Eight Cape Town Beaches Retain Blue Flag Status for 2026/27 as Four More Named Pilot Sites
The awards mark the fifth consecutive season in which eight City beaches have achieved full Blue Flag status, continuing Cape Town’s 25-year participation in the international programme.
The beaches were announced at the annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony at Grotto Blue Flag Beach in Hermanus on 8 October 2026.
The eight beaches awarded full Blue Flag status are:
• Bikini Beach
• Camps Bay Beach
• Clifton 4th Beach
• Fish Hoek Beach
• Llandudno Beach
• Melkbosstrand
• Muizenberg Beach
• Silwerstroomstrand
Four additional beaches have been selected as Blue Flag pilot sites: Chapman’s Peak in Hout Bay, Big Bay, Strand and Strandfontein.
Pilot sites undergo a feasibility period during which their ability to meet the programme’s international criteria is assessed.
Beach standards and accessibility
Blue Flag is an international environmental certification programme operating in more than 50 countries. In South Africa, participating beaches are assessed against criteria covering environmental education and management, water quality, safety, accessibility and public amenities.
The programme is co-ordinated in South Africa by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa), which has managed it since its introduction in the country in 2001.
The City of Cape Town says several beaches, including most of its Blue Flag beaches, will have new amphibious wheelchairs this season to improve access to the ocean for people with mobility impairments.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said the awards recognised the work involved in maintaining beach standards and preparing for the summer season.
She also urged residents and visitors to take precautions when using the coastline and help keep beaches safe, clean and accessible.
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department will continue working with other City departments and partners to maintain the standards required for Blue Flag status and improve beach access.