17th Season in Puerto Rico
Be part of the change to continue preserving our ocean resources and preserving marine life. You can help us through a donation to the Blue Flag program.
What is Blue Flag?
An international award given to beaches, marinas and boat tour operators that meet the requirements of sustainability and protection of the environment.
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The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), under its Blue Flag International program, awards the prize every year. The winners undergo periodic inspections to ensure they meet the established requirements. These increasingly demanding criteria include safety, cleanliness, quality and education.
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In 2005, Blue Flag arrived in Puerto Rico arrived in compliance with the public policy decreed in Act 173 of 2000, as amended: “Program for the promotion, protection and conservation of the Puerto Rican beaches aspiring towards Blue Flag status”. With the help of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and OPAS, Blue Flag has led to the promotion of better beach management, conservation, environmental awareness and sustainability on our stunning beaches.
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How can I apply to be a candidate in the next edition? Book an appointment today. Write us an e-mail at banderaazul@opaspr.org or call us at (787)230-7802.
Global Recognition
4671
Beaches, Marinas, & Boats
50
Countries
Did you know?
We are the first country in the Americas and the Caribbean to have certified a natural reserve beach. We have achieved this twice: Playa Pelícano in the Caja de Muertos Nature Reserve and Playita Rosada in the Lajas Nature Reserve.
Visit
Blue Flag
International
Categories to fulfill to obtain the award
PUBLIC SECURITY
&
SERVICES
QUALITY OPERATION & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Beaches
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The Escambrón Balneary, San Juan
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The Puerto Nuevo Balneary, Vega Baja
Award-winning beaches, marinas, and boats
Season 2022-2023*
*Starts Nov 1st
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Sustainable Boating Tourism Operators (SBTO)
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Bellaventuras, Fajardo ​
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“U Turn"
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"Josiah’s Reach”
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East Island Excursions, Fajardo
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​"Amazing Grace" Old San Juan
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"Eco Isleño"
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"Zatara"
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"Caribe Spirit”
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“East Wind”
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"Tropical"
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Island Ventures, Ponce
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"Island Flyer"​​​
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Pure Adventure, Roosevelt Roads Ceiba​
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"Fish Tank"
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Caribe Bliss, Fajardo
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"Tortuga"
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Blue Flag - What We Stand For
EDUCATION
Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag program is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment.
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INFORMATION
Informing visitors about the site they are visiting is an essential part of the Blue Flag program. This allows people to easily navigate the area and to learn a little more about the indigenous flora and fauna.
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MONITORING
Stringent criteria and regular spot checks help to encourage compliance of Blue Flag sites, which are also subject to comprehensive control visits.
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MANAGEMENT
Appropriate local organizations are selected to implement and enforce the necessary criteria with a view to ensuring a consistency of the standards which make the Blue Flag award so trustworthy and valuable.
SAFETY
Owners / operators of Blue Flag sites must agree to ensure that safety measures are in place at all times, so that the staff, public and the environment remain safe.
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Important Note: When owners / operators of beaches, marinas and boats are awarded the right to display the Blue Flag, it is because they have satisfied FEE that they complied at the time of award with a number of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria. Following the award, the owners / operators accept full responsibility to ensure continued compliance with all of these criteria. While FEE may carry out checks of sites from time to time, neither FEE, nor any of its officers, members, or jury members accept any responsibility to any person in the event of any noncompliance.