Mossel Bay is a historic harbour town in South Africa known for its white sand beaches, and named for the delicious mussels that populate its coastline. A favourite holiday destination for South Africans, there are many things to do in Mossel Bay, from outdoor recreation and adventure to simply relaxing on the pristine beaches. Some popular activities among holidaymakers include hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking.
The area is also home to many different kinds of animals, making it an ideal destination for wildlife lovers. So whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, Mossel Bay is sure to have something for you.
Here are some of the best things to do in Mossel Bay:
1. Hop on the Diaz Express train
If you want to explore the best of the Garden Route, hop onto the Diaz Express, which is situated on the Transnet train network. The railway runs from George to the beach town of Mossel Bay, providing unmatched views, history and excursions to charming craft stores and art galleries, as well as culinary delights.
Times: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm
Cost: Range from R85 to R250
Contact: 082 450 7778
Location: Port Natal Ave, Hartenbos, Mossel Bay, 6520
Also read: 5 Stunning hiking trails that’s not Lion’s Head
2. Hike the St Blaize Trail
The St Blaize Trail is a well-liked 13.5km trail that departs from Dana Bay and follows the cliff’s 30-metre contour westward from the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse.
It is prominently designated in white as it is a part of the more extensive Oystercatcher route beginning at the mouth of the Gourits River. It starts at the cave below the lighthouse and ends on the beach at Dana Bay (it can be done in either direction.)
3. Learn how to make your own gin at Cape Saint Blaize
At Cape Saint Blaize, you can make your very own gin. The school is in Mossel Bay, and it is still known for its copper pot. When you get there, you will be given a cocktail. Then, as you watch the process of making gin, you can taste different kinds of gin. But the best part is that you can take home your craft gin creation.
There are lots of things to do in Mossel Bay, but this one is definitely the most exciting and memorable.
Times: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm | Sunday, 10:00am to 3 pm
Duration: 1hr 30 minutes
Cost: R750 pp (Gin Masterclass) | R75 pp to R95 pp (Gin tasting)
Contact: 044 691 1885 | [email protected]
Location: 6 Market St, Mossel Bay Central, Mossel Bay, 6500
4. Visit the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse
The Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, built in the nineteenth century, is a white-painted circular cast-iron townhouse.
The Cape St. Blaize Cave provided shelter for ancient Khoi, and an archaeological study revealed that the cave’s first occupants may have relied mainly on the plentiful shellfish to live.
Until recently, the lighthouse, built in 1864, was one of just two on the South African coast staffed round the clock.
Times: Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5pm | Sunday 9am to 5pm
Costs: Infants 0-4 years: Free | Children 5-12 years: R10 | Adults: R20
Contact: 072 138 3911
Location: 6 Point Rd, Mossel Bay, 6500
5. Learn more about Mossel Bay at the Great Brak River Museum
To learn the complete history of the community during its “Heady Days” from 1859 to 1920, visit the Great Brak River Museum.
More information about the history of the Great Brak River and the other nearby settlements may be found in a number of books that are available for purchase.
Contact: 044 620 3338
Location: 13 Amy Searle St, Greenhaven, Groot Brakrivier, 6525
6. Shark Cage Diving in Mossel Bay
If you want an exciting adventure, a cage dive with great white sharks in Mossel Bay is your best bet. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals and watch them in their natural environment.
There are more than 500 different kinds of sharks in the world’s oceans. The great white is one of the most common and oldest. Most of the time, you can find these sharks off the coasts of Australia and South Africa. They can get up to 20 feet long. Great white sharks are natural predators and live on a diet of seals, sea turtles and sometimes dolphins and small whales. So, if you want a thrilling experience with some of the most feared animals in the world, make sure to put shark cage diving on your list of things to do in Mossel Bay.
Times: Monday to Sunday | 8am to 5pm
Duration: 2 hours to 4 hours
Cost: Adults: R2,750 | Children under 12: R1,500
Contact: 082 455 2438
Location: 7 Church St, Mossel Bay, 6500
7. Splash at Diaz Waterpark
The Diaz Hotel is home to the famous family destination, Diaz Water Park. All ages can enjoy the heated pool and a variety of super tubes at the water park. In addition, leisurely lunches, braai and picnic areas are available.
Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Cost: Prices range for the various rides
Contact: 083 679 3555 | 079 951 9488
Location: 1 Beach E Blvd, Die Voor Bay, Mossel Bay, 6500
8. Santos Beach Mossel Bay
There’s no shortage of things to do in Mossel Bay, and Santos Beach is a great place to start. As one of the cleanest beaches in the area, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the sea view. The calm waters make it ideal for small children but not so much for surfers. However, there’s still plenty to keep everyone entertained. There’s an excellent kiosk selling snacks, soft serve, and takeaway food.
The Santos Express is right next to the kiosk, which is perfect for grabbing a quick bite or refreshing drink. And if you’re looking for something more substantial, the beach pavilion is home to one of the oldest restaurants in town.
Location: Mossel St, Santos Bay, Mossel Bay
9. Diasstrand
Diasstrand is a great beach, which is usually full of young and active people. This beach location is always quite busy during peak times with great activities and a bar nearby.
Location: Die Voor Bay, Mossel Bay, 6506
10. Dragon Dune Sandboarding
One of the best areas in South Africa for sandboarding is the coastline area around Mossel Bay. Like snowboarding, sandboarding involves standing on a board with two feet secured and sliding or carving arcs down a sand dune.
Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am
Cost: Locals (R350 pp), International Visitors (R400 pp)
Contact: 082 971 1405
Location: Field St, Mossel Bay, 6506
11. Mossel Bay Boat Adventures
The “Fearless Speedboat” will take you on a thrilling 20 to 30-minute high-speed boat ride that will be the best half-hour you’ll ever spend at sea. From the harbour to Hartenbos and back, the boat will jump waves, perform doughnuts, and travel at top speeds.
Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm
Cost: Prices range for the various rides
Contact: 083 303 1960
Location: Quay 4, Mossel Bay, 6500
12. Try your luck at Garden Route Casino
Looking for things to do in Mossel Bay? Then look no further than the Garden Route Casino. Here you’ll find a high-energy atmosphere filled with excitement and opportunity. Additionally, with the casino comes an assortment of restaurants, an arcade and bars for a fun-filled night of action. So come on down to Garden Route Casino and see what all the fuss is about.
Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 1am
Contact: 044 606 7777
Location: 1 Pinnacle Point Road, Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, 6500
13. Play a round at Pinnacle Point Golf Course
This world-famous golf course was created by Peter Matkovich and Darren Clarke, the 2011 Open Champion. Located next to Mossel Bay and overlooking the Indian Ocean, Pinnacle Point is one of the world’s most beautiful and distinctive golf courses. With its stunning views and challenging layout, Pinnacle Point is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
Green fee: R1,225
Location: St Blaize Hiking Trail, Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, 6511
14. The Post Office Tree
One of the most popular things in Mossel Bay is visiting the Post Office Tree. Early Portuguese explorers used this ancient milkwood tree as a post office. It is located on the grounds of the Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex on Market Street.
Visitors can explore the museum complex and learn about the history of Mossel Bay and the Portuguese explorers. The Portuguese landed here in the early 1500s, making it an essential part of history. So if you’re visiting Mossel Bay, make sure you check out this historic tree.
Cost: Free
Contact: 044 691 1067
Location: Dias Museum Complex, 1 Market St, Santos Bay, Mossel Bay, 6500
15. Visit the Dias Museum
A Portuguese explorer named Bartolomeu Dias made land at the current location of the Dias Museum Complex.
In 1488, he became the first European to circumnavigate Africa’s southernmost point and later established the trade route between Europe and Asia. “Angra dos Vaqueiros,” meaning “The Bay of Cowherds,” is the name he gave to Mossel Bay.
You may learn about Bartolomeu Dias’s life and exploits and view various reconstructions of his ship at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 9am — 5pm
Cost: R40 (adults); R10 (children under 18 years), R20 (Pensioners)
Contact: 044 691 1067
Location: 1 Market St, Mossel Bay Central, Mossel Bay, 6500
Frequently asked questions about Mossel Bay
Is Mossel Bay a good place to live?
As of 2019 the Western Cape town of Mossel Bay was recently named “best-run municipality in South Africa” by Good Governance Africa (GCA).
Is Mossel Bay in Cape Town?
Mossel Bay is situated exactly halfway between Cape Town (and the Cape Winelands) and Port Elizabeth.
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