Five beaches in the Bitou region have received Full Blue Flag Status, while Robberg 5 has been awarded Pilot Blue Flag Status following damage caused by severe weather earlier this year.
Bitou Municipality has announced the latest Blue Flag recognition for beaches across the region following the Blue Flag Awards ceremony held in Hermanus and hosted by Overstrand Municipality.
The recognition comes after severe weather in May and June 2026 caused significant damage to beaches and coastal infrastructure in Bitou.
Which Bitou Beaches Received Blue Flag Status?
Five beaches received Full Blue Flag Status:
- Nature’s Valley
- Singing Kettle
- The Waves
- The Dunes
- Lookout Beach
Robberg 5 received Pilot Blue Flag Status, with the Municipality attributing its pilot status to the effects of the storms on the beach and its infrastructure.
Why Did Robberg 5 Receive Pilot Blue Flag Status?
Unlike the five beaches awarded Full Blue Flag Status, Robberg 5 received Pilot Blue Flag Status.
According to Bitou Municipality, the distinction follows damage to the beach and its infrastructure during the severe weather experienced in May and June 2026.
WESSA explains that Pilot Blue Flag status applies to beaches working towards full accreditation. These sites participate in the programme while addressing requirements needed to achieve full certification.
Pilot status therefore represents a different level of recognition and should not be confused with Full Blue Flag accreditation.
Further reading: WESSA’s explanation of Pilot Blue Flag beaches.
Nature’s Valley Also Recognised Through Green Coast
Nature’s Valley received additional recognition under the Green Coast programme.
Also managed by WESSA, Green Coast focuses on natural and less-developed coastal areas where biodiversity conservation and responsible nature-based tourism are priorities.
The programme recognises the importance of protecting sensitive coastal environments while allowing people to experience and appreciate them responsibly.
Nature’s Valley was also included in WESSA’s published 2025/26 Green Coast list, with Bitou Municipality and Nature’s Valley Trust identified as implementing partners.
Further reading: WESSA’s Blue Flag and Green Coast awards announcement for 2025/26.
Recognition After a Difficult Winter for Bitou’s Coast
The awards follow a challenging period for parts of Bitou’s coastline.
According to the Municipality, severe weather during May and June caused significant impacts to beaches and infrastructure. Despite this, five beaches achieved full Blue Flag recognition.
The Municipality says the results reflect ongoing work in areas including coastal management, environmental protection, beach safety, water quality and sustainable tourism.
It also acknowledged the municipal officials, partners, communities and other stakeholders involved in achieving the recognition.
What Does Blue Flag Status Mean for Beachgoers?
Blue Flag is an international environmental certification programme recognising beaches that meet specified standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, services and environmental education.
In South Africa, the programme is managed by WESSA. Participating beaches undergo an annual assessment, with requirements covering matters such as water-quality testing, beach facilities, safety measures and environmental information.
For beachgoers, Blue Flag recognition provides an indication of the standards a participating beach is expected to maintain during its designated Blue Flag season. However, visitors should still follow local safety notices, check current beach conditions and swim only where it is permitted and safe to do so.
Learn more: WESSA’s Blue Flag South Africa programme.
In WESSA’s published 2025/26 results, Robberg V was among six Bitou beaches holding Full Blue Flag Status. The Municipality’s latest announcement places Robberg 5 in the Pilot category following the severe weather damage experienced earlier in 2026.
Sources:
Bitou Municipality media statement, October 2026.
WESSA Blue Flag South Africa programme information.
WESSA 2025/26 Blue Flag and Green Coast awards announcement.
