Garden route casino mossel bay

Mossel Bay is a beautiful coastal town in South Africa. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a well-earned vacation.

It’s also a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are a ton of things to do in Mossel Bay, whatever your age or interests. Included are some of my own favourite – sunny sandy beaches and epic hikes!

I love to explore as many fun and blissful coastal beach towns as I can when I travel. Mossel Bay is one of my favourites.

Here we’ll explore some of the best activities in the area. From touring the famous lighthouse to exploring the area on horseback, you’ll find something you love about this town.

Let’s go!

Awesome Things to Do in Mossel Bay

1. Tour the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse:

This lighthouse has stood on the cliffs of Mossel Bay since 1864, guiding ships on their journey. Its beam of light reaches 20 nautical miles out to sea.

As you climb the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. You don’t want to miss a sight like this.

Take the lighthouse tour and have a bite at the restaurant. Then, if you can’t bring yourself to leave, see if one of their 2 rooms is available! If not, there are several other options when it comes to where to stay in Mossel Bay.

Plus, the location is famous for its hiking trail, the St. Blaize Trail. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the local plants and wildlife.

2. Explore St. Blaize Trail:

Hike along the rugged cliffs of the St. Blaize Peninsula for the chance to see the best views in the area. You might even spot some whales!

The 13.5 km trail starts at the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse and winds its way along the cliff tops.

From the path you’ll get stunning views of the coastline and the incredible blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

It’s a paradise for nature lovers, as the area is full of indigenous plants and a bunch of bird species. The trail is just moderately challenging, so it’s suitable for most fitness levels.

It’s especially great if you’re in to trail running.

The St. Blaize Cave can be found along the trail, too, just below the lighthouse. It was the first prehistoric sight along the Garden Route to be excavated.

At 10m high and 72m wide, the cave is huge. Recent discoveries inside suggest that the San people lived in the cave around 800,000 years ago.

This means that the Mossel Bay area was home to some of the earliest known ancestors of humans.

I definitely recommend this hike!

✶ Note: The hike is dog-friendly, but make sure your dog is up for taking in the 13.5 mile stretch! And take them and yourself lots of water.

3. Veg Out at Santos Beach:

You’re going to love Santos Beach. It’s one of the safest and most popular beaches in Mossel Bay. The warm Indian Ocean waters are perfect for swimming and surfing.

Plus, the soft sandy beach is just right for sunbathing and building sandcastles. The beach is clean and patrolled by lifeguards all year round, ensuring a safe environment for you and your family.

Plus, the amenities – think changing rooms, showers, and a restaurant overlooking the beach – leave nothing out. Their is even a grassy area is you want to bring your braai (bbq) out.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of dolphins swimming in the waves! Santos is also a Blue Flag beach, which means it meets high standards for cleanliness, safety, and environmental management.

4. Get Eye to Eye with the Sharks:

Mossel Bay’s waters are a favourite hangout for great whites and other shark species. This makes it the perfect location for shark cage diving.

Peak season for great white sharks is June through August. So if it’s your dream to see one up close, this is your best chance.

You don’t even need to be an experienced diver to take part! You’ll have a comprehensive safety briefing. Then you’ll be equipped with everything you need to be lowered into a secure, steel cage.

Safety is the top priority here, and experienced guides are watching out for you. You can just stand back and observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

You’ll never think of Shark Week the same way again!

5. Motor Off to Seal Island:

Seal Island is about 6 km off the coast of the town of Mossel Bay, and is home to over 2,500 Cape fur seals. As it’s just a quick boat trip away, it’s a perfect thing to do in Mossel Bay.

Your boat will navigate the waves as you keep your eyes peeled for seals. They might be basking in the sun, playing in the water or just fishing for lunch. Watching these sea pups is one of my favourite things to do.

You might even spot a Great White Shark or two, as they’re known to frequent the area.

The birdlife is fantastic too, with a wide variety of seabirds calling the island home. Keep a look out for cormorants and giant petrels.

Southern right and humpback whales might even be seen during their migration, from June to December. Bryde’s whales are year-round residents.

6. Take a Trail Ride on Horseback:

Explore the Outeniqua Mountains with a trail ride. A pleasure ride on horseback takes you through the beautiful Fynbos hills.

This is a fantastic way to enjoy the panoramic views of Mossel Bay. You can even opt for a sunrise or sunset ride and watch the colours change over the landscape.

This is not just a ride, but an experience where every moment is a picture postcard waiting to be captured. Make sure you’ve got lots of storage on your camera.

Children and inexperienced riders are welcome, and the more the merrier if you’re travelling with a group!

7. Take a Ride on the Water:

A boat ride off this scenic coastal town offers a chance to explore the beautiful coastline and its marine life. You can glimpse Cape fur seals on Seal Island, different seabirds, and sometimes even dolphins and whales – or sharks.

The boat ride also gives you a unique view of Mossel Bay’s cliffs, caves, and historic sites. These include the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and the “Post Office Tree.”

Mossel Bay’s mild climate makes boat trips a terrific choice year-round, but winter months (June to October) can be a bit cooler.

8. Wander Through the Goods Shed Flea Market:

This flea market is a haven for treasure hunters and bargain seekers. I love a flea market – you never know what you’re going to find.

The Goods Shed Flea Market in Mossel Bay is a popular indoor market that sells a variety of items. Expect to find arts, crafts, souvenirs, décor, furniture, and lifestyle items.

Located at 55 Bland St, Mossel Bay, 6500, South Africa, this is the biggest indoor flea market in the province. Prices are super-reasonable, and you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind items.

Goods Shed Flea Market is a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun and unique shopping experience. It’s also a great place to sit and people watch!

9. Explore the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve:

The Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is just 20.9 km from Mossel Bay. It’s a malaria-free reserve that offers a variety of activities, perfect for a day trip from Mossel Bay.

Choose between full or half-day guided game drives, horseback safaris, bush walks, and spa treatments. They even have a kids programme, where your youngsters can fish, ride horses, be Junior Rangers, and much more.

The reserve is home to a slew of wildlife. You could see lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, black impala, zebra, cheetahs, and antelope. There are also over 200 species of birds.

If you are looking for an unbelievable wildlife experience, I highly recommend visiting Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.

10. Visit Mossel Bay Golf Club:

Tee off with an ocean view! A view you’ll be able to enjoy from each and every hole.

Mossel Bay Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72, links-style golf course. The course was designed by Bob Grimsdell and later redesigned by Danie Obermeyer. It’s known for its beautiful scenery and the challenging layout.

The course is a first-class golf facility. The fairways are wide and rolling, and the greens are large and well-protected by bunkers. The course has a reputation for being tough, but fair and playable.

The Club has a pro shop, driving range, restaurant, bar, carts, and caddies. You can even take a few lessons if you need to work on your swing.

11. Try your luck at the Garden Route Casino:

Or simply enjoy a fine dining experience.

The Garden Route Casino is a popular casino on Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay. You get to choose between shows, events, and restaurants. Or indulge yourself at the La Vita Spa.

Plus, you’ll find all the different casino games, including slots, table games, and poker. Or you could watch live entertainment, play arcade games, or visit the gift shop.

The casino is frequented by locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to go for a night out or to spend a weekend at the card tables.

The casino is also a good place to stay if you are visiting Mossel Bay. It’s in a central location and close to many of the town’s attractions.

Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9 am – 1 am
Friday to Saturday: 9 am – 3 am

12. Explore the Pinnacle Caves:

Unearth the rich prehistoric human history of this area.

Pinnacle Caves is a series of caves located in Mossel Bay, South Africa. They’ve only been the focus of interest since 2000, and evidence has since been found of early human habitation and behaviour.

Clues as to past tool-making, weather, and plant life have been found here, too. Archaeological excavations have found evidence that humans were living in the caves as early as 150,000 years ago.

The Pinnacle Caves are well-loved by people interested in archaeology and human history. The caves and their surroundings are also a great place to learn about the natural environment of South Africa.

✶ Note: These caves can only be toured by appointment. You should be at least mildly fit if you’d like to visit them, as some hiking, and for one of the caves, 200 steps in each direction, are necessary.

13. Take a Helicopter Ride:

Get the ultimate bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape.

A helicopter ride in Mossel Bay is an incredible experience. The town is in such a beautiful spot, jutting out into the sea with water on 3 sides.

The stunning views are of the Indian Ocean, the Outeniqua Mountains, and the surrounding countryside. From the sky, you’ll be able to see all of this from an insanely stunning vantage point.

You’ll see the town’s beaches, its harbour, and its historic buildings. You will also see the surrounding countryside, with its farms, vineyards, and forests.

You may even see birds and whales from up there! It really is a spectacular experience.

14. Visit ATKV Hartenbos Museum:

Learn the facts about The Great Trek.

The museum is named after the Afrikaans Language and Culture Association. The ATKV was founded in 1930 to promote and preserve Afrikaans culture.

The museum is dedicated to the history of the Great Trek. This is the name given to a mass migration of Dutch-speaking settlers.

They moved from the Cape Colony to the interior of South Africa in the 1830s.

The museum is located 8 km up the coast from Mossel Bay, in Hartenbos. It’s home to a variety of exhibits on the Great Trek.

These include displays depicting the reasons for the Trek, its planning and its execution. You’ll also see exhibits showing how the Trekkers lived as they travelled.

There are also a bunch of artifacts from the Trek – ox wagons, clothing, and tools, for example. As well, you’ll learn a bit about the history of Hartenbos itself.

Hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 09:00–16:00
Closed between 13:00 and 14:00 and on public holidays

15. Take the Train:

A fun, scenic rail experience is the Diaz Express. You’ll have spectacular views, and the best seat in the house during whale-watching season! Just try to get a seat on the ocean side of your car.

You’ll enjoy epic views on your trip with a few different excursion options to choose from. Try the journey through Mossel Bay and Hartenbos.

You’ll stop in Groot Brakrivier for lunch, then carry on to the Maalgate Bridge through extraordinary scenery. You’ll see mountains, valleys, and the Indian Ocean.

The Diaz Express is frequently enjoyed by visitors, and it’s also used by locals for transportation. The train is a fun and different way to experience the beauty of the area.

Book your ride on the Diaz Express on their website.

16. Jump Out of a Plane:

Unleash your adventurous side for an unforgettable experience. Mossel Bay is an incredibly scenic place to skydive! You’ll be able to see all the way from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town from your viewpoint in the sky.

Skydive Mossel Bay has options for everyone, from tandem jumps for beginners to solos for the experienced. A tandem skydive is a type of skydive where you are strapped to an experienced instructor.

They’ll do all the work for you, ensuring you stay safe while you ogle the view!

Or if you’d like to become an experienced skydiver, you might think about taking lessons. Visit the website to check out your options.

Skydiving is an exhilarating experience that gives you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. It is also a great way to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone.

17. Drown Some Worms :

Test your angling skills deep sea fishing in this rich marine environment. There are a number of charter companies that offer deep-sea fishing trips.

Contact GoFish Mossel Bay Deep Sea Fishing Charters if you’d like to wet a line.

They take care of the boat, permits, and everything else you need, and provide you with a fun day out on the water. You might catch big cob and hake, Yellow belly Rock Cod, Red Roman, and many other types of fish.

The experience of deep-sea fishing in Mossel Bay can be really exciting! Some fish are large and powerful, and the fight can be challenging. It’s also an ultra-rewarding experience to catch one of the big ones!

And, oh the stories you can tell…

18. Give Your Credit Card a Workout:

Indulge in some retail therapy. Heiderand Mall has a great selection of stores, including Clicks, Pick’n Pay, and Woolworths.

You’ll also find a camera shop, four different banks, a hair studio if you need a trim, as well as a veterinarian. Plus, there are restaurants and supermarkets too, if you need them.

And lots of free parking.

19. Learn to be Grateful for Your Laundry Appliances:

Tour the Janine Iron and Washing Museum, a very unique museum dedicated to irons and washboards. The museum is dedicated to the history of ironing and washing.

And believe it or not, it’s a hidden gem of the Garden Route.

The museum was named in honour of Janine, the late daughter of collector/owner Jan Ellis. It’s home to hundreds of irons, washing machines, and other laundry implements dating back before electricity.

There’s even a short video detailing the history of laundry. It includes interesting information, like the fact that ironing has been a part of our lives since the 8th century.

My grandma would have loved this place.

Open daily from 7 am – 6 pm

20. Connect with Your Inner Oenophile:

Savour some of the best local wines at Reed Valley Wines.

Reed Valley Wines is a family-owned winery in Mossel Bay. Visit the tasting hall, sample a delicious variety of wines, and purchase your favourite.

Or visit their Succulent Restaurant for some pairings. Pairing must be booked in advance at (+27)44 698 1022. You can enjoy a farm-to-table meal, sans wine, that will thrill your taste buds, too.

The winery, established in 2015, produces a variety of amazing wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Espumante Vinho, and Pinotage.

There are a variety of live musical events to enjoy at Reed Wines, as well. Click over to their ‘Shows’ page to get the current lineup.

Reed Valley Wines is a great place to visit in Mossel Bay if you are interested in wine, food, and music. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Open daily from 10 am – 4 pm, closed Christmas Day.

21. Take the Ride of Your Life:

Fling yourself out on the longest over-the-ocean zipline in the world!

Of course, it offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean, the cliffs of Mossel Bay, and the surrounding countryside.

The zipline is open to everyone over 8 years old and 120 kg or less. The zipline ride lasts for about 30 seconds, and you will reach an average speed of 80 kilometres per hour.

It is an exhilarating experience that you will never forget! Stop in at Mossel Bay Zipline to make it happen – no appointment necessary.

Open Monday through Sunday.

22. Diaz Beach:

Relax on this blissful sandy beach, named after Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz. And enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

You’ve also got excellent views of the Outeniqua Mountains, and Seal Island is within sight, too.

Diaz is an endless, quiet golden beach that’s perfect for long walks or a morning run. Plus, it’s surrounded by shops and eateries, so when you need a break from the sun, you won’t have far to go.

It’s also a popular spot for surfing – you can rent a board right on the beach. There’s a waterpark close by for the kids, and mini golf, as well.

Beach tip#1: Walk here if you can, or you might have to fight for parking.
Beach tip#2: Beware of the current. It can be strong at times.

23. Visit The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex:

🚗 Getting to Mossel Bay

• The George Regional Airport is 40 km, about 30 minutes, northeast of Mossel Bay if you’re flying in.
• Or, if you’re taking the Garden Route, come in on the N2.
• Minibus taxis travel between Cape Town and Mossel Bay.
• Private car or shuttle service
• The bus is a good option if you’re using public transportation.

Summing It Up: Things to Do in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay, with its blend of natural beauty and awesome adventures, is an undeniable gem on South Africa’s Garden Route.

You might be a nature lover looking for a trail ride or an adrenaline junkie wanting to dive with sharks. Or maybe you’re a tranquil soul ready to soak up the sun on a boat cruise.

Whoever you are, there’s something for you in this colourful coastal town.

Happy travels!

Read More About South Africa:

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