PUNTARENAS, Costa Rica — The Ecological Blue Flag Program (PBAE/Beaches) is marking three decades of leading coastal conservation and sustainable development across Costa Rica. To celebrate this 30-year milestone, the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) has officially awarded 143 beaches that met the highest environmental, safety, and public health standards during 2025.

A Blue Flag status represents a vital partnership between local communities, private businesses, and government agencies.

5 New Beaches Join the Ranks

This year’s 30th-anniversary celebration is highlighted by the addition of five new coastal stretches to the program:

• 🌊 Grande (Moca sector, Caribbean)
• 🌊 Negra (Cahuita, Caribbean)
• 🌊 Rajadita (La Cruz, Guanacaste)
• 🌊 Tivives (Puntarenas)
• 🌊 Pura Vida (Puntarenas)

Their inclusion further reinforces Costa Rica’s reputation as a world-class destination for sustainable tourism.

The Star Rating System Breakdown

The ICT evaluates beaches on parameters ranging from water quality and emergency response to waste management and environmental education. The white stars act as a progressive scale of excellence:

• ⭐ 1 Star: 48 Beaches (Meets baseline hygienic and sanitary standards)
• ⭐⭐ 2 Stars: 46 Beaches
• ⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars: 27 Beaches
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars: 9 Beaches
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars: 13 Beaches (Maximum rating for total accessibility, safety, and advanced environmental action)

“While the first star validates fundamental management parameters, ascending to higher categories demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to safety and inclusion. This ranges from compliance with Law 7600 and professional surveillance to emergency plans and advanced environmental management.” — Jorge Retana, PBAE Coordinator

Regional Breakdown: Where Are the Top Beaches?

Flag Delivery Tour Schedule

Following the kickoff ceremony in Puntarenas, the ICT is embarking on a physical flag-delivery tour to present awards to local committees across the country:

• March 23: Playa Palma (Central Pacific)
• March 24: Paso Canoas Integrated Control Center (Southern Pacific)
• March 25: Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (South Caribbean)
• March 26: UNA Gymnasium, Liberia Campus (Guanacaste)

Decoding the Colored Endorsement Stars

Beyond the standard white stars, local committees can earn additional colored star badges by fulfilling specific socio-environmental goals:

• 🥈 Silver Star: Active participation in the Ecolones recycling program.
• 🥇 Gold Star: Active management and reduction of land-based sources of pollution.
• 🟢 Green Star: Mentoring local families to earn the Sustainable Homes award.
• 🌸 Pink Star: Advanced coastal safety training (lifeguarding, hazardous wildlife response, rip current rescue).
• 🟠 Orange Star: Executing community initiatives dedicated to animal welfare.

Resources & Official Lists

To view the complete interactive map and full directory of award-winning beaches, visit the official portals at www.ict.go.cr
or www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr.

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