Eight Blue Flag awards for Plett

At the Blue Flag ceremony Plett Tourism CEO, Patty Butterworth said “We are very honoured and privileged, with efforts made by the Bitou Municipality, to have won the opportunity to have the launch here. It is the first time that Plett has hosted the launch. We once again received Blue Flag status for our six beaches and, once again, two Blue Flag boats for Offshore Adventures. In fact, they are the only two boats in South Africa to have achieved Blue Flag status.

Patty is enthusiastic about these accolades for Plett. “It is a great testament to who we are as a community, that we look after our natural resources. This is because our beaches are one of our most unique tourism selling points. The preservation and conservation of the beaches can be one of our greatest legacies.”

Blue Flag is one of the most recognizable voluntary eco-labels in the world with 4500 sites in more than 45 countries. In order to qualify for the coveted Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. In South Africa Blue Flag is administered by WESSA, an organization that has, for the past 90 years, proactively engaged with the challenges and opportunities of our country’s unique natural heritage.

LEADING BEACH DESTINATION

Plettenberg Bay is regularly nominated amongst Africa’s leading beach destinations and retained Blue Flag status for the same six beaches and two boats as in previous years. Bitou Mayor, Dave Swart recognizes this as an indication that Bitou Municipality and partners continue to provide a world-class beach-going experience for visitors and locals alike.

He said at the ceremony on Lookout Beach – “It shows that Plett continues doing what it has set out to do. This status shows that we are looking after our environment, that we’re taking care of our area and we’re making our visitors’ and our locals’ experiences at the beaches a pleasant one.”

LIST OF PLETT BEACHES

CENTRAL BEACH

Often the busiest beach in Plett. Lifeguards on duty in season. It’s the launch site for Marine Safaris, dive charters and ocean kayaking tours. Facilities include restaurants, bars, public toilets and the local National Sea Rescue Station; 2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central.

ROBBERG BEACH

Popular for long – long – walks, Robberg Beach stretches for kilometres between the Robberg Peninsula and Beacon Island. Facilities include public toilets and various parking areas; 2 km / 2 Minutes from Plett Central.

LOOKOUT BEACH

Formerly Plett’s most iconic beach, this area washed away during the 2007 floods but has returned even more pristine within the past three years. This is now popular for long walks along the ocean side from the Lookout parking lot to the river mouth. Then one can walk along the Keurbooms River back to the parking area. This has also become a fantastic sun-bathing spot, great for surfing and bodyboarding and has ample play area for the entire family. Lifeguards on duty in season. Facilities include restaurants, bars, public toilets, wheelchair access and limited parking; 1/2 km / 1 minute from Plett Central.

THE DUNES BEACH

This beach is located between Keurboomstrand and the mouth of the Keurbooms river and is accessed in the west from a walkway opposite the old Protea Hotel, or from the east via a car park near Waves Ave. It is also accessible from the Dunes.

KEURBOOMSTRAND BEACH

A little wilder, but equally beautiful. Lifeguards on duty in season. Facilities include a restaurant (2 km / 2 minutes), public toilets, wheelchair access and ample parking; 10 km / 15 minutes from Plett Central.

NATURE’S VALLEY BEACH

Nestled between two national parks, this large expanse of beach is in walking distance of the pristine Salt River Mouth. This is bird-watchers paradise! Lifeguards on duty in season. Facilities include a restaurant, public toilets, wheelchair access and parking; 25 km / 30 minutes from Plett Central.

ROBBERG 5

Located in the central of Robberg Beach, this beach is popular for surfing and bodyboarding. Facilities include wheelchair access, public toilets, wheelchair access and a parking area; 2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central.

THE SINGING KETTLE BEACH

Located to the east of Keurboomstrand, this beach is accessible from the car park at Enrico’s Restaurant (formerly The Singing Kettle). Walking along the beach takes visitors to Cathedral Rock (sometimes called Arch Rock), an impressive arched natural rock formation representing a cathedral portal and rose window.