Excursion Mossel bay discovery tour at Mossel Bay

Explore the history and landmarks of the seafaring city of Mossel Bay during this scenic, half-day orientation excursion.

Mossel Bay, Orientation Tour, Outeniqua Mountains Historic ‘First Post Office’ Tree

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute orientation drive around Mossel Bay, a beach-blessed city in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains. A Dutch explorer named the bay in 1601, when he found a huge collection of mussel shells in a nearby cave. The area is still renowned for its mussels, seafood, and water-based activities such as surfing. Driving around the charming streets of Mossel Bay, see the 500-year-old milkwood tree that served as South Africa's first post office. It was established here centuries ago, when sailors left letters in the cleft of this tree so that other sailors could deliver them on their journeys. Now a national monument, the 500-year-old tree stands near the Dias Museum Complex.

Dias Museum Complex, Maritime Museum, Dias’ Ship Replica, Early Maps, Photos, Artefacts

The Dias Museum Complex was named for Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias, the first European to set foot in South Africa whilst searching for a spice route to the Far East in 1488. During your time here, you can take a guided tour of the Maritime Museum, the second-largest provincial museum affiliated to the Western Cape. Along the way, view exhibitions, a replica of Dias' ship, early maps and navigational instruments, narrated displays, and many photographs and artefacts depicting the history of early-European voyagers who discovered sea routes. This building once served as a granary and sawmill.

Refreshment Stop

Following your visit, a short stroll leads to Café Gannet restaurant (or similar) for a refreshment stop. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.  

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Mossel Bay, Outeniqua Mountains, Historic ‘First Post Office’ Tree, Dias Museum Complex, Refreshment Stop

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.3 miles (about 0.6 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 10 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.