Cape St Blaize Cave - Image 1
1 / 3

Cape St Blaize Cave

4.7
·15 reviews·Mossel Bay, South Africa

Ancient cave with stunning ocean views, starting point for the scenic St. Blaize Trail. A historical gem.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light & whale spotting

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cape St Blaize Cave - Image 1

Cape St Blaize Cave

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light & whale spotting

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient cave with stunning ocean views, starting point for the scenic St. Blaize Trail. A historical gem.

4.7
(15 reviews)

"An old cave with amazing ocean views and a great start to the hiking trail."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the St. Blaize Trail. Sneakers are highly recommended for the hike.

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Plenty of parking is available at the base of the cave, making access easy.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cape St. Blaize Cave

Cape St. Blaize Cave

Mossel Bay Point

An ancient archaeological site with stunning ocean views, once home to early humans.

Instagram+1
St. Blaize Trail

St. Blaize Trail

Starts at Cape St. Blaize Cave

A scenic 13.5km coastal hike offering panoramic Indian Ocean vistas and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Instagram+1
Lighthouse Views

Lighthouse Views

Above the cave

Climb up for elevated views of the cave, coastline, and the iconic Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Trail Prep is Key

The St. Blaize Trail starts at Cape St. Blaize Cave and is a 13.5km hike. Wear comfortable sneakers and be ready for a significant walk. While the cave itself is free to enter, the trail requires preparation. Reddit

Timing Your Visit

Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking ocean views and potential whale sightings. Parking is readily available at the base of the cave, making access convenient. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Magical light & whale spotting
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds on the trail
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St Blaize Trail Mossel Bay Starts at Cape St Blaize Cave and ends in Dana Bay 13,5km (one way) #mosselbay #capestblaize #lighthouse #trail #seals Reposted from @nadiajensen13
lekker_in_mosselbaai
1.1K likes • 30.5K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the St. Blaize Trail. Sneakers are highly recommended for the hike. Reddit

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Plenty of parking is available at the base of the cave, making access easy. Reddit

St Blaize Trail Mossel Bay Starts at Cape St Blaize Cave and ends in Dana Bay 13,5km (one way) #mosselbay #capestblaize #lighthouse #trail #seals
nadiajensen13
27 likes • 1.6K views
📍 The St. Blaize Trail is a popular 13.5 km (6 hour) hike that follows a trail along the cliffs westwards from the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse in Mossel Bay. It begins at the cave below the Lighthouse and ends at Dana Bay (you can walk it in either direction, though) 💡 Don't bank on a taxi (uber, bolt) being available for pick up on the Dana Bay side. We made the mistake of not organizing it ahead...
newplacestogo_za
25 likes • 409 views

🌊 Whale & Dolphin Spotting

Visit during migration seasons for a chance to see marine life from the cave or trail. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Hike with a Friend

The trail is long; consider hiking with company for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

📍Cape St Blaize Cave, Mossel Bay. 😍🇿🇦🥹 There are so many incredible attractions in Mossel Bay, and one you definitely should treat yourself to is the Cape St Blaize Cave! It is situated just below the lighthouse and has an amazing view! 😍🙌 #CinematicTravelSA #WesternCape #Tourism #MosselBay #Explore #SouthernCape #ImproveTourism #Hartenbos #mosselbaaitoerisme #mosselbaytourism #Africa #SouthAfric...
cinematictravelsa
223 likes • 6.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the St. Blaize Trail. Sneakers are highly recommended for the hike. Reddit

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Plenty of parking is available at the base of the cave, making access easy. Reddit

🌊 Whale & Dolphin Spotting

Visit during migration seasons for a chance to see marine life from the cave or trail. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Hike with a Friend

The trail is long; consider hiking with company for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

🚫 No Taxi Guarantee

Don't rely on taxis for pickup at the Dana Bay end of the trail. Plan accordingly. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cape St. Blaize Cave for its stunning ocean views and historical significance as an ancient human dwelling. The free entry and ample parking are definite pluses. While the cave itself is a highlight, many recommend extending the visit by hiking a portion of the scenic St. Blaize Trail for even more breathtaking vistas and potential whale sightings. Some caution those with a fear of heights regarding the trail's more exposed sections.

"An old cave with amazing ocean views. When it the skies are clear then pink hues of sunrise/sunset looks beautiful. If you walk further up from the cave on the hiking trail, you can view the lighthouse and have better views of the sea. You might even get lucky and see some whales. The famous Mossel Bay zip line runs by and you get also spot the adventurous zipping down the line.

Lots of free parking at the base of the cave and there is also an information centre."

Rakesh Beekum

"It was cute an experience. I would advise when visiting this cave pleade wear comfortable sneakers and be ready to hike and the entrance is free."

carol madimabe

"It has got a great sea view. There is one downside if you afraid of heights you can try till by cave platform but not further. It is free to visit."

ernest dinsdale

What People Like

Amazing ocean views
Free entry & parking
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Trail can be challenging
Fear of heights concern

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cape St Blaize Cave is located at Mossel Bay Point. There is ample free parking available at the base of the cave, making it easily accessible by car. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, relying on public transport for the start of the St. Blaize Trail might be challenging. It's best to drive or arrange private transport. Instagram

Yes, you can walk from Mossel Bay park to the cave. The cave is situated at the Point, a popular area to explore. Reddit

The St. Blaize Trail officially starts at the Cape St. Blaize Cave. You can also start from Dana Bay and hike towards the cave. Instagram+1

Yes, there is an information center located at the base of the cave, providing details about the area and the trail. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the entrance to Cape St Blaize Cave is free. You can explore the cave and enjoy the ocean views without any cost. Reddit

The St. Blaize Trail is a natural hiking path and does not require pre-booked tickets. It's open for exploration. Reddit

The cave is a natural formation and is accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times. Reddit

The main restriction is for those afraid of heights, as the trail beyond the cave platform can be daunting. Otherwise, it's open to all. Reddit

While the cave is a natural formation, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the ancient cave, enjoy stunning ocean views, spot whales and dolphins, and start the scenic St. Blaize Trail. Instagram+2

It's a 13.5km coastal hike along cliffs, offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. It takes about 6 hours to complete one way. Instagram+1

Yes, the cave and the trail are popular spots for whale and dolphin watching, especially during migration seasons. Instagram+1

The trail is long (13.5km) and can be challenging. Beginners might want to hike a shorter section or be well-prepared. Instagram

Besides whales and dolphins, you might spot dassies near the cave. The ocean views are a major draw. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The cave entrance with the ocean backdrop, the view from the trail looking back at the cave, and the lighthouse from the higher vantage points are excellent. InstagramReddit

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for stunning ocean and coastal shots. Reddit

Yes, the lighthouse is visible from the trail above the cave, providing great photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Some visitors enjoy taking pictures at the yellow frame in Mossel Bay, which is a popular photo spot. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and the cave. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cape St. Blaize Cave offers a fascinating, free natural attraction for families. The cave itself is impressive, and the surrounding area provides beautiful ocean views. Instagram While the full St. Blaize Trail might be too long for younger children, families can explore the area around the cave and the lighthouse, enjoying the scenery and perhaps spotting some dassies. Instagram Consider a shorter walk along the beginning of the trail for manageable adventure. Remember to bring snacks and water, and ensure children wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers

The St. Blaize Trail is a must-do for adventure seekers. This 13.5km coastal hike offers challenging terrain and spectacular views, perfect for a day of exploration. Instagram+1 Pack plenty of water, snacks, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Reddit For an added thrill, Mossel Bay offers ziplining activities that run near the cave and trail, providing an adrenaline rush with incredible coastal vistas. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Cape St. Blaize Cave and its surroundings are a photographer's paradise. Capture the dramatic interplay of light and sea, especially during sunrise and sunset for golden hour magic. Reddit The cave entrance, the rugged coastline, and the iconic lighthouse offer diverse photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit Don't forget a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast ocean views and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The St. Blaize Trail: A Hiker's Guide

The St. Blaize Trail is a renowned 13.5km coastal hike in Mossel Bay, stretching from the Cape St. Blaize Cave to Dana Bay. This trail is celebrated for its breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, dramatic cliffside paths, and opportunities for wildlife sightings, including whales and dolphins. Instagram+1 The hike typically takes around 6 hours to complete one way, making it a substantial undertaking that requires good preparation. Instagram

Travelers often recommend wearing comfortable sneakers as the terrain can be uneven. Reddit While the trail is free to access, planning your logistics is crucial. Many suggest starting at Dana Bay and ending at the cave to enjoy a refreshing dip at The Point afterward. Instagram Be aware that taxi services might not be readily available at the Dana Bay end, so arrange your transport in advance. Instagram

For those seeking a shorter experience, it's possible to hike a portion of the trail. The views are rewarding even on shorter segments. Instagram The trail is best enjoyed during the cooler parts of the day, especially during sunrise or sunset for spectacular lighting and potential marine life encounters. Reddit

A Glimpse into History: Cape St. Blaize Cave

The Cape St. Blaize Cave is more than just a scenic spot; it's a significant archaeological site that offers a window into ancient human history. Discovered to have been inhabited by early humans over 150,000 years ago, the cave provided shelter and access to abundant marine resources. Instagram+2 European colonists initially called it "Schulpegat" (Shell cavern) due to the vast number of shells found within. Instagram

The cave's impressive dimensions, spanning approximately 10 meters high and 72 meters wide, made it an ideal dwelling for ancient inhabitants. Instagram Its location, right below the lighthouse and steps from the ocean, offered both protection and sustenance. Today, it serves as a fascinating historical landmark and a popular spot for visitors to connect with the past. Instagram

While exploring the cave, you can imagine the lives of those who sought refuge here millennia ago. The natural grotto offers a unique perspective on human history and the enduring connection between people and the sea. Instagram

You may also like