Media Release: Blue flags to fly at twenty Garden Route beaches

6 November 2024

Twenty (20) Garden Route beaches have been awarded Blue Flag Status this year by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with coastal municipalities and private entities. Three of the Garden Route beaches were awarded pilot Blue Flag status. South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag Programme for 23 years, since 2001.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel upon receiving the news, said: “The awards symbolise that beaches have been recognized for their excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility.”

“Blue Flag Beaches have improved tourism facilities and includes enhanced approach to the management of coastal systems,” says Stroebel.

Stroebel also shared his gratitude to the coastal municipalities for their dedicated efforts: “Thank you to Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George and Bitou municipalities for your commitment in applying for Blue Flag Status and maintaining our beautiful beaches to the highest standards. Your hard work is truly commendable. This achievement not only boosts the image of the Garden Route but also reinforces our region as a top destination for both locals and visitors.

Garden Route beaches with successful Blue Flag accreditation include the following:

George (3) – Visit George Tourism website
* Herold’s Bay
* Victoria Bay
* Wilderness Beach

Plettenberg Bay (6) – Visit the Plett Tourism website
* Robberg 5
* The Waves
* Nature’s Valley
* Lookout Beach
* The Dunes
* Singing Kettle Beach

Mossel Bay (5) – Visit the Mossel Bay Tourism website
* De Bakke Beach
* Hartenbos Beach
* Little Brak Breach
* Santos Beach
* Glentana Beach

Hessequa (6) – Visit the Hessequa Tourism website
* Witsand Beach
* Preekstoel Beach
* Lappiesbaai Beach
* Jongesnfontein Beach
* Gouritzmond Beach
* Stilbaai-Wes Beach

The Blue Flag Pilot Sites in George include Leentjiesklip, and in Mossel Bay it includes Tweekuilen and Suiderkruis beaches.

On top of the beaches that received Blue Flag Status, the following marinas and sustainable boats also received Blue Flags!

Two (2) marinas and 2 sustainable boating tourism operators have been awarded Blue Flag status. The marinas are Thesen Islands and Thesen Harbour in Knysna, while the sustainable boats are Robberg Express and Oceanic Express operated by Offshore Adventures in Plettenberg.

The list of sites is available here for viewing.

Enjoy your time exploring these beautiful spots along the Garden Route!

Feature image: Victoria Bay received Blue Flag Status for the second consecutive time. Pictured is also the Victoria Bay Caravan Park sites – the Western Terrace in the left corner and the Railway Terrace at the top. Both of these sites are fully booked for the holiday season.

ENDS