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Hawston, Onrus and Castle Beach join Grotto and Kleinmond in securing international recognition for coastal management, water quality and beach safety.
The Overberg’s coastline is heading into the summer season with a stronger Blue Flag presence, as five beaches in the Overstrand have secured full status for 2026/27, giving visitors more options for coastal escapes along this stretch of the Western Cape.
Grotto Beach in Hermanus and Kleinmond Main Beach have retained their full Blue Flag status, while Hawston Beach, Onrus Beach and Castle Beach at Pearly Beach have progressed from pilot status to full accreditation.The announcement was made at the annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony held at Grotto Beach in Hermanus on 9 October.
The development is significant for a region where the coastline is central to its tourism appeal. From Hermanus, known for its whale-watching opportunities, to the quieter coastal settlements around Pearly Beach, the Overberg offers visitors a range of seaside experiences beyond the busier beaches closer to Cape Town.
Five beaches, different coastal experiences
Grotto Beach remains one of Hermanus’s main attractions for visitors looking for a long stretch of sand and an easy base for a day beside the sea. The beach has now reached 25 years in the Blue Flag programme, reflecting its long-standing participation in the international coastal management initiative.
Its recognition also extends to accessibility. According to the Overstrand Municipality, amphibious beach wheelchairs are available at Grotto Beach and Kleinmond, allowing people with mobility impairments to access the beach under appropriate supervision.
Further west, Kleinmond Main Beach offers another option for visitors exploring the coastline around the Kogelberg area. Its continued full status places it alongside Grotto as one of the Overstrand’s established Blue Flag beaches.
Hawston and Onrus, meanwhile, have reached a new milestone by moving from pilot status to full accreditation. Their inclusion expands the number of beaches in the municipality that have met the programme’s full requirements.
At Pearly Beach, Castle Beach adds another recognised coastal stop to the region’s offering. The surrounding coastline provides an opportunity to explore a quieter part of the Overberg, away from the busier centres, while enjoying the natural character of the southern Cape coast.
What Blue Flag status means for visitors
Blue Flag recognition is not simply an award for a beautiful beach. The international programme assesses beaches against 33 criteria covering water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety and services. In South Africa, the programme is administered by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), with final accreditation involving an international review process.
Water quality is a central requirement. Accredited beaches must undergo regular testing by an independent, accredited laboratory, with results made available through the programme. The criteria also address safety services, beach cleanliness, public information and accessibility.
For visitors, this provides a recognised standard against which to assess a beach before planning a swimming day or a family outing. However, the status applies during the designated Blue Flag season, and conditions can change. Visitors should still check current water-quality information, local notices and lifeguard guidance before entering the sea.
The programme also places responsibility on the people using these spaces. During designated Blue Flag operating periods, dogs are generally not permitted on participating beaches, subject to the applicable local rules. Keeping litter out of the sand and sea remains essential to protecting the coastal environment.
A boost for coastal tourism
The five full-status beaches strengthen the Overstrand’s position as a destination for visitors looking to combine time at the sea with the region’s other attractions, including coastal walks, nature reserves, local food and wine experiences.
The latest results also show that maintaining Blue Flag status requires continued work rather than a once-off achievement. Beaches must reapply annually and demonstrate that they continue to meet the programme’s standards. Pilot status provides a pathway for beaches working towards full accreditation, making the progression of Hawston, Onrus and Castle Beach a notable development for the municipality.
The next step is to make sure the standards behind the flags remain visible in the everyday experience of residents and visitors.
