Four more Cape Town beaches in line to earn Blue Flag status

Four more Cape Town beaches are in line for international Blue Flag recognition ahead of summer, joining eight that have retained full status for the 2026/27 season.

Chapman’s Peak in Hout Bay, Big Bay, Strand and Strandfontein have been selected as pilot sites under the internationally recognised programme.

The announcement was made at the annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony in Hermanus this week.

Cape Town has participated in the programme for 25 years. This marks the fifth consecutive season in which eight of its beaches have secured full Blue Flag status.

Four new Blue Flag pilot sites named

The four pilot sites will undergo a feasibility assessment to determine whether they can meet the programme’s international criteria.

These include water quality, safety, accessibility, environmental management and public amenities.

The eight Cape Town beaches awarded full Blue Flag status for 2026/27 are:

• Bikini Beach
• Camps Bay Beach
• Clifton 4th Beach
• Fish Hoek Beach
• Llandudno Beach
• Melkbosstrand
• Muizenberg Beach
• Silwerstroomstrand

The programme operates in more than 50 countries. In South Africa, it is facilitated by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), which has coordinated the initiative since 2001.

Blue Flag status provides an internationally recognised benchmark for beach management. It also offers reassurance to residents and visitors about water quality, safety and facilities.

“Eight full Blue Flags and four pilot sites are significant recognition of the year-round work that goes into maintaining our beaches and preparing them for residents and visitors,” said Francine Higham, Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Community Services and Health.

Amphibious wheelchairs to improve beach access

The City is also introducing new amphibious wheelchairs at several beaches this summer, including most of its Blue Flag beaches.

The wheelchairs will help beachgoers with mobility impairments access the ocean.

“As we head into summer, we are improving access through new amphibious wheelchairs at several beaches,” Higham added.

The City has deployed lifeguards at designated swimming beaches and has urged beachgoers to take precautions when enjoying the Cape coastline.