Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, Mossel Bay
Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Cape St. Blaize overlooking Mossel Bay, this historic white square tower has guided ships since 1864.
The site’s story begins centuries earlier. In 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias arrived on the feast day of São Brás (Saint Blaize) and named the bay Aguada de São Brás—the Watering Place of St. Blaize. The Dutch later called it Mossel Bay for its abundant mussels.
Construction of the lighthouse began in 1862 after local authorities funded it through harbour dues when the British government declined support. Built by John Goodman on solid rock, the 14-metre brick tower was first lit on 15 March 1864 with a fixed red light visible for about 15 nautical miles.
Today the fully operational lighthouse stands 73 metres above sea level, its modern white light flashing a range of 25 nautical miles. It remains a striking landmark, National Monument, and popular visitor spot offering sweeping ocean views—still a beacon for both mariners and travellers along South Africa’s Garden Route.
The Dias Caravel (Replica Ship) in Mossel Bay
At the heart of the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex stands a life-size replica of the small Portuguese caravel that explorer Bartolomeu Dias sailed into Mossel Bay in February 1488—the first European vessel to reach South African shores.
Built in Portugal and sailed to Mossel Bay in 1988 to mark the 500th anniversary of that historic voyage, the wooden ship (about 23.5 m long with lateen sails) now rests indoors in the Maritime Museum. Visitors can explore its cramped decks and quarters, gaining a vivid sense of the courage required for those early ocean crossings.
This iconic replica remains one of Mossel Bay’s most popular attractions, linking the town’s maritime past to its present as a Garden Route highlight.
Sailing Mossel Bay: Two Ways to Experience the Bay
There’s something special about seeing Mossel Bay from the water. Whether you’re after a relaxed cruise or a more traditional sailing feel, two local boats offer distinctly different experiences that both showcase the best of this beautiful coastline.
Kiyana is the spacious 40–42 ft catamaran that has become a favourite with families and groups. Her stable design makes for comfortable day trips and sunset sails around Seal Island, where seals lounge on the rocks and dolphins often appear. On warmer days there’s even the chance to swim, making it a relaxed and social way to enjoy the bay.
For those who prefer classic sailing, Sailing Voyager stands alone as the only mono-hull yacht operating in Mossel Bay. Her traditional design delivers genuine sailing performance and a more intimate feel. Seal Island trips and sunset cruises on Voyager offer a pure, hands-on experience of the wind and water.
Both boats depart from Mossel Bay Harbour and give visitors a chance to appreciate the town’s dramatic coastline, marine life and golden light from a completely different perspective. Whether you choose the easy comfort of the catamaran or the authentic yacht experience, a few hours on the water is one of the most memorable ways to connect with Mossel Bay.