Eight beaches in the City of Cape Town have been awarded Blue Flag status by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).

This year, 48 beaches around South Africa’s coastline have been awarded Blue Flag status, including eight in the city of Cape Town and two in the Overstrand region.

To be awarded Blue Flag status, there are 33 strict criteria to meet, from the quality of the water to the accessibility and visitor facilities.

Blue Flag beaches must also comply with laws and regulations pertaining to issues related to coastal zone planning, waste water management, and environmental education and conservation.

Most importantly, the beach must be clean, algae vegetation or natural debris should be left on the beach, and safety measures must be in place to protect beach users.

The 2024 Blue Flag-certified beaches in Cape Town are:

Clifton 4th, which has been a Blue Flag beach for 20 years
Camps Bay
Llandudno
Muizenberg
Fish Hoek
Bikini Beach, which has been a Blue Flag beach for 10 years
Melkbossstrand
Silwerstroomstrand

In the Overstrand area, Kleinmond Beach and Grotto Beach in Hermanus were awarded Blue Flag status this year.

As one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats, Blue Flag status is a major boost for tourism.

IOL Travel