Explore the 33 Blue Flag Beaches of the Western Cape

The Blue Flag Programme is a globally recognized accolade trusted by millions. It is administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education headquartered in Copenhagen. To qualify for this prestigious award, several stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met. Through close collaboration with its members, the foundation tirelessly works to expand the program and maintain the unrivaled Blue Flag standards internationally.

The Blue Flag is voluntary, representing a strong commitment to ecological sustainability from the communities, marinas, and tourist boat operators that apply for the award annually. According to WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), all properties and businesses applying for the Blue Flag award are evaluated by a South African national jury as well as the international jury in Europe.

Blue Flag has been operating in South Africa since 2001, supporting tourism boat partners in 18 coastal municipalities across the country. Four key factors allow for in-depth analysis: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety. Universal access (including disabled individuals, elderly people, and mothers with small children), pet control (including dog beaches), availability of signage, and effective waste management are all part of the rigorous evaluation.

From 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’s 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