The Southern Explorer
The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet a strict standard for water quality, safety, facilities and environmental management. Few stretches of coastline in South Africa collect as many of them as the KZN South Coast.
Full Blue Flag beaches
These beaches hold full Blue Flag status:
- Trafalgar
- Marina Beach
- Ramsgate
- St Michael’s-on-Sea – warm water, golden sand and a consistent surf
- Umzumbe – fifteen consecutive years flying the flag
- Southport
- Hibberdene – ten consecutive years of Blue Flag status
- Pennington
Pilot Blue Flag beaches
Working towards full status, these beaches already meet many of the criteria:
- Port Edward
- Umtentweni
- Rocky Bay
- Preston
- Umthwalume
- Scottburgh
Wherever you base yourself along the coast, a Blue Flag beach is rarely more than a short drive away. Pack for the day, check the tides, and take your pick.