World Oceans Day Spotlight: South Africa’s Beaches Shine

Why World Oceans Day Matters

Every year on June 8 we celebrate the oceans that cover more than 70 % of our planet. It’s a reminder that healthy seas mean healthy beaches, and that protecting marine life helps keep our favorite coastal spots beautiful for generations to come.

South Africa’s Beach 100 Line‑up

This year the Corona Beach 100 list added four South African shores to its global roster of amazing coastal destinations. The selection looks at scenery, beach culture, and how each place connects with nature.

Kraalbaai

Located in Langebaan Lagoon inside the West Coast National Park, Kraalbaai is known for its calm waters and charming houseboats that drift peacefully along the shore.

Camps Bay

With its iconic backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay draws sun‑seekers, surfers, and even dogs who love to splash in the waves.

Boulders Beach

Famous for its colony of African penguins, Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town lets visitors watch these tuxedo‑clad birds waddle among granite boulders.

Wilderness Beach

The newest addition, Wilderness Beach, offers wide stretches of sand, rolling dunes, and a laid‑back vibe that highlights the diversity of South Africa’s coastline.

The Corona Beach 100 Initiative

How the List is Made

Each year a curation team reviews nominations from around the world. They consider natural beauty, local beach culture, and the strength of the connection between the shore and its surrounding ecosystems.

New Partnerships and Grants

Corona teamed up with Tripadvisor to give travelers access to over 300 000 nature‑focused experiences in 30 countries. The partnership also highlights conservation‑oriented itineraries that encourage mindful travel.

For World Oceans Week, Corona and Oceanic Global expanded the Beach 100 Grant program. Funds go directly to community groups working on marine debris clean‑up, habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, and coastal resilience in the featured beach locations.

Ocean is Living: A New Content Series

To show that a beach is more than just sand and surf, Corona and Oceanic Global launched the “Ocean is Living” series. The short films explore coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and the open ocean, emphasizing that these living systems are what make paradise worth protecting.

The series will also feature social‑media clips spotlighting the ecosystems and local projects at four selected Beach 100 sites, including the South African beaches.

How Teens Can Get Involved

• Join a local beach clean‑up or start one with friends.
• Follow the “Ocean is Living” series and share what you learn on social media.
• Visit a Beach 100 destination responsibly—stick to marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and use reef‑safe sunscreen.
• Support organizations that receive Beach 100 grants by volunteering or donating.

Conclusion

World Oceans Day is a perfect chance to celebrate the incredible beaches that South Africa offers. From the penguins of Boulders to the tranquil lagoons of Kraalbaai, these shores remind us that the ocean is a living system we all depend on. By exploring, respecting, and protecting these coastal gems, teens can help keep the waves sparkling for years to come.