Where to Stay in Mossel Bay: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025
If you’re making the drive down the Garden Route, you’ll need to know where to stay in Mossel Bay.
This beautiful harbour town is well worth a visit, with its idyllic beaches, rich history and stunning natural beauty. Actually, if you’re anything like me, all will take is the smell of the salty, Mossel Bay air and the sound of the water, and you’ll want to stay forever.
About 485 km east of Cape Town, Mossel Bay sprawls across the St. Blaize Peninsula. The headland juts out into the Indian Ocean, and is lined with more than 60 km of soft sand beaches among the rocky shores.
🏆 No time to read till the end? Book the very
best accommodation here ⬇︎ :
- Top Rated Overall: The Lookout Guesthouse
Choosing the right place to stay while you’re here can make all the difference to your trip. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations, budget-friendly places, or somewhere that welcomes your pets, it’s here in Mossel Bay.
Let’s dive into where to stay in Mossel Bay, and get you one step closer to your dream vacation.
🧳 Book your trip with the companies that I know and trust:
☑︎ Accommodations – Booking.com for the best selection
☑︎ Flights – I love WayAway, and you can get 10% off with this link
☑︎ Travel Insurance – I use SafetyWing. Never skip travel insurance!
☑︎ Tours/experiences – Viator is my favourite
☑︎ Car rental – Discover Cars searches international & local rental companies to find what you need
My Top Picks: Where to Stay in Mossel Bay
Where to Stay in Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is a coastal paradise in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It’s known for its temperate climate, making it an ideal destination all year round.
The town has an amazing variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. These range from water sports such as surfing and scuba diving, to hiking trails and wildlife experiences.
For me, this is the perfect mix of things to do for a beach holiday, short or long. And of course if all you’re up for is soaking up the sun, Mossel Bay is perfect for that, too.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Mossel Bay has it for you!
✔️ Highest Rating Overall in Mossel Bay:
The Lookout Guesthouse – ⭐️ Rated 9.8 (read reviews) $$
Lookout is a beautiful guesthouse with a range of rooms to choose from. Indulge in the lux master suite if you’re looking to sink in and spend some time.
Or, if you can only stay a night or two and don’t want to get too attached, opt for a basic room. It has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
There are deluxe sea view and bay view rooms as well. But be aware that you may spend much of your time gazing at those views.
Whichever experience you opt for, you’ll be able to walk to Santos Beach. Plus, the centre of Mossel Bay is less than a kilometre from your doorstep.
“The view is spectacular! I have been to Mossel Bay alot, but have never seen the town from such an amazing point.. The whole establishment is exceptional, clean and well decorated. It provide a relaxed environment.”
– Janniedk (read more reviews)
Past guests rave about the hosts, their kindness and useful tips about the area. The full Irish/English breakfast is a big hit, too!
I don’t know about you, but I love a good breakfast on holiday. Not to mention that your hosts really can make or break a trip.
The Lookout Guesthouse is a winner on all counts!
✅ Check availability and book your stay at The Lookout Guesthouse by clicking here!
✔️ Best Pet-Friendly in Mossel Bay
Seaside Tresure – ⭐️ Rated 10/10 (read reviews) $$
How much better is a holiday when we can take our furry friends along? Seaside Tresure is 100% pet-friendly, with no extra charges.
The property is right on the beach – one you can see from your own patio! I love nothing more than to be able to walk right onto the beach when I wake up in the morning.
Or even just stand at the window and take it all in.
The vacation home is also equipped with a separate bathroom, 2 baths, and a fully equipped kitchen. And a dishwasher. That’s a huge plus for me.
“House was very clean and everything was perfect upon arrival. The kitchen, equipment, linen, towels etc was all great. Views from the property are spectacular. It was a wonderful two nights – thank you to the hosts and their team.”
– Ogilvie (read more reviews)
Another great bonus – the larger bathroom is furnished with a hot tub. There’s also a bidet, as well as a washing machine for your convenience.
The braai (bbq) and outdoor fireplace are just cherries on top of the icing on Seaside Tresure’s cake.
🐾 pets allowed at no extra charge
✅ Check availability and book your stay at Seaside Tresure by clicking here!
✔️ Best Budget Option in Mossel Bay
Shepherd’s Rest – ⭐️ Rated 9.5/10 (read reviews) $
Though it’s not located right on the beach, you are treated to those spectacular sea views across the Indian Ocean. It’s just a part of staying at Shepherd’s Rest.
You’re also just right across from the St. Blaize Nature Trail. Plus, if you’d like to work on your golf game while you’re in town, there’s a course within 2 miles of the apartment.
The ground-floor apartment is equipped with an outfitted kitchen, including a dishwasher. As well, you’ve got your own washing machine – a huge plus, especially if you’ve been travelling for a while.
“Excellent, would highly recommend Shepherds rest. The location was perfect for our long weekend stay, access to the St Blaize Nature Trail was just opposite, the views were stunning and we were fortunate to see a pod of Dolphins surfing in the waves and there were 3 whales basking just offshore. The apartment was perfect, clean & tidy with everything you could possibly need to make your stay enjoyable.”
– Rob (read more reviews)
In addition, there’s a garden for you to enjoy, braai (bbq) facilities for your use. There are little extras, too that make all the difference, like the electric blanket and sofa bed for the kids.
And a fenced area for your pets. All for an unbeatable price at Shepherd’s Rest.
🐾 Pets permitted at no charge
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Shepherd’s Rest by clicking here!
✔️ Best 5-Star Option in Mossel Bay
African Oceans Manor on the Beach – ⭐️ Rated 9.1 (read reviews) $$
Beachside luxury is what it’s all about at African Ocean Manor. Each suite has panoramic mountain and ocean views. Enjoy from your own patio, or while you float in the outdoor pool.
Their lavish suites can sleep from 2 to 6 people. Depending on which suite you choose, you may have a kitchenette complete with dishwasher.
Others come with a private hot tub. All are spacious, lush, and airy.
Days all start with a gourmet breakfast, which also comes with insane ocean views from the comfortable dining room.
“Tranquil,beautiful, a treat to the senses!The hotel room was very spacious. We had an entire apartment to ourselves, with a TV Viewing Room, a dining room, a kitchen, 2 bedrooms and 2 en-suite bathrooms. We had our own deck with a personal hottub, and there was another hottub on the deck overlooking the beautiful beach. The breakfast was also fantastic!”
– Saralyn (read more reviews)
Past guests have only great things to say about the staff, as well. They’re happy to arrange off-site activities for you, such as horseback riding or shark cage diving.
It’s hard to imagine anything that hasn’t been provided for you at African Oceans Manor on the Beach!
🐾 Except your pets, which are not allowed
✅ Check availability and book your stay at African Oceans Manor
on the Beach by clicking here!
✔️ Best Beachfront Hotel
Diaz Hotel and Resort – ⭐️ Rated 8.3/10 (read reviews) $$
Only 10 metres from the high water mark on Diaz Beach sits the beautiful Diaz Hotel and Resort. It doesn’t get more beachfront than that.
And when you’re not on the beach, you won’t lack creature comforts at Diaz. You can choose from a variety of room sizes, including family rooms.
If you’d prefer to be able to prepare your own meals, browse their self-catering options.
“The whole experience. The setting, the view, the sound of the ocean, the beautiful room, friendly sThe whole experience. The setting, the view, the sound of the ocean, the beautiful room, friendly staff and great food. Thank you!”
– Koch (read more reviews)
If you’re travelling with kids, or just the kid in you, you’ll be happy to find a waterpark right next door. Water slides, tubes, and the Lazy River Will provide all the excitement you can handle.
Guests are served a delicious English/Irish breakfast to start the day. Unfortunately, the onsite restaurant, Bahia Bleu, falls short when it comes to food and service.
However, there are local restaurants close enough to walk to. That shouldn’t be a deal breaker if you’d like to try out the Diaz Hotel.
*Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required
🐾 Pets are not permitted
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Diaz Hotel and Resort by clicking here!
✔️ Best Beachfront Vacation Rental
Seafront Apartment in Mossel Bay – ⭐️ Rated 9.4/10 (read reviews) $$
Seafront is a self-catering apartment that is just 150 metres from De Bakke Beach. As one of Mossel Bay’s esteemed Blue Flag beaches, you can be sure that De Bakke is committed to sustainable management.
Communities work to ensure that Blue Flag beaches have easy access for all and deliver top-notch services and stringent safety measures. They also take an active role in the consistent surveillance of water quality.
This top-rated vacation rental has a well-equipped kitchen. This includes a dishwasher, something I’m always really excited to see.
“Absolutely stunning accommodation. This property had all the facilities needed for a family stay. Full Dstv and Netflix, Dishwasher, Washing machine and tumble dryer. Each bedroom had its own bathroom. The view from the balcony was absolutely breathtaking overlooling the ocean.”
– Lizelle (read more reviews)
You’ll have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and your own laundry. Plus there are braai (bbq) facilities available for your use, and a golf course about 3.2 miles away.
Seafront Apartment is clean, modern, and in a great location!
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Seafront Apartment in Mossel Bay
by clicking here!
✔️ Best Hotel in Mossel Bay with Spa Services
La Best Pinnacle Point Lodge – ⭐️ Rated 8.7 (read reviews) $$
Located in the Pinnacle Point Golf Estate, the Lodge is the perfect spot for everyone you’re travelling with.
You have a choice between the 3 bedroom villa and the 2 bedroom apartments. Each has everything you need to settle in and feel at home.
As a guest, you’ll have access to a swimming pool with bar, and the Lodge gardens. You’re also just a few minutes walk from the Pinnacle Point Golf Estate’s spa facilities and restaurant. Plus Garden Route Casino is just 5 minutes away.
“It was a wonderful stay, just too short – would certainly recommend it and will be back. Just very easy, the gent that met us was very cordial and helped us in with our baggage. The view from the property is spectacular. It was a real home away from home.”
– Dave (read more reviews)
While you’re here, make use of one of the top 10 golf courses in South Africa. As well, the staff can arrange all manner of activities for you. Try snorkelling, diving, fishing, tennis, just to name a few.
And if none of those appeal, there are several walking and hiking paths easily accessible from the property. The St. Blaise trail, even, goes right by the Estate.
✅ Check availability and book your stay at La Best Pinnacle Point Lodge by clicking here!
🤿 Things to Do in Mossel Bay
1. Visit the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse
The 14-metre lighthouse was built in 1864, and has heart-stopping views from the top. Take in the views from the restaurant on the ground floor or try to book one of their 2 two guest rooms.
2. Shark Cage Diving in Mossel Bay
This is a great, adrenaline-pumping adventure. It’s your chance to get up close to a great white shark without risking life or limb.
3. Dragon Dune Sandboarding
Just a short distance outside Mossel Bay is the longest sandboard ride in South Africa. Try out this new – future Olympic – sport?!
4. Fishing and Kayaks
Even if you’ve never tried either one, visit the DuneSeven website. They’ll make sure you have all of the equipment and guidance you need to have an amazing time.
5. Helicopter Tour
The ultimate bird’s eye view of Mossel Bay. Mossel Bay Helicopters has options for every budget – do NOT forget your camera.
😎 The Best Time to Visit Mossel Bay
There’s no bad time to visit Mossel Bay. It averages 320 sunny days per year. If you like to plan around town events, have a look at the community calendar.
🚖 Getting to Mossel Bay
- The George Regional Airport is 40 km, about 30 minutes, northeast of Mossel Bay if you’re flying in.
- Or, if you’re taking the Garden Route, come in on the N2.
- Minibus taxis travel between Cape Town and Mossel Bay.
- Private car or shuttle service
- A long-distance bus is another good option.
Summing It Up: Where to Stay in Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is more than just a picturesque seaside town. It’s an experience, and it offers something for everyone. From water sports to helicopter flights to its Blue Flag beaches, there’s no end to what you can discover here.
The wide range of accommodation options ensure that whether you’re a luxury seeker, a my-dog-goes-where-I go person, or a budget traveller, you’ll find a place that feels like home. So, why wait? Today’s the day to start planning your trip to Mossel Bay!
Keep Reading!
➵ Whale Watching in Mossel Bay: An Info-Packed Guide
➵ 23 Awesome Things to Do in Mossel Bay in 2024
➵ Soar with the Clouds: Top Hot Air Balloon Rides in South Africa
➵ Discover the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in South Africa
