Cape Town beaches continue to lead with eight Blue Flag accolades, which highlights the City’s ongoing dedication to maintaining these standards, ensuring that our coastline remains a safe and enjoyable destination for residents and visitors alike.
At a national ceremony held in Cape Town on 28 October, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) announced the Blue Flag and Green Coast awards for the 2024/25 season. This annual event, first introduced in 2001, celebrates excellence in coastal management and sustainable tourism.
- The Blue Flag programme, a globally recognised eco-label, promotes sustainable development at beaches, marinas and tourism boats through strict criteria that help ensure the integrity of our marine and coastal resources for generations to come.
‘Today, we celebrate beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators that have met the stringent requirements for Blue Flag status, as well as the passionate people behind these efforts. WESSA’s Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes work collaboratively with the City to address critical environmental issues affecting coastal environmental management, and the well-being of people who enjoy these eco-systems. These initiatives inspire responsible tourism and showcase the vital role communities play in caring for our natural spaces,’ said WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete.
For the 2024/25 season, the City of Cape Town’s eight Blue Flag beaches are:
• Silwerstroomstrand
• Clifton 4th
• Camps Bay
• Llandudno
• Muizenberg
• Bikini Beach
• Melkbosstrand
• Fish Hoek
The 2024/25 Blue Flag season officially opens on 1 December 2024 and runs until 31 January 2025 at all accredited beaches. During the operating times posted at these beaches and confirmed by the visual presence of the Blue Flags flying over them, beachgoers can look forward to pristine coastal conditions, sea-water quality tested weekly, well-maintained facilities and enhanced safety measures.
A key focus this season will be the promotion of water safety. Lifeguards will be on duty and safety information will be prominently displayed at each Blue Flag beach to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience. To support this goal, the City will roll out educational initiatives, including drowning prevention campaigns and learn-to-swim programmes at public recreational facilities.
‘The City is thrilled that eight of our beaches have once again achieved Blue Flag status for the upcoming season. This recognition highlights our commitment to maintaining safe, clean and accessible coastal spaces. We commend our staff for their hard work in achieving this prestigious accolade. The Blue Flag symbolises our commitment to environmental conservation and responsible coastal management for the 2024/25 season. We encourage all beachgoers to enjoy our beaches responsibly and look forward to a successful summer,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
The City remains committed to providing top-tier beach experiences while upholding environmental conservation. As we celebrate these achievements, the City of Cape Town continue to work tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty and safety of our coastlines for future generations.
WHAT: Cape Town beaches – eight Blue Flag accolades
WHERE: Silwerstroomstrand Clifton 4th Camps Bay Llandudno Muizenberg Bikini Beach Melkbosstrand Fish Hoek
WHEN: 2024/25 season
INFO: See Cape Town Green COASTAL Map | see also Cape Town Green Map  | PHOTO: City representatives at the 2024/25 Blue Flag announcement event