Adventure Capital Of South Africa – 5 Heart-Racing Things To Do In Mossel Bay

3 min read

Mossel Bay is known as the adventure capital of the Garden Route, with over 50 activities to do. We have highlighted our 5 favourite heart-racers to try while staying at De Bakke Santos.

Courtesy of Coulson Art Photography and Mossel Bay Zipline

Mossel Bay Zipline

Mossel Bay boasts the longest zipline over the ocean at 1150 metres. You will be suspended 90 metres above the sea level and travel at an average speed of 80km/h. No experience is needed, and experts will be guiding you through everything, so don’t be anxious! Head to 6 Point Road, where you will find the office. From there you will be shuttled to the top of the cliffs and zip down from there. Remember to wear clothes that won’t be at risk of blowing away while on the zipline.

Courtesy of Dave Caravias and Shark Bookings

Great White Shark Cage Diving

If you are looking for an activity that accelerates the heart rate, shark cage diving is definitely near the top of the list! Seal Island off the coast of Mossel Bay attracts a lot of sharks, which makes the location ideal for shark cage diving. Depending on the season, you will be taken either to or a beach location via a short boat ride. Chum is thrown into the water and the wait starts – this could take anywhere from a couple of minutes to 2 hours, so be prepared to have to wait! Once the sharks have arrived, you will be lowered into the cage. An up-close encounter with this predator is sure to leave even the most stoic of people with a little quiver in their step. Remember that sharks are an important part of the sea’s ecosystem as they keep certain populations, like seals, in check, and they rarely attack humans. Be kind to these beautiful creatures!

Courtesy of Skydive Mossel Bay

Skydiving

For those who want to see Mossel Bay from a different perspective, skydiving is for you! You can either learn how to become a skydive instructor or simply do tandem jumps. Tandem skydiving means that you are strapped to an instructor, who deals with all the technical aspects of jumping – leaving you to admire the view and scream as loud as you can! The freefall lasts for about 30 to 50 seconds, followed by a canopy ride to the ground that lasts for a few minutes. You can either land at the airfield or on Diaz beach (dependent on weather). You have the option of a 10000-foot jump, or 14000-foot jump, which is one of the highest tandem skydives in Africa.

Courtesy of Mossel Bay Helicopters

Helicopter rides

If skydiving seems a bit too extreme for you, why not take a helicopter ride on a scenic flight over Mossel Bay and the surrounding areas? There are varying routes, which means you can choose a flight that suits your budget and needs. This is one of the most unique ways to explore the area and offers great views!

Courtesy of Mossel Bay Boat Adventures

Of course, Mossel Bay has great water activities to offer! Here are some of our favourites:

If you are looking for a fast ride, try the Freaking Fast Wave Rider and the Fearless Speedboat operated by Mossel Bay Boat Adventures. Fly across the bay at 150 kilometres per hour!

Parasailing is another fun activity, which can be done by people as young as 4! Soar 300 metres above the ocean and see Mossel Bay from afar. An activity that gets the adrenaline pumping, but that is also peaceful.

Looking for something more relaxed? Take a cruise to Seal Island and back. See the seals up close and learn more about them, their habitat, and the sea at large. Or go whale watching when they are along our coast. The season usually starts in July and ends in October. And don’t miss any of the glorious sunset cruises that depart from Mossel Bay harbour!

For a free adventure, head to the Point’s tidal pools for a dive and a swim!

There is so much more to explore in Mossel Bay – come and find out for yourself! Whether you are a novice or an expert, a single individual or a family, there is always something to do.

Feel free to ask our friendly staff for their recommendations. And don’t forget to tag us in the memories that you make!