The total number of South African beaches achieving prestigious Blue Flag status ahead of the peak summer season has risen from 48 to 50.
The 2025/26 list of beaches includes three new entrants from KwaZulu-Natal (Willard Beach and Salt Rock in Ballito and New St Michaels on the South Coast). Santos Beach in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, has been removed from the list but is now a Blue Flag pilot beach.
Beaches that achieve Blue Flag status have adhered to the Foundation for Environmental Education’s strict standards of environmental management. These include water quality, safety and public environmental education – all assessed by a South African National Jury and a Blue Flag International Jury in Europe.
Kelly’s Beach in the Eastern Cape and Lappiesbaai in the Western Cape were both recognised for achieving Blue Flag status for the 20th consecutive year. Witsand in the Western Cape and Umzumbe on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast each achieved 15 consecutive years.
“These milestones reflect decades of environmental stewardship, community partnership and dedication to keeping our coastlines clean, safe and sustainable,” said Mike Denison, Senior Manager of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) Coastal Programme, which oversees the Blue Flag programme.
Five marinas achieved Blue Flag status: four in the Western Cape (Thesen Harbour Town Marina, Thesen Islands Homeowners Marine, V&A Waterfront and Club Mykonos) and one in the Eastern Cape (Royal Alfred).
The seven tourism boats awarded Blue Flag status are all in the Western Cape: three vessels operated by Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours, two by Offshore Adventures and two by the White Shark Diving Company.
The number of WESSA Green Coast sites (less-developed coastal areas that balance biodiversity protection with nature-based tourism) more than doubled from seven to 15.
See the full list of 2025/26 Blue Flag beaches below:
