The first Post Office on Southern African soil was founded at Mossel Bay when in 1500, Pedro de Ataide left a letter of importance in a shoe under a large milkwood tree. Mail are still posted at the ancient Post Office - today a national monument.

The first place of Christian worship and erection of a Chapel on Southern African soil took place at Mossel Bay in 1501 when Joao da Nova erected a small stone prayer chapel dedicated to St Blaize.

Today, the mystery and romance of ancient folk and explorers is on display at the impressive Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, as well as reflected by the architectural styles, well preserved old stone buildings and various historical routes through town.

General Info
Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, beautiful Mossel Bay is a coastal village and harbour of the World Famous Garden Route. This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat. It is blessed with a mild climate all-year round but its most important feature is its status as the historical capital of the Garden Route.

Well-travelled pleasure boats dock regularly as well as other international seafarers using the modern docking facilities. Mossel Bay is a rapidly growing tourist destination as more and more travellers are discovering the Jewel of the Cape Garden Route.

Mossel Bay, the Point, a well-liked area for surfers, also features a natural pool formed by rock a popular swimming place at low tide. The St Blaize trail starts here and it is the ideal spot to watch the whales and dolphins at play in season.

There is plenty to do in Mossel Bay, such as sun tanning on the 24-km beach, shark ping and hiking.

The harbour at Mossel Bay is one of the most modern commercial and recreational harbours on the southern Cape coastline. The Information Centre at PetroSA (formerly Mossgas) informs visitors about the project and the production of synthetic fuels from Mossel Bay's offshore gas fields. Other attractions include the Attequas Kloof Pass, Anglo-Boer/South African War blockhouses and the Bartholomew Dias complex.

Mossel Bay Climate....
According to the Guinness Book of Records, this 'Karoo-by-the-sea' town has the second most moderate climate in the world, and has the only north facing beach in South Africa.

The sea temperature in summertime is 20 to 22 degrees C, and in the winter 14 to 16 degrees C. The average temperatures for September - May is 21 to 28 degrees C, and May to Sept. is 16 to 21 degrees C .