Blue flag Beaches
the 5
blue flag beaches
The Blue Flag is a certification awarded to a nominated beach by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) noting that the beach meets stringent health and safety standards. The FEE is a non-profit organisation which includes 65 representative organisations from 60 member countries, South Africa among them. The Blue Flag criteria focuses on:
Standards for quality
Safety
Environmental education
Information
Provision of services
General environmental management
Visitors to Blue Flag beaches can be assured they are swimming in clean water and using hygienic facilities, with the necessary health and safety protocols adhered to.
the five Blue Flag beaches are:
hibberdene beach
Hibberdene Beach This is a family-friendly Blue Flag beach that is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving or simply relaxing. The adjacent Jolly Roger is perfect for grabbing a drink and bite to eat, while the children are kept entertained on the supertubes and trampolines, or try their hand at putt putt. The Hibberdene Ski Boat Club gives visitors the chance to charter a fishing boat for deep sea angling, or the chance to go dolphin and whale watching.
Umzumbe Beach
Found just near Port Shepstone is Umzumbe Beach (also referred to as Pumula Beach), an easy-access Blue Flag beach that is great for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. The tidal pool at Umzumbe Beach makes this the perfect place for young ones wanting to swim, while local surf schools offer lessons to those who want to ‘hang 10’. This is a great place to spot migrating whales in the winter season, or dolphins anytime of the year.
Southport Beach
This idyllic Blue Flag beach has easy access to nearby cafés, restaurants and retail facilities. The tidal pool and safe swimming beaches promise quality facilities and hygienic waters for all beachgoers. This is the perfect space for swimming, snorkelling, paddling and diving. The nearby Captain Anchor’s restaurant is a popular local spot to enjoy a drink and a meal with an endless ocean view. There are also shaded braai facilities for those wanting an open-air meal, with dolphin and whale watching a regular attraction.
Marina Beach
Between San Lameer and Southbroom is another Blue Flag beach, Marina Beach. This ideal family-friendly coastal destination has a fantastic tidal pool which provides children and novice swimmers with a safe swimming environment. Located alongside the Mpenjati Nature Reserve, Marina Beach is a beautifully rustic space for sunbathing, snorkelling or hunting among the rock pools.
Trafalgar Beach
On the lush South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal between San Lameer and Palm Beach is this coastal holiday site. Part of this Blue Flag beach is a Marine Protected Area, which welcomes snorkellers to explore the incredible fossil beds believed to be around 90 million years old. Outside of snorkelling, the warm waters are perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing.