$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Mossel Bay

South Africa

Pace: balanced Coastal Adventurous Scenic Historic
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Dec-Feb
Mossel Bay
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Mossel Bay

Book direct on our own Mossel Bay hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
English and Afrikaans and Xhosa
Local currency
ZAR (ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
The Point
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Fresh Seafood Braai (BBQ) Biltong Potjiekos

When to visit Mossel Bay

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: December Busiest: Dec-Feb
  1. Jan
    85

    Hot, sunny, busy

  2. Feb
    80

    Warm, sunny, vibrant

  3. Mar
    75

    Mild, pleasant, calm

  4. Apr
    70

    Mild, sunny, tranquil

  5. May
    60

    Cooler, some rain

  6. Jun
    50

    Cool, wettest, quiet

  7. Jul
    55

    Cool, whale season

  8. Aug
    65

    Mild, whale watching

  9. Sept
    70

    Warming, spring blooms

  10. Oct
    75

    Pleasant, sunny, active

  11. Nov
    80

    Warm, sunny, lively

  12. Dec
    90

    Hot, sunny, peak season

Things to do in Mossel Bay

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Shark Cage Diving/Viewings

Harbour 3.5 hrs

Encounter great white sharks up close in their natural habitat.

Outdoors

St. Blaize Trail

The Point 2.5 hrs

Hike along dramatic cliffs with ocean views to the St. Blaize Cave.

Outdoors Good for children

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Outskirts 3 hrs

Go on a safari to see rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Relax at Santos Beach

Santos Beach 3 hrs

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and views of the bay.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

3 places

Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex

Town Center 2 hrs

Explore maritime history, the Post Office Tree, and a replica caravel.

Indoors Good for children

Point of Human Origins

Pinnacle Point 2 hrs

Discover archaeological sites linked to early human behavior.

Outdoors Good for children

Mossel Bay Zipline

The Point 0.5 hrs

Experience the longest over-ocean zipline in the world.

Outdoors Good for children
Things to book

Tours and activities in Mossel Bay

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Fresh Seafood 95 · Outstanding
Braai (BBQ) 87 · Outstanding
Biltong 78 · Very good
Potjiekos 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex 95 · Outstanding
Shark Cage Diving/Viewings 91 · Outstanding
St. Blaize Trail 87 · Outstanding
Point Of Human Origins 83 · Very good
Mossel Bay Zipline 78 · Very good
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve 74 · Good
Relax At Santos Beach 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Families 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Adventure 80 · Very good
Nature 75 · Very good
Budget 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Consider renting a car for flexibility to explore the wider Garden Route. 95 · Outstanding
Book popular activities like shark cage diving or game drives in advance. 83 · Very good
Be aware of strong currents when swimming in the ocean and follow local advice. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Mossel Bay

Straight-line distance from the centre of Mossel Bay.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app