As the world marks World Oceans Day, four South African beaches have earned recognition among the globe’s most celebrated coastal destinations.
Wilderness Beach/Gerhard Venter/Unsplash
The 2026 edition of Corona’s annual Beach 100 list includes Kraalbaai in Langebaan, Camps Bay in Cape Town, Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town and, for the first time, Wilderness Beach along the Garden Route. The list highlights beaches that stand out for their natural beauty, distinctive character and strong connection to nature.
This year’s Beach 100 spans 22 countries and features 27 new additions. Destinations were selected through a curation process that considered scenic appeal, beach culture and opportunities for meaningful experiences in nature.
The inclusion of Wilderness Beach adds another layer to South Africa’s impressive coastal offering. From the turquoise waters of Kraalbaai and the lively atmosphere of Camps Bay to the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, the country’s coastline continues to attract global attention for its diversity and natural splendour.
According to Corona South Africa, the initiative aims to inspire travellers to spend more time outdoors and develop a deeper appreciation for coastal environments.
“Beach 100 is about much more than beautiful beaches,” said Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand for Corona South Africa. “It’s about celebrating the natural systems that make these places possible and encouraging people to reconnect with nature.”
To encourage more responsible travel, Corona has partnered with Tripadvisor to provide access to more than 300,000 nature-based experiences across 30 countries. The collaboration also highlights selected conservation-focused itineraries designed to help travellers engage more thoughtfully with the destinations they visit.
The brand has also expanded its Beach 100 Grant Initiative in partnership with Oceanic Global. The programme supports community-led projects focused on marine debris reduction, biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration and coastal resilience in Beach 100 destinations around the world.
As part of World Oceans Week, Corona and Oceanic Global are launching a new content series titled Ocean is Living, which explores the connection between beaches and the ecosystems that sustain them. The series showcases environments such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and the open ocean, while highlighting the importance of protecting these interconnected marine habitats.
Marine conservationist and digital creator Danel Wentzel believes World Oceans Day serves as an important reminder of humanity’s relationship with the sea.
“As South Africans, our wellbeing is closely linked to the health of our oceans,” she said. “Preservation begins when we experience these places firsthand and understand their value.”
South Africa’s beaches on the 2026 Beach 100 list
Kraalbaai, Langebaan
A peaceful lagoon destination known for its calm turquoise waters and unspoilt surroundings.
Camps Bay, Cape Town
One of South Africa’s most iconic urban beaches, framed by the Twelve Apostles and a vibrant beachfront atmosphere.
Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town
Famous for its colony of African penguins and striking granite boulders.
Wilderness Beach, Garden Route
A vast stretch of coastline where rolling waves, wide sandy shores and untamed scenery define the experience.
The full 2026 Beach 100 list can be explored online through Corona’s interactive guide.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ:
