Cape Town – Four South African beaches have been named among the world’s top coastal destinations in the 2026 Corona Beach 100 list, with Wilderness Beach joining the prestigious global ranking released on World Oceans Day.
Wilderness Beach, near George in the Western Cape, joins Kraalbaai in Langebaan, Camps Bay in Cape Town and Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town on the annual list, which celebrates some of the world’s most remarkable beaches.
The 2026 edition of the Beach 100 features destinations across 22 countries and includes 27 new entries selected for their scenic beauty, beach culture and connection to nature.
Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand for Corona South Africa, said the initiative had grown beyond simply highlighting attractive travel destinations.
“Following the incredible global response to Beach 100’s first year, we saw an opportunity to build on that momentum and evolve the platform even further for 2026,” Nicholson said.
“The guide is about much more than exploring the world’s most beautiful beaches. It’s about celebrating the natural systems that make those places possible.”
She said the project aimed to encourage people to reconnect with nature and appreciate coastal environments.
“Through Beach 100, we hope to inspire people to step outside, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the extraordinary coastlines we are fortunate to have both here in South Africa and around the world,” she said.
The recognition comes as countries worldwide mark World Oceans Day and World Oceans Week, initiatives aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation and marine ecosystems.
As part of the campaign, Corona announced a partnership with Tripadvisor to provide access to more than 300,000 nature-focused travel experiences across 30 countries. The collaboration will also promote selected conservation-focused itineraries designed to encourage environmentally responsible tourism.
The company has also expanded its Beach 100 Grant Initiative in partnership with the environmental organisation Oceanic Global. The programme supports community-led projects focused on marine debris reduction, habitat restoration, biodiversity protection and coastal resilience in Beach 100 destinations.
In addition, Corona and Oceanic Global will launch a content series titled Ocean is Living, highlighting the relationship between beaches and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and the open ocean.
Marine conservationist and digital creator Danel Wentzel said World Oceans Day served as a reminder of the vital connection between people and the marine environment.
“As South Africans, our wellbeing is entirely connected to the health of our oceans, but it’s easy to forget that when we’re caught up in daily routines,” Wentzel said.
“World Oceans Day is a reminder to step outside, reconnect with nature, and actively protect the living blue spaces that sustain us. Preservation begins when we experience these places firsthand.”
According to the Beach 100 guide, Kraalbaai was recognised for its tranquil lagoon setting and turquoise waters, while Camps Bay was highlighted for its vibrant beachfront culture. Boulders Beach earned recognition for its famous African penguin colony and distinctive granite boulders, while Wilderness Beach was praised for its expansive shoreline, rolling waves and unspoilt natural beauty.
The full 2026 Beach 100 list is available on Corona’s website.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
