GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - One of the reasons people come to this part of the world, is to experience pristine, unspoiled beaches.

Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield offer just that - including Blue Flag beaches.

PLETTENBERG BAY
Lookout beach:
• Popular for long walks.

• A fantastic sunbathing spot, great for surfing and bodyboarding and has ample play area for the entire family.

• Lifeguards are on duty in season.

• Facilities: Restaurants, bars, public toilets, wheelchair access and limited parking.

• Half-a-kilometre or 1 minute from Plett Central.

Nature's Valley beach:
• Walking distance of the pristine Salt river-mouth.

• This is birdwatchers' paradise!

• Lifeguards on duty in season.

• Facilities: A restaurant, public toilets, wheelchair access and parking.

• 25km or 30 minutes from Plett Central.

Robberg 5:
• Located in the central area of Robberg beach.

• Popular for surfing and bodyboarding.

• Facilities: wheelchair access, public toilets, wheelchair access and a parking area.

• 2km or 2 minutes from Plett Central.

KNYSNA
Greater Knysna has two Blue Flag beaches: Brenton-On-Sea and Buffalo Bay.

Buffalo Bay beach:
• Situated along a quaint little holiday hamlet.

• One of the most popular sand and surf destinations.

• Hub for water sports activities – surfing, SUP, kayaking and swimming.

• Relatively sheltered beach and not as prone to strong currents and is therefore relatively safe.

• Lifeguards are on duty during the season.

• Facilities: restaurant and ablution.

Brenton beach:
• 5km walk from Buffalo Bay is Brenton Beach.

• Accessible by road via Brenton-on-Sea.

• Very popular, and favoured among fishermen and families.

• Subject to strong rip currents so caution needs to be taken at all times.

• Lifeguards are on duty in season.

• Brenton Haven Hotel close by that boasts sweeping views and a popular menu.

Noetzie Beach:
• A favourite destination for adventure seekers.

• The pristine and relatively isolated sandy shore.

• An ideal place for day-long trips, with the kids.

• There are some serious stairs down to the beach – which are even worse going back up!

SEDGEFIELD
Many visitors are unaware that beyond the village centre there lies a beach nirvana, with beaches stretching in a sinuous arc from one side of Sedgefield to the other.

Swartvlei beach:
• One of the most popular beaches both in (when there are lifeguards) and out of season.

• Its tidal pools, make it perfect for snorkelling.

• Features blonde-coloured fossilised dunes,a unique phenomenon in this area.

• Known for its strong rip currents, swimmers must be cautious at all times and don't swim alone.

• There are ablution facilities.

Myoli beach:
• Quiet out of season and popular with dog walkers.

• Popular with families and young adults.

• Lifegaurds on duty in season.

• Strong rip currents are common here.

• It is a short walk to the vibey Afrovibe Backpackers and Pili Pili Beach Bar.

Cola beach:
• Usually very quiet beach, but for the lone fisherman and beach stroller.

• Access to beach is high up and there is a long set of stairs down to the beach.

• It has a good viewpoint at the top where a bench can be sat upon while you stare out towards the blue yonder.

Robberg Beach.

Go fishing while in Knysna. Fishing permits are available from the local post office in Main Road.

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