Blue Flag Status – Colour Dots

Bikini Beach Gordon’s Bay

carynkaleido — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 13:20:54 +0000

Situated on the Whale Coast, the family-friendly Bikini Beach is one of Cape Town’s six Blue Flag Beaches. This indicates a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness, and safety. Lifeguards are on duty in season. Along the False Bay coastline, there are four Blue Flag Beaches, these are Mnandi Beach Muizenberg Beach, Standfontein Beach, and of course Bikini Beach at Gordon’s Bay right out on the eastern side of False Bay. Before the harbour was built, Bikini Beach was just a rocky outcrop. The harbour wall changed the flow of the current and resulted in sand being deposited forming the beach. Bikini Beach is great for swimming as the water is usually fairly warm, calm, and clear. Swimming is safe but the drop-off to deeper water happens pretty quickly which causes “dumper” waves and children need to be supervised. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide The beach is popular with Surfers who take advantage of the bigger waves or left-hand break along the harbour wall. The beach is named after the many bikini-clad Stellenbosch University students who are regulars. This intimate little beach has its own particular charm. Surrounded by the craggy Hottentot’s Holland mountain range on one side and the harbour breakwater on the other, Bikini Beach is a good option when the wind is pumping. From Bikini Beach, you have an endless view of False Bay, which curves in a huge arc from Gordon’s Bay right around to Cape Point at its westernmost extremity. The shops are not far away, and there are good changing room facilities. Also on the eastern shore of False Bay is Gordon’s Bay Beach and Strand Beach, which are both great family beaches. Parking: Limited parking Lifeguards: Yes Surfing: Surf report Swimming: Yes Fishing: Anglers regularly fish from the adjacent Gordon’s Bay harbour walls and the nearby rocky outcrops see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking; No Ablutions: Yes Beach type: Blue Flag beach Whale watching in season: Yes Check the tides here Check the sea temperature here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Botterkloof Resort

carynkaleido — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 14:27:37 +0000

Botterkloof Resort is accredited with 3 stars and offers guests 18 well-equipped self-catering chalets. It caters for weddings, conferences, and special events. The resort is child and pet-friendly. We offer exceptional Bird Watching, Black Bass Fishing, and Walking Trails. We are just 5km from the famous Stilbaai Blue Flag Beach. Come and relax in nature. Great affordable getaway for families to unwind and explore. Botterkloof Resort is home to many bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. Address: Old Riversdale Road, Stilbaai

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Brenton on Sea

carynkaleido — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:12:03 +0000

Brenton-on-Sea on the Garden Route, about 15 kilometres west of Knysna, Brenton-on-Sea Beach extends for approximately three kilometres. This beach has Blue Flag status. The area is somewhat undeveloped because of the endangered Brenton Blue butterfly, which has official protection. This is most often observed from the end of October to December A lagoon separated from the ocean by cliffs is a safer place to swim than the beach. The cliffs are also a good viewing area from which to observe dolphins and whales. Three different species of whale can be seen from Brenton Beach. These are southern right whales, humpback whales, and also the lesser-known Bryde’s whale, which resides here all year round. The windy conditions are great for paragliding. There are good fishing spots here too. Mainly around Castle Rock or amid the rock pools surrounded by mussel beds. The beach tends to be popular during the season, and the car park gets quite full. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Parking: Yes, but limited Lifeguards: Peak season only Surfing: Advanced only Swimming: Not recommended Fishing: Yes, see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking: Early in the morning (before 09:00) or in the evening (after 18:00). Ablutions: Yes Picnic and braai: No Whale watching in season: Yes Check the tides here Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Camps Bay Beach

carynkaleido — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:03:22 +0000

This Blue Flag beach has been the place to be seen for decades. The beach is safe but very popular and often quite crowded. The flat grassy area behind the beach is fringed with palm trees. The jet-set mansions can be seen opposite on the slopes of the mountain. Watching the sunset from here is quite spectacular. The tidal pool is safe for swimming. There are also a lot of trendy sundowner venues along the bay. The “Camps Bay strip is home to many restaurants and cafes. ‘Vintage pictures from Saartjie Klipkop Dogs are allowed before 9.00 am and after 6.00 pm between November and April. There are children’s jungle gyms and climbing frames on the lawn behind the beach. Ablution facilities are available. There is Parking all along Victoria Road, but it can fill up quickly. There is also parking at The Promenade mall. There are also a couple of MyCiti bus stops along the road. Parking: limited, along the road and up side streets Lifeguards: Yes between 10:00 and 18:00. Off-Peak Season (May to September): weekends, school holidays, and public holidays. Swimming: The tidal pool is safe, open water is very cold Dog walking: Dogs are allowed before 9.00 am and after 6.00 pm between November and April Ablutions: Yes Picnic and braai: picnics on the grassy area no braais Check the tides here Check the sea temperature here Victoria Road, Camps Bay | Cape Town Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Castle beach

carynkaleido — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:29:33 +0000

Castle beach If you want to swim in the sea then Castle Beach is a great beach to visit in Pearly Beach. This Blue flag, white sandy beach is Well equipped, there are ablution facilities and showers at the main parking area for this beach. From the car park there is a wooden walkway that takes you straight to the beach. Dogs are allowed, Lifeguard services are available and the beach is Wheelchair accessible. This is a popular beach that tends to get crowded. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide There is a good chance of seeing whales from the shore during the calving season. Read about whales and dolphins here Forel Street Pearly Beach Check the sea temperature here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Clifton beach

carynkaleido — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 17:48:28 +0000

Clifton Beaches in Cape Town consist of four separate beaches (1st to 4th) along Victoria Road. They are known for sheltered conditions, but limited parking.”The beaches are separated by boulders. Together, the beaches are considered some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Clifton has the reputation of being the place to see and be seen. There is a long flight of stairs leading down to the beach from the main road. Probably the best thing about this beach is that it is somewhat sheltered from the Cape winds. The beaches consist of……. First Beach Clifton is popular for water sports; the surf is very strong here, diminishing towards Fourth Beach. Friends Who Volley is a weekly event on Thursdays at Clifton 1st Beach with volleyball games, sunsets and live music during the summer months. Playing volleyball is free. Dogs are allowed without a leash on Clifton 1st Second Beach Clifton Attracts students who play games such as volleyball and beach bats. Third Beach Clifton is the smallest beach and is popular with gay culture. Topless tanning is allowed Fourth Beach Clifton Fourth Beach has Blue Flag status and is the most glamorous and populated beach. Well-maintained restrooms and lifeguards on duty. 4th Beach was recently honoured in the Golden Beach Awards 2024. Access to the beach is via a series of steps leading down from Victoria Road Rent a kayak at Clifton Fourth (when conditions are good) and paddle out on the water. (No booking). There are also 1.5-hour guided kayak trips in the mornings, 082 531 3531 W/A Dogs are allowed on 4th Beach before 9.00 am and after 6.00 pm between November and April Clifton Beach swim: Swimmers cover approximately one nautical mile. Meet at the 4th beach, on the first Sunday of every month. Swim starts at 09h15 from September to April and 10h15 from June to August There is a fifth beach, called Moses Beach, named for the papyrus plants that grow along it, which appears and disappears as the sand is deposited or stripped by the wind and waves. In the winter, the Northwester strips the sand, which is re-deposited during summer South Easter when the sand piles back up. The water, however, is very cold indeed. Shells can often be found on these beaches, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Facilities include Outdoor showers, a kiosk with snacks, umbrellas and sun lounger rentals. Toilets are at Fourth Beach. Parking is limited, so it is advisable to arrive early. Alternatively, you can catch the My Citi bus; there is a stop close by. Information boards and community programs highlight local marine ecosystems, reminding visitors to enjoy the beach responsibly. Check the tides here Sea temperature here Best beaches in the Western Cape article Updated October 2025

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De Bakke Beach

carynkaleido — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:16:34 +0000

De Bakke Beach is small and relatively quiet. It is one of the Blue Flag beaches and a special attraction for Mossel Bay. De Bakke is an ideal swimming beach that is safe for families with children. It is also a great water sports beach. Surfing and canoeing are popular here, and the two reefs that flank the beach offer great snorkelling opportunities. These reefs also make for good fishing. The views of the Indian Ocean create a perfect backdrop. From July to December, visitors can spot whales as they visit the shoreline. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide There is a campsite close by with ablutions and there are good places to have picnics. During the period from 1 February to 30 November annually, dog owners are allowed to walk their dogs between the hours of 06:00 and 20:00 Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Giraffe Horizons

res@giraffehorizons.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 20:43:28 +0000

Giraffe Horizons is a registered Cape Town tour operator offering private and small-group tours across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Explore Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach penguins, the Cape Winelands and Big Five safari experiences.

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Gouritsmond beach

carynkaleido — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 13:31:15 +0000

Gouritsmond Beach at the mouth of the Gourits River has plenty to offer. This long, curved beach with powdery beige sand and relatively warm water has Blue Flag status. The ocean is dee,p and the waves are great for surfing, stand-up paddling, kite-surfing, and hydrofoils. When the swell is smaller, this beach is also fantastic for swimming. There are also tidal pools. There are ablutions and a small parking area. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Surf report Check the tides here. The oystercatcher trail ends here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Grotto Beach

carynkaleido — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 15:15:02 +0000

Hermanus has some great beaches. Grotto Bay is certainly one of the greatest. 18 kilometres of white sand stretch past the backdrop of the Hermanus mountains. Situated on the outskirts of Hermanus, Grotto Beach is a great family beach. This Blue Flag beach is also dog-friendly as long as the dogs are on leashes. Watersports such as stand-up paddle-boarding, kite surfing, and traditional surfing are popular here. The beach has lifeguards on duty during the season. Whales are known to swim off the coast at Hermanus, and these Southern right whales can often be seen breaching from the beach during the season (July and December). See the full guide here Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Grotto Beach is equipped with eco-friendly facilities. Recycling bins, energy-efficient lighting Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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