The St Blaize Trail follows the cliffs of the Mossel Bay peninsula, starting at The Point, where the Cape St Blaize lighthouse stands above the waves, and running along the shoreline toward Dana Bay. The full route is about fourteen kilometres and is rated moderately demanding, around six out of ten, so you need reasonable fitness and good shoes, but you can also simply walk a short section of it from The Point. The path is a mix of cliff-top track, rock and sand with views over the Indian Ocean, and you may see dolphins and, in season, whales from the path. At The Point there is a cave at the foot of the cliff, a site with a long history of human use, and the lighthouse above it makes a recognisable landmark. The trail is free to walk, though guided and organised group hikes with shuttle transport exist if you would rather not arrange the return yourself. It is the best way to see the wilder coast of Mossel Bay beyond the beaches and the museum.
Choosing your walk
The full trail is usually walked as a point-to-point route, with transport arranged back to the start, as in the organised group hikes that run from The Point to Dana Bay and return by shuttle. If you prefer to go independently, start at The Point, walk the promenade toward the lighthouse and carry on along the path as far as you like, then turn back.
A short out-and-back walk to the cave and the cliffs takes about an hour, while the full distance is a day out. Check tide times and local advice before you set out, because some stretches near the water can be affected by high seas, and avoid the trail in storms or strong wind.
What to see
The lighthouse above The Point is the focus of the short walk, and the cave below is an archaeological site connected to early people on this coast. Further along, the path passes rock pools, fynbos and viewpoints where you can watch the sea. Whales can be seen from the shore from about June to November, and dolphins are possible at any time of year.
Birdlife includes oystercatchers and other seabirds along the rocks. Take plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, because there is little shade, and wear shoes with a firm sole for the uneven ground.
Making it part of Mossel Bay
Combine the walk with a visit to the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which is not far from The Point, and finish with lunch or a drink at the water's edge. If you are staying at The Point or the town centre, you can start from your hotel on foot.
Families with older children can manage the short section, but there are drops and uneven surfaces, so supervise younger ones and avoid the edge. For the full route, tell someone where you are going, carry a phone and start early so that you finish well before dark.
Safety and etiquette
Stay on the marked path, keep well back from the cliff edge and avoid walking alone in remote sections if you can, especially late in the day. Leave valuables in your accommodation rather than the car at the trailhead, and ask locally about the safest places to park.
Take your rubbish with you, respect the cave as an archaeological site and never climb on the fenced areas around the lighthouse. If the weather turns, shorten your walk and turn back, because the coast can be windswept, and a short, safe stroll is always better than an exhausting day.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided coastal path from The Point in Mossel Bay along the cliffs toward Dana Bay, or an organised group hike with a return shuttle.
Best time
Early morning for cooler walking and calm light; June to November adds a chance of whales from the cliffs.
How long
About an hour for a short walk to the cave and lighthouse, a day for the full fourteen kilometres.
Tips
Carry water and sun protection, wear shoes with grip, check tides and weather, and keep well back from cliff edges.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers who want sea views and a bit of exercise on the Mossel Bay peninsula.
- Families
- The short stretch near The Point suits families with older children, but there are cliff drops and uneven ground.
- Couples
- A sunrise or late-afternoon stroll to the lighthouse, then a seafront dinner.
- Pair with
- The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex and the Seal Island boat trip.
- Time needed
- One hour to a full day.
Good questions
How long is the St Blaize Trail?+
The full route from Dana Bay to The Point is about fourteen kilometres and is rated moderately demanding, around six out of ten. Many people walk only a short section.
Where does it start?+
The Point in Mossel Bay, near the lighthouse and the cave. Organised hikes use a shuttle to the Dana Bay end and walk back.
Can I see whales from the trail?+
Whales can often be seen from the shore from about June to November, and dolphins are possible all year.
Do I need to book?+
Not for walking independently. Organised group hikes need booking, so check with Mossel Bay Tourism.
What should I take?+
Water, a hat, sunscreen and shoes with a firm sole, plus a phone and a plan to finish before dark on the longer route.
