Mossel Bay has much more than surf and sand: here you will find a rich and diverse history, some of the best land-based whale watching in the world, plenty of adventure and some of the finest restaurants in the region. more

Lappiesbaai in the scenic town of Stilbaai along the Garden Route is a relaxed beach hideaway that is also known as ‘The Bay of Rags’. This Blue flag destination is renowned for mild weather and a range of recreational facilities. The birdlife and fishing in the area are excellent and Lappiesbaai is a family-orientated beach destination. more

Plettenberg Bay is a top-class holiday, nature-lovers and adventure destination, all rolled into one. Whether you’re after a seaside holiday, with a difference, a wilderness experience in pristine natural surrounds, or adrenaline-packed adventures, you’ll find it in Plettenberg Bay – fondly referred to by locals as Plett. more

The Keurbooms lagoon is just a 5-minute drive from the Garden Route town of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s favourite holiday destinations. Surrounded by stunning beaches, it’s known for its sea breezes, so if you’re into wind-surfing or kite-surfing, this is the place to be. more

Whales, beautifully clean beaches and the magnificence of the Cape Flora Kingdom - Witsand Beach is an unspoilt piece of paradise, with safe swimming, windsurfing, angling, deep sea fishing, snorkelling and rock pools to explore, along with the birdlife of the Breede River estuary. more

Strandfontein Beach in Cape Town is a well-known Blue Flag beach that is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its claim to fame – apart from having the largest tidal swimming pool in Southern Africa – is that it was once a movie location for the Free Willy film series. more

Not only does Santos Beach have Blue Flag Status, its wide, sandy expanses offer brilliant views across the bay, making it the perfect spot for seasonal whale and dolphin watching, with easy access to Mossel Bay shops, restaurants and historic sites. more

Escape to Hartenbos Blue Flag Beach for some safe and ecologically responsible fun in the sun and surf. Situated along South Africa’s Garden Route, this long stretch of beach has a mild climate and is a prime spot for whale watching and family beach activities. more

Mnandi Beach was reserved for members of the black community during the apartheid era, but these days families of all creeds and cultures enjoy the recreational facilities and safety features that make it a recognised Blue Flag beach destination. more

Kleinmond Beach is a not too far from the seaside town of Hermanus. This beach is known as a premier whale watching site during whale season and is a favourite with families because of the calm Kleinmond Lagoon where children can paddle and play. more

Hawston Beach is an immaculate Blue Flag beach destination that combines a range of natural attractions into the mix. Here you'll find a white stretch of beach, scenic mountains, a wide range of bird-life and whales and dolphins thrown in for good measure. more

Grotto Beach in Hermanus is 1 of 2 designated Blue Flag beaches in Walker Bay. Grotto’s unspoiled coastline and first-rate amenities make it a popular destination with the ‘bucket-and-spade brigade’, sun seekers, and those for whom long, bare-foot walks along the beach calm the mind and revive the soul. more

Muizenberg Beach is the ultimate family beach, with its colourful Victorian bathing boxes adding bold hues to the dramatic landscape that has been etched into the minds of beach-going South Africans for decades. It’s also a Blue Flag Beach, which means it gets top marks for safety, recreational facilities and eco-consciousness. more

Bikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay is a great beach hang-out for those who are young at heart. With the gracious Hottentots-Holland Mountains in the background, this False Bay beach is popular amongst the students from nearby Stellenbosch University and visitors who enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle. more