a Guide to enjoying Mossel Bay beaches responsibly

Mossel Bay have five WESSA blue flag beaches. We are very proud and happy that Santos beach, De Bakke beach, Hartenbos beach, Glentana and Klein Brakrivier beach are all part of this prestigious group of beaches in South Africa.

The greater Mossel Bay is home to no less than sixty kilometres of long, sandy beaches as well as beach-going weather throughout the year. There is also plenty of beach stuff to do in Mossel Bay like swimming, sailing, surfing, fishing and walking. Feel like doing nothing at all? That’s what everyone likes best at the beach, especially on beaches like ours.

What is a Blue Flag Beach?

A Blue Flag is an international award given to beaches, boats and marina’s that meet EXCELLENCE in the areas of safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards. The strict criteria of the programme are set by the international coordinators of the Blue Flag campaign in Europe, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). 

Mossel Bay even has a natural swimming pool known as the “Poort”. The “Poort” is set between two rocky ridges and is consisting of a sandy trail that fills up with natural sea water as the waves splash over the rocks during high tide and pull out again into the ocean during low tide.

Beaches of the Greater Mossel Bay

  • Diaz Beach
  • Santos Beach (Blue Flag)
  • Munro's Beach
  • De Bakke Beach (Blue Flag)
  • The Point
  • Hartenbos Beach (Blue Flag)
  • Glentana Beach (Blue Flag)
  • Klein Brakrivier Beach (Blue Flag)
  • Groot Brakrivier Beach
  • Tergniet Beach
  • Dana Bay Beach 1 (No Swimming)
  • Dana Bay Beach 2 (No Swimming)
  • Boggoms Bay Beach

Best Beaches for Children & Swimming

  • Santos Beach
  • Munro Beach
  • The Point - "Die Poort"

Best Beaches for Surfing

  • The Point
  • Diaz Beach

Best Beaches for long leisurely walks

  • Hartenbos Beach
  • Diaz Beach
  • Dana Bay Beach 1 & 2
  • Glentana (Shipwreck route) - Best advisable to go in groups on low tide

Golden Rules when visiting the beach

  • Always adhere to Lifesaver warnings & instructions as well as beach markers.
  • Always swim between the flags.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Keep your valuables safe at all times or rather leave them at home.
  • Do not attempt to go deeper than waist or chest-deep.
  • Do not swim while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes after you had a meal before entering the water.
  • Do not litter on the beach. Help keep our environment clean & healthy.
  • Never leave your children unsupervised.
  • Educate yourselves on rip currents and how to avoid being caught in one.
  • Respect & conserve the marine life in the shallow rocky pools.