1. Old Post Tree
2. Ethno Botanical Garden and Braille Trail - Mossel Bay
3. Bartholomew Dias Museum - Mossel Bay, Western Cape
Mossel Bay is well-known for the Mossgas-project(PetroSA) but it is also a popular holiday destination. The town is built on a hill overlooking the Bay of Mussels and the Outeniqua Mountains. Boat cruises are available for dolphin and whale watchers and in addition, cruises are also available to Seal Island. The island is home to more than 2000 cape fur seals. Santos, the town's main beach, is very sheltered and it makes for safe swimming.
During their annual migration (July - October) a fair number of whales can be seen in the bay. Dolphins also visit Mossel Bay and sometimes up to a hundred can be seen moving through the bay in search of food.
Mossel Bay has a very comfortable climate and tourists can enjoy sailing, fishing, surfing in the bay. A very popular beach is known as the "Poort" because it is between two rocky ridges at Cape St Blaise.
If you are interested in shells, you can visit the Shell Museum. It has a first-class collection of shells, as well as live clams and fish in aquariums.
Mossel Bay, located along the picturesque Garden Route in the Western Cape province of South Africa, offers visitors a diverse range of attractions and activities.
Here are 10 things to see and do in and around Mossel Bay:
1. Diaz Museum Complex: Explore the rich maritime history of Mossel Bay at the Diaz Museum Complex, which includes the Maritime Museum, the Shell Museum, and the Granary. Learn about the early explorers who landed in Mossel Bay, including Bartholomew Dias and Vasco da Gama.
2. Mossel Bay Harbor: Take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy views of the boats and yachts, or indulge in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.
3. Diaz Beach: Relax on the golden sands of Diaz Beach, named after Bartholomew Dias. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
4. St. Blaize Hiking Trail: Embark on the St. Blaize Hiking Trail, a scenic coastal route that stretches for several kilometers along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Enjoy breathtaking views and opportunities for birdwatching and whale watching during the winter months.
5. Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse: Visit the historic Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships along the coast since 1864. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Mossel Bay and the surrounding coastline.
6. Point of Human Origins Archaeological Site: Discover the fascinating archaeological site at Pinnacle Point, where evidence of early human occupation dating back over 160,000 years has been found. Take a guided tour to learn about our ancestors and their way of life.
7. Garden Route Game Reserve: Embark on a safari adventure at the nearby Garden Route Game Reserve, where you can spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) as well as other wildlife in their natural habitat.
8. Outeniqua Power Van: Experience a unique rail adventure aboard the Outeniqua Power Van, a self-propelled railcar that takes you on a scenic journey through the Outeniqua Mountains and along the Garden Route.
9. Botlierskop Private Game Reserve: Explore the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve on a guided game drive or horseback safari. Encounter a variety of African wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more.
10. Mossel Bay Golf Club: Tee off at the Mossel Bay Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a round of golf while soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Whether you're interested in history, outdoor adventures, or wildlife encounters, Mossel Bay has something for everyone to enjoy along the scenic Garden Route of South Africa.