Local Ecology & Environment
Marine Life
Fauna & Flora
St. Blaize Hiking Trail
Point of Human Origins
Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
Dana Bay Area
Marine Life
 | MARINE LIFEMossel Bay lies on the Indian Ocean, which is warmer than further up the West Coast, making it the ideal location for marine life to flourish. Visitors can look out for: 1. Southern Right Whales (June – November) 2. Humpback Whales (June – November) 3. Dolphins 4. Great White Sharks 5. Seals and other smaller marine mammals. You can also enjoy watching ocean birds, such as gulls, kites, albatross and oystercatchers, going about their business on the cliffs and dunes. |
Fauna & Flora
 | FAUNA AND FLORAYou’ll find an abundance of natural beauty in and around Mossel Bay. The indigenous fauna here is one of the most diverse in the world, forming part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Among the flora you can spot many beautiful creatures. These include duiker, a small, brown antelope that’s very shy and elusive, and Vervet monkeys, cheeky grey and black monkeys that will enjoy playing in the tree branches or underbush below. There is also a colourful array of birdlife to look out for, from the indigenous sunbird sugar-birds and weavers, to the large eagles, gulls and African rail. |
St. Blaize Hiking Trail
 | ST. BLAZE HIKING TRAILThe St. Blaize Trail was named after the historical arrival of Bartolomeu Dias upon our shores on the Patron Saint day of Saint Blaize, which was also the original name of Mossel Bay. In 1601, Dutch navigator, Paulus van Caerden, named our town “Mosselbaai”, since mussels were all they could find to eat. The trail itself starts at the cave below the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse in town, before taking you on a 13.5km hike to Dana Bay. This beautiful hike offers breathtaking views of the area and gives you a glimpse of what it might have looked like when people first landed here. |
Point of Human Origins
 | POINT OF HUMAN ORIGINSMossel Bay is home to one of the oldest sites of human origins in the world. Take a tour of the caves and find out more about the history of our species from archeologists, all while walking in our ancestor’s footsteps. |
Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
 | CAPE ST. BLAIZE LIGHTHOUSEThis beautiful lighthouse was built in the 1800s to guide ships through the dangerous waters of the bay. Its light has saved countless lives from being lost at sea, and is now an incredible landmark in Mossel Bay. Take in the incredible views from the outlook post or get to know the history of the building and area. |
Dana Bay Area
 | DANA BAY AREADana Bay is often overlooked as a part of Mossel Bay. However, it has its own unique beauty, that’s shown in its indigenous wildlife, flora and stunning vistas. A drive to this pretty destination (or hike along the St. Blaize Trail) is well worth it! |