Explore the 33 Blue Flag Beaches of the Western Cape

The Blue Flag Programme is an internationally recognized award cherished by millions. It is offered by the Foundation for Environmental Education based in Copenhagen. To qualify for this prestigious honor, strict environmental, educational, safety, and access standards must be met. In collaboration with its members, the Foundation continuously works to expand the program and maintain the unparalleled Blue Flag standards worldwide.

The Blue Flag is voluntary and reflects a strong commitment to ecological sustainability from communities, marinas, and tourist boat operators applying for the award each year. According to WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), all facilities applying for the Blue Flag are assessed by a national jury in South Africa and an international jury from Europe.

Blue Flag has been operating in South Africa since 2001, supporting tourism boat partners across 18 coastal municipalities. Four key factors enable comprehensive analysis: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety. Accessibility (including disabled persons, elderly people, and mothers with small children), pet control (including dog beaches), availability of signage, and effective waste management are components of the rigorous assessment.

Out of the complete list in South Africa (51 beaches with full status and 20 pilot beaches), the Western Cape boasts 33 beaches with full status and five pilot beaches. Here is the list of beaches in the Western Cape awarded the Blue Flag for the summer season 2022/23.

Full Status:

Silwerstroomstrand – City of Cape Town
Clifton 4th – City of Cape Town
Camps Bay – City of Cape Town
Llandudno – City of Cape Town
Muizenberg – City of Cape Town
Strandfontein – City of Cape Town
Mnandi – City of Cape Town
Bikini – City of Cape Town
Melkbosstrand – City of Cape Town
FishHoek – City of Cape Town
Kleinmond – Overstrand
Hawston – Overstrand
Grotto – Overstrand
Castle beach – Overstrand
Onrus – Overstrand
Struisbaai – Cape Agulhas
Witsand – Hessequa
Preekstoel – Hessequa
Lappiesbaai – Hessequa
Jongensfontein – Hessequa
Gouritzmond – Hessequa
Stilbaai Wes – Hessequa
De Bakke – Mossel Bay
Hartenbos – Mossel Bay
Klein Brak – Mossel Bay
Santos – Mossel Bay
Glentana – Mossel Bay
Wilderness – Garden Route District and George Municipality
Herold’s Bay – George
The Waves – Keurboomstrand – Bitou
Nature’s Valley – Bitou
Lookout – Bitou
The Dunes – Bitou
Singing Kettle – Bitou

Pilot Status:

Strandfontein – City of Cape Town
Mnandi – City of Cape Town
Victoria Bay – George
Brenton on Sea – Knysna
Buffalo Bay – Knysna