wildlife Cruises
- Diaz Beach
- Hartenbos Beach
- Mossel Bay Surfing
- Mossel Bay Coastal Kayaking
- Shell Museum & Aquarium
- Ethno-Botanical Garden
- Mossel Bay Fynbos
- Mossel Bay Harbour & Seafood
- Cape St. Blaize Gin Tasting
- Garden Route Scenic Drive
- Gondwana Game Reserve(Day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Voorbaai, Hartenbos
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry