Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
Mossel Bay is halfway between Cape Town and PE on the N2, around 400km from both.
WHEN TO GO
It’s temperate climate makes it a year-round destination. December holidays are packed; February to March is perfect. visitmosselbay.co.za
STAY HERE
Point Village manages selfcatering accommodation at The Point, Santos and Dias beaches. From R1 100 (sleeps two). 044-690-7782. pointvillage.co.za
The Lookout Apartment is funky mezzanine living in a quiet back street with bay views. Host Kristin McGachy also manages other properties in the area. From R700 (sleeps two). airbnb.com
Point Caravan Park
Be in the thick of the action in this perennially popular grassed and shaded site overlooking the sea. From R210 a site for six. 044-690-3501, mosselbay.gov.za
Hotel Portao Diaz in the suburb of D’Almeida has views over the bay. It also offers ‘township chic’ backpacker rooms and a Cultural Boma Experience with traditional fire-cooked dishes and entertainment. From R550. 044-6930050, hotelportaodiaz.co.za
DO THIS
Surf the Point. There are two main breaks: Outer Pool is for experienced surfers, while Inner Pool is more forgiving and fun. Ex-professional surfer Lu Whittaker is your go-to for coaching, advice and board rental. 078-297-3999 Skydive. The skilled crew from Skydive Mossel Bay will strap you into a harness, and join you for the exhilarating trip back to Earth from 3 000m. They also offer first-jump and free-fall progression courses. Tandem jumps from R3 100. 044-6951771, skydivemosselbay.com
Go sandboarding. Dragon Dune at Vleesbaai, west of town, is a steep, 300m-high adult sandbox and fun for all skill levels and ages; best on a misty morning or after rain. From R350 pp. 082-971-1405, dragondune.com
Step back in time at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex. Clamber aboard the full-size replica of Bartolomeu Dias’s caravel, sailed here in 1988 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the original landing (Getaway editor Justin Fox was one of the crew). R40 for adults and R10 for children. 044-691-1067, diasmuseum.co.za
Tour the Point of Human Origins caves outside town. From R275 pp for a 90-minute tour. 079-640-0004, humanorigin.co.za
See sharks. There’s a good reason why so many shark documentaries have been shot in this bay. Get close by cage diving with White Shark Africa. 044-691-3796, whitesharkafrica. com. Or see them at The Shark Lab, an intimate aquarium and research facility at
The Point. 063-408-1724 Drive out to Jakkalsvlei, a wine farm near Herbertsdale, for award-winning wines and artisanal pizza. 044-333-0222 There’s also Reed Valley where you’ll find many a local hanging out on Sundays for live music, good vibes and Portuguesetype tapas. 044-698-1022 Indulge in a beauty treatment at Pure Aesthetics salon. 082-511-6606
EAT HERE
The Merchant, run by Donavan Sheppard and decorated by artist wife Sammy, is the trendy spot in town. Ask the baristas for a guest-blend cortado, or a Jazz Special. 065-399-3850 Coffee @ Work is the morning go-to for a to-go cuppa for many locals. 071-692-1641
The Blue Shed has a great setting and there’s a kids’ play area. 044-691-0037
Stars Restaurant is a diner offering a wide-ranging menu, in-house roasted coffee and the best Wi-Fi in town. 044-690-3045
Carola Ann’s is an artisan eatery with a Syrian influence. 064-154-6393
Jackal on the Beach offers epic views, craft beers and hearty fare. 044-690-4567
Kaai 4 Braai. ‘Nuff said. 079-980-3981