Overstrand Municipality is flying high on the international stage, cementing its reputation as one of South Africa’s premier coastal destinations with a remarkable collection of Blue Flag recognitions that showcase the region’s commitment to world-class environmental standards.
For the 2025-’26 Blue Flag season, South Africa boasts 50 full-status Blue Flag beaches and 20 pilot sites, bringing the national total to 70 recognised beaches. In Overstrand, Grotto Beach in Hermanus and Kleinmond Beach have once again earned full Blue Flag status, while Hawston, Onrus, and Castle Beach (Pearly Beach) are recognised as Blue Flag Pilot beaches.
The Blue Flag programme, managed in South Africa by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa), promotes sustainable coastal tourism through strict criteria covering water quality, environmental education, management and safety.
Beaches must reapply annually and maintain high standards to retain their status. Pilot beaches are still working towards full accreditation, but are already required to demonstrate progress in key areas such as water quality monitoring and public environmental awareness.
While pilot beaches are still working toward full accreditation, they must already demonstrate progress in key areas such as water quality testing and public environmental awareness.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Archie Klaas said: “The Blue Flag status is a well-respected international award, ensuring each beach is not only beautiful and safe, but also environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Hence, Blue Flag beaches are highly sought after by tourists.”
He reminded residents that an amphibious wheelchair is available at Grotto and Kleinmond, allowing people with disabilities to enjoy the beach safely under the supervision of lifeguards.
He also commended CapeNature’s Walker Bay, which received Green Coast recognition for natural, less-developed coastal areas that balance biodiversity conservation with eco-tourism.
In Gansbaai, five eco-tourism boats operated by Marine Dynamics and White Shark Diving received Blue Flag Boat status, recognised for excellence in marine education, safety, and responsible tourism, contributing to sustainable marine experiences along the Overstrand coast.
The awards ceremony also highlighted Wessa’s Stop the Strangle campaign, which tackles marine pollution and discarded fishing gear, a major threat to marine life. Each year, an estimated 640 000 tons of fishing gear enter the oceans, posing long-term dangers to marine ecosystems.
The Blue Flag season will run from 1 December 2025 to mid-January 2026 for Kleinmond, Hawston, Onrus and Castle Beach, while Grotto Beach will have an extended season until Easter Weekend 2026.
