Plett's incredible six Blue Flag beaches

Written by AmakayaBP
10
Dec

If there is one thing that sets Plettenberg Bay apart from the rest of the Garden Route, it is our beaches. Kilometres of sandy white beaches, many within the protective arm of Robberg Peninsula. Six of Plett’s beaches recently received international Blue Flag status and two of our boats received Blue Flag boat status. The only town in the country to receive more accreditation is the city of Cape Town. We are understandablY thrilled! 

WHAT IS BLUE FLAG STATUS?

Blue Flag is the prestigious, voluntary eco-label for beaches, boats and marinas recognised as a trusted symbol of quality and is regarded by the World Tourism Organisation as the most well-known global eco-label.

The Blue Flag Programme, which has been running internationally since 1987, is focused on the conservation of marine and coastal habitats, and is designed to raise environmental education and awareness, and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach management. To achieve Blue Flag status, as many as 33 different criteria spanning over four aspects of coastal management have to be met: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services.” (source: Plett Tourism)

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PLETTENBERG BAY?

The recognition of our beaches as some of the best in the country only adds to the appeal of Plettenberg Bay as a year-round destination. Our beaches are a treasure that we need to protect and Blue Flag enables us to focus on keeping that resource in prime condition including environmental education and management, safety and preserving this natural treasure for all to enjoy. This benefits visitors and locals alike. Plett life is a beach life: we paddle, surf, dive, picnic, photograph, swim and celebrate around the ocean. Starting from our sandy shores, where our children build sand castles, through the waves that we surf and sail to the reefs that we scuba dive, we celebrate our bay. Plett’s recognition as a Hope Spot by Dr Sylvia Earle only adds to our pride in our marine conservation and natural resources. 

WHERE ARE THE BLUE FLAG BEACHES? 

Robberg Five Beach: the place to see and be seen in the high season, Robberg is bordered by mansions that enjoy uninterrupted views and beach access, but it’s easy enough to forget those when you stroll along a quiet Robberg Beach with breathtaking views across the water to the iconic Robberg Peninsula. 

Lookout Beach: Lookout Beach is one of Plett’s perfect family beaches. Bordered by the Keurbooms Lagoon, children can comfortably splash in the lagoon, while older children can surf and bodyboard – the best of both worlds. 

Keurboomstrand: Oh hello, endless stretches of sandy beaches, crashing waves and dolphins spinning in the waves! This is Keurboomstrand (Keurbooms Beach). Keurboomstrand was recently mentioned in an article in the Guardian as one of their Top Ten Winter Sun Destinations. The writer had this to say:  “Somewhere on the planet there might be a more beautiful beach than Keurboomstrand, 10km east of Plettenberg Bay on the Western Cape, but I’ve visited a few beautiful beaches in my time and am yet to be convinced. Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s answer to the Hampton’s, and Keurbooms is seemingly endless, wild and pristine – it feels lost in time.”

The Dunes Beach: Most easily accessed from The Dunes Hotel and Resort, strandlopers (beach walkers) can stroll from Keurbooms to enjoy a serene & secluded walk with the most incredible views across the bay to the lagoon and Robberg Peninsula. 

Singing Kettle Beach: Plett’s newest Blue Flag beach is located in front of the popular Enrico’s Restaurant. Spend a wonderfully romantic day at Singing Kettle Beach, finishing off with an Italian feast at Enrico’s as you watch the whales blowing, breaching and lolling in the waters beyond the deck. 

Nature’s Valley Beach: Nature’s Valley is the last stop on the famous Otter Trail and visitors will be blown away by the sheer wild beauty of this place. Located within the Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature’s Valley is an untouched stretch of coastline with an adjacent lagoon, rocky cliffs and gorgeous hikes. Prepare to be in awe. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

  • RIP CURRENTS: While many Plettenberg Bay beaches are sheltered from the open ocean by Robberg Peninsula, the area is known for rip currents. Please familiarise yourself  with how to spot a rip current, and how to escape if you happen to get caught in a rip current. 
  • LIFEGUARDS: Due to the seasonality of the town, not all Plett beaches are manned by lifeguards year-round. We will be able to give you advice on where best to swim, surf and snorkel – please ask at the front desk. Do not swim at beaches where there are no lifeguards on duty. 
  • DO NOT LITTER: We are very proud of our beaches and ask that you do not litter on our beaches. Please take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.
  • SUNSCREEN: Our African sun is powerful, to avoid a nasty sunburn, reapply your sunscreen often especially if you are out in the midday heat. 

NEED MORE INFORMATION: Contact us on info@amakaya.co.za