Mossel Bay is a small harbour town situated on the Garden Route in the Western Cape. A favourite coastal and holiday destination, it has over the years developed into a town of unhurried hospitality, complementing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the District of Eden. It was here that the first Europeans set foot on southern African shores – commemorated at the Da Gama Museum Complex in the town-centre. Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Mossel Bay offers sandy beaches stretching into the horizon, whale watching in season (June – mid November), water sport and extreme adventures. The Bay of Attraction, as Mossel Bay is often referred to, is also a paradise for any shopper hunting for local art and craft or maritime objects, and a hub for good entertainment and exquisite dining on the Garden Route.
- Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex, 1 Market St, +27 44 691-1067. M-F 9AM-4:45PM, Sa Su 9AM-3:45PM. This museum has expansive waterfront gardens, and exhibits which include reconstruction of the ship itself. You can go on board for an extra fee. Allow several hours to visit the entire site.
St. Blaize Cave and lighthouse - Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. Lighthouse above Mossel Bay.
Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex, 1 Market St, +27 44 691-1067. M-F 9AM-4:45PM, Sa Su 9AM-3:45PM. This museum has expansive waterfront gardens, and exhibits which include reconstruction of the ship itself. You can go on board for an extra fee. Allow several hours to visit the entire site.
Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. Lighthouse above Mossel Bay.
- Take a boat ride to the seal island near the harbour.
- Visit the market at Hartenbos beach.
- Buy some wine and go sit at the cliffs in the southern part of the town, enjoying the view of the ocean. You can sometimes see whales from the headland.
- Walk along one of the world's most beautiful beaches, packed solid in holiday season, empty in the 22 degree winter.
- Sail at Mossel Bay Yacht Club.
Get one (or more) of the nice handmade crafts in the Craft Shop next to the Tourism Info. You won't get souvenirs from Kenya, China or other countries - here you can buy pure Mossel Bay only.
- Skydive Mossel Bay, Mossel Bay Airfield (30 09'30S - 22 03'44E, +27 82 824-8599. daylight. Tandem skydive in the Garden Route with a fabulous option to land on the beach of the Indian Ocean coastline. R1500.
Skydive Mossel Bay, Mossel Bay Airfield (30 09'30S - 22 03'44E, +27 82 824-8599. daylight. Tandem skydive in the Garden Route with a fabulous option to land on the beach of the Indian Ocean coastline. R1500.
The beaches offer a variety of very good restaurants (mainly fresh fish).
- Cafe Gannet, 1 Market St (Next to the Dias museum complex, +27 44 691 1885. 07.00-22.00 daily. Established in 1988, it is known as "Mossel Bay's seafood House", but aside from seafood they also serve meats, vegetarian dishes, pizza and gelato ice cream!
- Carola Ann's, 12 Church St, +27 64 154 6393. M-F 08:00 - 16:30 Sa 08:00-13:30. A lunch-open café serving Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant, Quay 4 Harbour, +27 79 980 3981. M-Sa 09:00-22:00 Su 09.00-20.00. A relaxed beach bar and restaurant. Their name translates into "Pier for Barbeque".
Cafe Gannet, 1 Market St (Next to the Dias museum complex, +27 44 691 1885. 07.00-22.00 daily. Established in 1988, it is known as "Mossel Bay's seafood House", but aside from seafood they also serve meats, vegetarian dishes, pizza and gelato ice cream!
Carola Ann's, 12 Church St, +27 64 154 6393. M-F 08:00 - 16:30 Sa 08:00-13:30. A lunch-open café serving [[Middle Eastern cuisine]].
Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant, Quay 4 Harbour, +27 79 980 3981. M-Sa 09:00-22:00 Su 09.00-20.00. A relaxed beach bar and restaurant. Their name translates into "Pier for Barbeque".
- Continue along the Garden Route