In the heart of the Garden Route lies Mossel Bay, a cute coastal town with pristine white beaches, indigenous Cape Fynbos plants, and some of the best fresh mussels along the South African coastline. That said, it’s no surprise there are plenty of things to do in Mossel Bay.
This coastal town has something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to foodies, but you might not know where to start. Don’t worry – finding the top fun activities in Mossel Bay just got a little bit easier. So, let’s jump straight into the top 11 local favorites for you to enjoy!
What to Do In Mossel Bay | 8 Exciting Mossel Bay Activities
If you’re up for a relaxing holiday where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the summer to its fullest, we’ve found the best activities to kick off your holiday season. From tanning on one of the most pristine beaches in South Africa to boat trips, wine tasting, and backpacking with a view – we’ve got you covered.
1. Visit a Mossel Bay Beach
One of the most bustling beaches on the Garden Route would have to be Santos Beach. An enormous stretch of white sand filled with colorful umbrellas and happy summer travelers tanning in the sun. Other beaches, like Diaz Beach and Hartenbos, are also worth a visit.
These beaches are definitely worth the visit for travelers who enjoy family outings, with the children building sandcastles while the adults grab a cold beverage. All the while, lifeguards keep a watchful eye on everyone. Plus, if you’re looking for things to do in Mossel Bay on a budget, this is perfect.
2. Take a Diaz Express Train Ride
All aboard! If you ask someone in Mossel Bay what to do for fun, they might suggest taking the Diaz Express, and for good reason. What better way to travel through the neighborhood and visit must-see attractions than by taking this fun-filled family express?
This train ride offers a different way of seeing Mossel Bay, with views of the Indian Ocean, river estuaries, and even whale-watching if you’re in season! The train ride will also give a great vantage point over the greenery covering the surrounding area. These Fynbos are an indigenous plant of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
3. Experience Shark Cage Diving
This next activity is for the adrenaline junkies and certainly not for the faint of heart. Shark cage diving in Mossel Bay is the perfect action-filled activity for an exciting vacation.
You can get up close and personal with one of the scariest and most majestic creatures roaming the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Many operators offer different types of shark cage diving tours, so make sure to book the best option for you.
4. Take a Boat Trip to Seal Island
There are a lot of hidden gems in Mossel Bay, but this isn’t one of them. A gem? Yes. Hidden? Not a chance. Seal Island is probably one of the most popular attractions for both locals and tourists visiting Mossel Bay.
Every day between 10 am and 5 pm, you’ll have the opportunity to get a hair’s breadth away from the Cape Fur Seals on a boat trip to Seal Island. With more than 3000 seals around, you can be sure to capture some memorable photos.
If you’d rather treat that special someone to a romantic sunset cruise, no worries. You can book a relaxed and romantic boat cruise around Seal Island and Pinnacle Point. Whale-watching boat trips are also available around the area between June and October, but these need to be booked ahead of time and planned in advance.
5. Indulge in a Wine Tasting Experience
If you’re looking for some more romantic things to do in Mossel Bay, then wine tasting is another fun daytime activity to add to the list – it’s one of the things the Western Cape is famous for.
Reed Valley Wines is a great visit and offers some of their best export wines paired with traditional Portuguese cuisine. Perhaps you’d rather enjoy a romantic Reed Valley picnic under the trees? You can even build your own platter by selecting some of their freshest deli products and a fantastic bottle of wine.
Then, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, you’ll find the Jakkalsvlei Vineyards. You get to taste eight wines, including whites, reds, rosé, and other dessert wines. Here, you can build your own fresh pizza or even a gourmet-style burger. If you’re feeling like enjoying the outdoors some more, go for a cheese platter or picnic basket to enjoy with a glass of wine while on the lawn outside.
6. Try the Mossel Bay Zipline
Next up on your Mossel Bay to-do list has to be the Mossel Bay zipline, the world’s longest over-the-ocean zipline. The zipline spreads over 0.7 miles (1.1 km) across the raging ocean water and sits a whopping 295 feet (90 meters) above sea level.
It might not sound as daunting as bungee jumping in South Africa, but with the wind blowing through your hair and the waves crashing beneath you, this zipline is a massive thrill. Either way, this is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Mossel Bay.
Top Tip: There are a lot of things you’ll need to know before you can try the zipline, like age restrictions, weight limits, proper attire, and more. You should definitely take a look at the Mossel Bay Zipline official site before going.
7. Make Your Own Gin at Cape Saint Blaize
It’s best to leave the kids at home for this next Mossel Bay activity. Cape Saint Blaze is an incredible artisanal distillery specializing in gin near the gorgeous Saint Blaze lighthouse and hiking trail (more on that next).
The highlight of the locale is the fact that it offers distillery visits and masterclasses that can teach you how to make your very own bottle of gin. Don’t want to make your own? You can enjoy some gin-tasting and food pairings instead.
8. Trek Along the Saint Blaize Hiking Trail
- Hiking Distance:7 miles (27 km)
- Trail Type: Out and back
- Elevation: 3,061 feet (933 meters)
- Average Time: 8 hours
For adventurous individuals, the St Blaize Hiking trail would be a good option for a fun and active outdoor day trip. This popular trail is one of the best for fitness lovers, and it isn’t difficult to see why. With views and sounds of the ocean, birdlife, and wildflowers (at the right time of year), you’ll be enthralled the whole time.
This trail is a good opportunity to see the Cape St Blaize lighthouse, which offers magnificent views of the Indian Ocean and is a marvel in itself. There isn’t much shade on this trail, though, so be sure to pack plenty of water and have your SPF handy.
Top Tip: Avid hikers might also benefit from some other hiking locations in the Western Cape, so take a look at the best hiking trails in Cape Town.
3 Best Places to Visit in Mossel Bay
If your list of Mossel Bay attractions only includes Mossel Bay Mall or the Mossel Bay Casino, then you’re missing out. There are so many things to see in Mossel Bay, like the Dias Museum for a small South African history lesson or the Diaz Water Park to cool off.
Let’s take a look at a few of the best Mossel Bay attractions to add to your itinerary.
1. Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex and the Post Office Tree
In 1488, Bartolomeu Dias was the first European explorer to sail past South Africa. You’ll find the Dias Museum right where Dias first set foot on South African soil. It’s the perfect place to visit for history buffs and museum enthusiasts.
In the Dias Museum, you’ll be introduced to the origin of South African history, see a life-size replica of the caravel Dias sailed on from Portugal, and see plenty of other historical displays.
In the same museum complex, you’ll find the Old Post Office Tree. What makes this tree so special? Well, a commander called Pero de Ataíde left important letters in a shoe dangling from the tree, effectively making this the supposed “first mailbox” in South Africa.
2. Diaz Water Park
Another fun place to visit for the whole family has to be Diaz Water Park. During the warm months, a visit to the park can be the perfect activity for family and friends alike, letting you cool off during the summer heat.
Various supertube rides are available, and if you visit outside of the warm seasons, they also have heated pools where you can relax and escape from the cold. There are also braai (South African barbecue) and picnic areas close to the rides if you’re keen on enjoying a delicious self-made lunch at the waterpark.
3. Pinnacle Point Golf Course
If a holiday hole-in-one makes you feel excited, you should visit the “Highest Rated Golf Course in SA”. Pinnacle Point Estate received this reward in 2024, making this high-clifftop golf course the perfect place for enthusiastic golfers.
This golf course was designed to create a luxurious golf experience in perfect harmony with the stunning scenery of greens, fynbos, and the bright blue Indian Ocean. Residents and locals love to enjoy a drink, cocktail, or delicious meal after a long day of golf at the Pinnacle Restaurant. With such a stunning view, you won’t be disappointed.
Things to Do in Mossel Bay | Frequently Asked Questions
By now, you’ve learned that in Mossel Bay, things to do are in no shortage. But if you’re planning your trip here, you likely have a few questions floating about your head. Let’s put your worries at ease with a few frequently asked questions to make your life a little easier.
Is It Safe to Walk Around Mossel Bay?
Mossel Bay has a fairly low crime rate, a laidback vibe, and overall friendly people. But like any tourist destination in South Africa, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions.
Always walk around in groups of two or more, keep your belongings close on hand, and don’t walk around alone at night or in isolated areas.
Why Is Mossel Bay Famous?
There are plenty of things that Mossel Bay has to offer, like wonderful natural diversity and marine life, adventurous tourist activities, and historical locations, like where Bartolomeu Dias first arrived on the South African shore. That said, Mossel Bay is most notably known for its seafood. From large black marlin to mussels and oysters, the seafood is out of this world.
Does Mossel Bay Have a Mall?
Yes! In fact, Mossel Bay has plenty of malls for you to choose from. Some of the most popular are Heiderand Mall, Langeberg Mall, Bayside Shopping Centre, and Hartenbos Seefront. Heiderand is the most central in the city center and, because of that, is likely more busy as well.
The best option will depend on where you’re traveling around the city, so just make sure to take a quick look on Google to decide which mall is best for you.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is the perfect pick for a relaxing holiday filled with fun activities, adventure, and stunning scenery. With so many things to do and see, Mossel Bay offers something different for every type of traveler.
From relaxing by the seaside of this quaint little town to indulging in the best fresh seafood and escaping from the everyday hustle and bustle of city living, these are by far the best things to do in Mossel Bay. And if you’re looking for more great things to do in South Africa, here’s another great selection of unique activities you can take a look at.
Last updated on October 3rd, 2024 at 11:29 am
