Maritime Museum

S 34 10.799 E 022 08.493

Maritime Museum is home to a full-size replica of the original Bartolomeu Dias caravel. The venture was jointly commissioned by the South African and Portuguese governments in 1988 to mark the 500-year anniversary of the first Portuguese landing. The replica was sailed down from Portugal, following Dias's original route, before being pulled ashore and into the heart of the museum. You can board the ship for an extra R15. While the ship's presence may steal the show, the exhibits of Portuguese early nautical technology and exploration are overflowing with information and the collection of early cartography is great for map nerds. Upstairs is also a motley collection of Mossel Bay antiques and artifacts.

Tags: activities, area attractions, botanical garden, city sights, colonial history, historical landmark, local activities, maritime museum, museum, naval history, sightseeing, trails