Cruise Port Mossel Bay South Africa-What To Do in Mossel Bay
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This guide covers transportation, attractions, shore excursions, local food, and a port map for visiting the enchanting cruise port of Mossel Bay, South Africa.
How to Get to the City Center from the Mossel Bay, South Africa Port
For most large cruise ships Mossel Bay is a tender port. Once your tender arrives ashore the town center, restaurants, shops, and attractions can easily be reached on foot. Some cruise lines provide shuttles to key locations, but unless mobility is a concern, walking is the simplest option. Taxis and rideshare services like Bolt operate in the area, but drivers may not always be available immediately at the port. If you're heading to a game reserve or a more distant attraction, book a tour with transportation included or arrange a taxi in advance.
Is Mossel Bay, South Africa Safe?
Mossel Bay is one of the safer stops along South Africa’s coast, but basic precautions apply. The town center and waterfront areas are generally safe during the day but avoid walking alone, especially outside tourist areas. Keep an eye on your belongings, and if using taxis, stick to registered services or ride-hailing apps.
How to Get Around Mossel Bay, South Africa
The town is small and easy to navigate on foot, with most attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas within a short distance. Public transportation is not reliable for tourists, and minibus taxis are best avoided. If you're venturing beyond the town, taxis and rental cars are the best options. Many visitors opt for guided tours for safaris or nature reserves to avoid the hassle of arranging transportation.
What to See in Mossel Bay, South Africa
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A museum dedicated to maritime history featuring a replica of the 15th-century caravel that brought Portuguese explorers to South Africa. The site also includes a historic post office tree where sailors once left messages.
The Point of Human Origins
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A guided tour of caves containing some of the earliest evidence of modern human behavior. Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts dating back over 160,000 years.
Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This operational lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline. Visitors can climb to the top for a better vantage point or take the nearby coastal walking trail.
Santos Beach
Map: Google Maps
A central beach with calm waters, making it a good spot for swimming. There are nearby restaurants, and lifeguards are usually on duty during peak season.
St. Blaize Hiking Trail
Map: Google Maps
Website: Alltrails
A rugged coastal hiking trail running from the lighthouse along the cliffs, offering views of the ocean and possible dolphin or whale sightings.
Mossel Bay Zipline
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A high-speed zipline that runs from the cliffs at The Point down toward the ocean. It claims to be one of the longest overwater ziplines in the world.
Safari Ostrich Farm
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Visit an active ostrich farm to get a firsthand look at the industry. Watch the incubation process, feed the birds, and learn how ostrich feathers once played a major role in European fashion.
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A private safari reserve with guided game drives where visitors can see lions, rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife. Day visits include lunch and a safari experience.
Hartenbos Beach
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A long, sandy beach popular for walking and shell collecting. It’s quieter than Santos Beach and has a few beachfront restaurants.
Diaz Water Park
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A family-friendly water park featuring slides, pools, and a lazy river. A good option for visitors traveling with kids.
ReedValley Wines
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A local vineyard offering tastings of South African wines, often paired with live music and food events.
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A winery in the hills outside Mossel Bay known for its relaxed tasting experiences and scenic vineyard views.
Freaking Fast Waverider
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A high-speed boat ride along the coastline, offering close-up views of sea caves, dolphins, and marine life.
Mossel Bay Seal Island
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A small rocky island inhabited by a colony of Cape fur seals. Boat tours take visitors close to observe the seals in their natural habitat. It is also home to one of the world’s most active shark communities.
ATKV Hartenbos Museum
Map: Google Maps
A small museum focusing on Afrikaans culture and history. Exhibits cover early settler life, language development, and local heritage.
Romonza Boat Trips
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Boat tours offering dolphin and whale watching, as well as sunset cruises along the coast (time permitting).
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Best Cruise Ship Shore Excursions at the Port of Mossel Bay, South Africa
Botlierskop Game Reserve Safari
A guided game drive through a private reserve to see lions, giraffes, and rhinos. The experience includes open-vehicle safaris led by knowledgeable rangers.
Point of Human Origins Tour
A guided tour of caves containing some of the oldest known evidence of human habitation, with insights into early human culture and survival techniques.
Cape St. Blaize Hiking Tour
A guided hike along the coastal cliffs with stops at key viewpoints and opportunities for whale watching during migration season.
Mossel Bay Zipline Adventure
A high-speed zipline running from the cliffs at The Point toward the ocean, offering unique coastal views and an adrenaline rush.
Seal Island Boat Tour
A boat trip to a nearby island home to a large colony of Cape fur seals, with the chance to spot dolphins and seabirds along the way.
Mossel Bay Wine Tasting Tour
Visits to local wineries such as ReedValley Wines and Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar for tastings of regional South African wines.
Deep-Sea Fishing Charter
A guided fishing trip targeting species such as yellowtail, cob, and reef fish. All equipment is provided, and some charters offer the option to cook your catch.
Shark Cage Diving in Mossel Bay
A close-up experience with great white sharks from the safety of a submerged cage. The tour includes expert guides and conservation information.
Freaking Fast Waverider Experience
A high-speed boat ride along the coastline, with stops near sea caves and a chance to spot dolphins playing in the waves.
Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise
A seasonal boat tour focusing on marine wildlife, with a high likelihood of spotting bottlenose dolphins and, during migration months, humpback or southern right whales.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in South Africa!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
Mossel Bay, South Africa Cruise Port Map
Map: Google Maps
Tourist Maps: Visit Mossel Bay
Best Things To Do in Port of Mossel Bay, South Africa:
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
The Point of Human Origins
Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
Santos Beach
St. Blaize Hiking Trail
Mossel Bay Zipline
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Hartenbos Beach
Ostrich Safari
Diaz Water Park
ReedValley Wines
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
Freaking Fast Waverider
Mossel Bay Seal Island
ATKV Hartenbos Museum
Romonza Boat Trips
