Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay

South Africa

Dive with great white sharks in one of the world's most thrilling marine encounters just off the Cape coast.

💱 Currency South African Rand (ZAR)
🗣 Language English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
🕐 Time Zone SAST (UTC+2)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Jan–Apr
🚢 Typical Duration 53-61 nights
💰 Price Range $2,430–$68,500 per person
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to South Africa's Garden Route and a departure point for Antarctic and South Atlantic expeditions with luxury cruise lines.

Cruises that visit Mossel Bay

Build Your Day in Mossel Bay

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Getting around:
Delfinos Seaside Restaurant Fantastic!Food, atmosphere, and service was amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:15 AM
Langeberg Mall All the stores are easily accessible and the instore service is excellent. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Heiderand Mall - Mossel Bay A variety of Retailers, sufficient parking, very clean and neat Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Hartenbos Seefront Clean open spaces, friendly shops with awesome service. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Sea Gypsy Cafe Great atmosphere, good food and service. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant ... delicious food...food freshly prepared on fire Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Garden Route Casino Lots of activities, great food, superb. Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Cafe Gannet Restaurant The food was very nice, fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented. Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex Post office tree, replica of Diaz's ship and lots of history. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Hennie's Mossel Bay Great service, food, and the atmosphere was excellent. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Cape St Blaize Lighthouse Complex Fun and very affordable. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Salt & Copper Amazing selection of drinks, super yummy food, friendly service. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Kingfisher Restaurant We enjoyed attentive service and good food. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
De Vette Mossel Grootbrak | Beach Seafood Restaurant Experience Great atmosphere, friendly service, good food. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM Sat
Bayside Centre It has essential stores and decent food options, plus easy parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Mossel Bay Zipline Big expensive but very cool zip line Outdoor activity organiser · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
The Goods Shed Great selection of stores and a wonderful play area for the kids Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Game Mossel Bay Friendly helpful staff and a great variety of goods. Department store · ★ 3.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Santos Beach Mosselbay Kids will love this . Beach · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Carola Ann's Food was excellent, staff was excellent, atmosphere was perfect. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Point of Human Origins There is tunnel with mosaic art. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Woolworths Mossel Bay Mall Friendly and knowledgeable staff.Cashiers are fast limiting queues. Department store · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Diaz Water Park Kids had a blast, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Powervan Mosselbay (previously Diaz Express) Very reasonably priced and kids would enjoy it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Patricks Restaurant & Pub Cold beer, friendly service, cool music, pool and gambling venue... Pub · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Mossel Bay Boat Adventures What a fun activitie to do, just lived the experience Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Romonza Boat Trips 100% Worth it, Would definitively reccomens this to anyone, great experience Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
St Blaize Hiking Trail Loved the experience and will definitely do it again. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Shark Lab - Mini Aquarium Educational and entertaining Tourist attraction · ★ 3.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Mozambik Mossel Bay Watched the sunset with a drink followed by delicious, innovative food. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Zeppelins Great music with amazing staff, good food and well looked after pool tables. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Pirates Action Bar Awesome vibe with a beautiful view over the ocean and friendly staff! Sports bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Marbled Wagyu Mossel Bay The Wagyu beef was simply phenomenal, perfectly prepared and full of flavor. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Blaize & Barrel Great service good atmosphere and cold beers. Family-friendly · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Beach Bar Good service, amazing view and good food, and afcorse very good cocktails Cocktail bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Blue Oyster Cocktail Bar Great view excellent cocktails Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
The 19th pub Knocked some balls and beer back here, friendly atmosphere and service. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Mossel Bay Tourism Tourist information center · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Royal Blue Lounge Cafe Lovely jazzy atmosphere, great food and sweet staff. Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Dragon Dune Sandboarding We did the Sandboarding with Leon and it was a great experience! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Love Cross Viewpoint Had a lot of fun clicking pics here. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Loka Mossel Bay She was very helpful and gladly assisted with choices and sizes. Clothing store · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Koala Shopping Mossel Bay Affordability, quality and availability stands out. Department store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Sky Lounge I relocated from Cape Town and the first bar I went to was Sky Lounge. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Cape St Blaize Cave It was cute an experience. Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Boulevard Place A awesome strip mall with handy mixed shopping. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Mossel Bay

About Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay serves as a port of call for some of the world's most distinguished cruise lines, including Seabourn, Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. With four major operators offering 11 upcoming cruises, this South African port attracts travelers on extended voyages, particularly those embarking on epic 53-night journeys to destinations like Cape Town, the Antarctic Experience, Buenos Aires, and Walvis Bay. The port sees its busiest season from December through April, making it a popular stop during the Southern Hemisphere summer.

During your time in port, you'll discover a charming coastal town with a rich maritime heritage and access to some of South Africa's most compelling natural attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring local history, enjoying fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, or venturing into the surrounding Garden Route region, Mossel Bay offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for cruise passengers seeking authentic South African experiences.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Cape St. Blaize's Dramatic Cliffs

Hike to the iconic Cape St. Blaize lighthouse perched on towering sea cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The scenic coastal path rewards you with dramatic rock formations, crashing waves, and excellent opportunities to spot marine life including whales during peak season. This natural wonder is just minutes from the cruise terminal.

2

Fresh Seafood at the Waterfront

Savor exceptional line-caught fish and succulent crayfish at waterfront restaurants overlooking Mossel Bay's working harbor. Local chefs prepare traditional South African seafood dishes featuring the day's catch, paired with crisp local wines. The casual atmosphere and ocean views create an authentic coastal dining experience you won't forget.

3

Pinnacle Point Caves Discovery

Explore ancient Pinnacle Point Caves, where archaeological evidence reveals human habitation dating back 164,000 years. These limestone caverns showcase stunning geological formations and offer panoramic ocean vistas from the clifftop. Guided tours illuminate the fascinating history of early human settlement on the southern African coast.

4

Mossel Bay Market Treasures

Browse the vibrant local market for authentic South African crafts, beaded jewelry, and colorful textiles created by regional artisans. Discover unique souvenirs including locally-made ceramics and traditional artwork that reflect the area's rich cultural heritage. Friendly vendors share stories behind their handcrafted pieces, making shopping a genuine cultural exchange.

5

Great White Shark Cage Diving

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with cage diving among great white sharks in their natural habitat off Mossel Bay's coast. Expert operators guide you safely into the water to witness these magnificent predators up close. This thrilling adventure combines marine biology education with unforgettable encounters in one of the world's premier shark-diving destinations.

Cruise Lines at Mossel Bay

Cruises Departing From Mossel Bay

Cruises Visiting Mossel Bay

Ship Schedule at Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay Location

Other Cruise Ports in South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mossel Bay?

Mossel Bay is an official port in South Africa (Unlocode ZAMZY), located at -34.1747, 22.0834.

Where is Mossel Bay located?

It sits on the coast of the Western Cape, near Mossel Bay town in South Africa.

What can you do in Mossel Bay?

Enjoy beaches, maritime views, whale watching, and historic sites around the harbor.

What is the Unlocode for Mossel Bay?

ZAMZY.