Making the most of Mossel Bay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth near the town centre, though larger vessels often bring passengers ashore by tender.
Mossel Bay is a small harbour town on South Africa's Garden Route. Long a popular coast and holiday destination, it has developed a relaxed hospitality that complements the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the District of Eden.
The Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex is Mossel Bay's principal attraction. It includes most surviving historic buildings, the spring where Dias replenished his fresh-water supply, and the striking post office tree. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, this enormous milkwood tree was a convenient message point for passing sea captains. Visitors can still post letters in the small box beside it, provided nothing is urgent.
Getting around
The city centre is easy to cover on foot, but a car is useful for destinations or restaurants farther out.
Nearby places
The famous Garden Route runs from Mossel Bay towards Storms River Mouth and is one of South Africa's most appealing coastal stretches. Europeans expecting flowering gardens may find the name misleading: the landscape is actually dense forest with fynbos and hardwood trees. Alongside sea, sun and sand, the route offers activities from whale watching and sea kayaking to forest canopy walks and bungee jumping for those seeking adrenaline.
Food and shopping
Mossel Bay has several one-stop malls with boutiques, specialist and curio stores. At the Model Shipyard, visitors can tour the factory and watch ship models being made; these handmade pieces can be bought and sent anywhere in the world by DHL.
Money
The Rand (ZAR) is the currency. ATMs connected to all major international networks are available across the country, but use only machines inside a mall or other building. Take care that nobody watches you enter your PIN and stay alert to scams, including machines that seem to swallow a card and do not return it after your PIN is entered.
Credit cards are accepted by most retail shops.
Staying connected
South Africa recognises 11 official languages. English is spoken by most people other than rural black Africans, although relatively few speak it as a first language. Afrikaans is also widespread, particularly among the white and coloured population.
Opening Hours and
Typical shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1700 and Sat 0900-1400, though major tourist areas increasingly trade later and throughout the weekend. Shopping malls often remain open until 9PM.