The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.

The Blue Flag Programme is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

The Blue Flag Programme includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.

Please visit www.blueflag.org for more information.

Big Bay beach
Big Bay beach affords the beachgoer a fantastic view of Table Mountain and of Robben Island too.  A wide, sandy beach Big Bay is known for its surfing competitions and events.    The beach can be windy in the summer months as the southerly winds sweep over this area of the city. When the wind is blowing, come and watch the kite-surfers at the beach. There are wonderful boardwalks to enjoy a leisurely walk along the coastline. The facilities at the beach offer access for the physically disabled. The local lifesaving club provides lifesaving and First Aid services. Plenty of parking and ease of access along the beautiful Bloubergstrand coastline, make Big Bay a beach worth visiting. Environmental education and public awareness programs will be run during the main holiday season.

Bikini beach
Bikini Beach is reputed to have received its name from the swimwear of the numerous female students from nearby University of Stellenbosch, for whom this beach has been special.   Bikini beach is situated in the small coastal town of Gordon's Bay in the Western Cape. The beach lies at the foot of the Hottentot's Holland mountain range. The beach is tucked up against the Gordon's Bay harbour wall, sheltered from the southerly winds which often blow in the summer months. Due to its location and safe bathing area it is a popular destination for the locals and overseas visitors alike. The beach is sandy, the water is warm, and the locals are friendly.

Camps Bay beach
Camps Bay beach on the Atlantic coastline is well-known internationally for its pristine white sandy beach and blue tranquil waters. The world famous Table Mountain and Twelve Apostles mountain chain looms over the beach. The paparazzi hang out on this beach and the adjacent restaurants keeping an eye out for the international personalities that regularly visit this part of Cape Town during the summer months. The beach has a distinctly Mediterranean flavour and vibe. The wide beach is host to numerous events, e.g. international beach volleyball tournaments and the popular Summer Beach festival. Beach goers are serviced by local beach traders that supply refreshments. There are lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months. Parking is limited so come early and settle in to enjoy the beach. The beach is well sheltered when the southerly winds are blowing in the summer months. At the end of the day, walk across the beach and enjoy sun-downers in one of the many sidewalk restaurants and cafes.   

Clifton 4th beach
One of South Africa's most popular and sought- after beaches. Visited by stars and the famous, 4th beach at Clifton is the in-scene. One of a series of small coves, 4th beach is on the Atlantic Ocean side of Cape Town. Be warned, the water is always icy-cold. A popular beach when the southerly winds blow during summer as it is well protected. Parking is in limited supply so be prepared to walk. No access to the disabled as entrance to the beach area is down winding, narrow stairs. Various environmental programmes, including interpretive signage and lifesaving training will be implemented on the beach.

Grotto
A typical Southern Cape sandy beach with good waves and usually pleasantly warm water.  Very popular beach with locals and holiday makers. The beach can be reached by driving through the town of Hermanus, and as one is leaving the town (drive around a traffic circle) the beach is signposted off the main street of Hermanus. Hermanus is approximately 1 and a half hours drive from Cape Town. Lifeguards are in attendance throughout the season.
Environmental education projects include: Interpretive Signage, Employees Training, “Coastcare working for the coast” has eighty-two workers in the area controlled by the Overstrand Municipality. Environmental Education at all schools in the area. Outdoor classrooms on Grotto Beach are one of their initiatives.  The beach has an interpretive education centre where members of the public can get information on local environmental issues and on Blue Flag.  Local schools undertake coastal monitoring on Grotto
Beach and the plaat through the Adopt-A-Beach programme.

Hawston beach
Hawston beach is tucked away in the little town of Hawston on the coast as one drives towards the town of Hermanus. A truly beautiful beach with views of the sweeping mountains along the Cape coastline and along the extensive dune system which stretches from the beach along the coast for some distance. Hawston beach has some of the safest swimming water in the sea along the Western Cape coastline. Treat the sensitive dune systems with care and walk along the designated board walk systems only. 

There are picnic areas and braai/barbecue facilities in the back beach area as well as an Abalone restaurant adjacent to the beach.

Very rustic, very rural and worth a visit. Lifeguards on duty from 1 December through to 31 March 2009.  Interpretive signage allows one the option to learn more about the unique vegetation and natural resources of the area.  

Lappiesbaai
Stilbaai ("Still Bay"), tranquil coastal town, three and a half hours drive from Cape Town.  On the shores of the warm Indian Ocean, lies Lappiesbaai (the "Bay of Rags") beach. In the good old days, the locals used to dry their washing on the bushes along the dunes of the beach, giving this stretch of pristine coastline, its rather interesting name. Wild, and unspoilt, on this beach you will find Pansy shells, and experience the Gaukau River flowing directly into the sea.  Peace, rest, silence, tranquillity and an undisturbed safe beach await you at Lappiesbaai. And, of course, watching whales during the winter months which people from all over the world come to Stilbaai to do. Interpretive signage helps explain some of the unique features of the rural beach and surrounding area. There is a lovely restaurant based right on the beach.

Mnandi beach
On the warm False Bay coastline, Mnandi beach is popular with local residents of Strandfontein and Khayelitsha. During the early summer, it can be particularly windy, and the currents treacherous. Professional lifeguards are on duty throughout the season. There is plenty of parking, which is well situated to watch the sea, whales and seals. The adjacent recreational area at Mnandi offers water slides, picnic areas and an enjoyable day in the
sun.

Muizenberg beach
Muizenberg has been a popular destination for beachgoers for hundreds of years when it was a popular destination for many people who spent the summer months on the coast. On the beach one can still see the characteristic and colourful, beach changing booths. Today, Muizenberg beach is popular with families as the Muizenberg Pavilion offers a waterslide, outdoor swimming pool and putt-putt (mini-golf) course. A 30 minute walk along the seafront walkway (Muizenberg to St James) enables visitors to enjoy the proximity of the shoreline sea-life and whale watching (June to November). There are numerous restaurants in the back beach area. Surfer’s corner, at the end of the beach is an excellent spot for novice or beginners surfers. A number of local surf shops hire out boards an offer lessons. 

Strandfontein beach
Strandfontein beach is situated on the False Bay coastline and is well-known for having the biggest tidal swimming pool in the southern hemisphere. The beach is frequented by both local inhabitants as well as domestic and international tourists. Numerous events are staged at the beach which will appeal to the beachgoer. The beach is known for its safe bathing conditions and is guarded throughout the year by the voluntary lifesaving clubs based at the local NSRI and Strandfontein Lifesaving Club. 

Yzerfontein beach
Yzerfontein Main beach is situated in the small holiday village of Yzerfontein, on the West Coast of the Western Cape region. A beautiful, wide and sandy beach, for those who enjoy walking the beach is the start of a kilometres long stretch of coastline. The facilities at the beach have been upgraded to provide improved ablution facilities as well as a First Aid room. At this stage, the beach does not provide access for the physically disabled but work is in progress to adapt the facilities to allow access for those in wheelchairs. Environmental education programmes will be run during the holiday season. Interpretive signage on the beach highlights the presence of marine life in the area.