Eight Cape Town Beaches Retain Blue Flag Status for 2026/27 Season
Eight Cape Town Beaches Retain Blue Flag Status for 2026/27 Season. Eight Cape Town beaches have secured Blue Flag status for the 2026/27 season, while four additional beaches have been selected as pilot sites ahead of the summer beach season.
The awards were announced at the annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony held at Grotto Blue Flag Beach in Hermanus on 8 October 2026.
The eight beaches have achieved full Blue Flag status for the fifth consecutive season, continuing Cape Town’s participation in the international programme for 25 years.
The beaches recognised for the 2026/27 season are Bikini Beach, Camps Bay Beach, Clifton 4th Beach, Fish Hoek Beach, Llandudno Beach, Melkbosstrand, Muizenberg Beach and Silwerstroomstrand.
Chapman’s Peak in Hout Bay, Big Bay, Strand and Strandfontein have been named Blue Flag pilot sites. These beaches will undergo a feasibility period to assess their ability to meet the programme’s international criteria.
Blue Flag is an international environmental certification programme operating in more than 50 countries. Participating beaches are assessed against criteria covering environmental education and management, water quality, safety, accessibility and public amenities.
In South Africa, the programme is coordinated 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 said several beaches, including most of its Blue Flag beaches, will have new amphibious wheelchairs this season to improve ocean access for people with mobility impairments.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said the awards recognised the work required to maintain beach standards and prepare for the summer season.
She also encouraged residents and visitors to take precautions along the coastline and help keep beaches safe, clean and accessible.
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department will continue working with other municipal departments and partners to maintain the standards required for Blue Flag status and improve beach accessibility during the 2026/27 season.
