Due to the amount of vessels using the bay as a safe anchorage and to replenish supplies, it was deemed necessary to erect a lighthouse on the bluff over-looking the bay. The lighthouse was lit on 15 March 1864. The 20,5 meter high, square white tower of the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse is situated 52 metres above sea level on a prominent headland at Mossel Bay and commands a magnificent view of the entrance into Mossel Bay.

On February 3, 1488 Bartolomeu Dias sailed into Mossel Bay. When he landed in the bay he called it Bahia (Aguada) de Sao Bras (the Watering place of St. Blaize) St. Blaize, is the patron saint of those who suffer from disorders of the ear.

The history of Mossel Bay is closely linked to maritime activities. The sites of the Phillia, Seagull and other wrecks were recently identified for an underwater museum because of easy accessibility.

The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex in the centre of town consists of various sites of interest, such as the Granary, the Shell Museum, the Culture Museum, the Spring, the Indigenous Garden, the Padrao and the most well known historical feature, the Old Post Office Tree. (The first Post Office on South 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 is still posted at the ancient Post Office – today a national monument.)

 
How to get there:
 

Latitude: 34° 11’ 09,45” S
Longitude: 22° 09’ 25,14” E

From Cape Town: Via the N2 past Somerset West, over Sir Lowry’s Pass. Proceed to Caledon Riviersonderend, Swellendam, Heidelberg, Riversdale and Albertina to Mossel Bay.

Route 62 is another alternate route. Turn off at Paarl, travel via Worcester, Montagu to Oudtshoorn on to Mossel Bay crossing the Outeniqua Mountains via the Robinson Pass.

From Port Elizabeth: take the N3 via Storms River, the Tsitsikamma district to Nature’s Valley, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness and George.
 

On offer:

• Guided tours of the lighthouse

• Curios and memorabilia on sale

• Self-catering accommodation - 1 self-catering cottage accommodating 6 persons in close proximity of the lighthouse

Accommodation:

Whale's Way

3x Bedrooms / 3x en-suites and one Bath Room
1 x Queen size bed
4 x ¾ beds