Discovering Guanacaste’s Blue Flag Beaches
Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental conservation shines through in numerous ways, and today we’re spotlighting one that’s very relevant to Las Catalinas — the renowned Blue Flag Ecological Program (known in Spanish as the Bandera Azúl Ecológica, or BAE).
The BAE is a collaborative effort led by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the National Water Laboratory (AyA) as a way to pre-emptively protect and preserve the country’s beloved beaches while also supporting responsible tourism.
For those residing or visiting Las Catalinas, this dedication to preserving pristine coastlines is especially rewarding, with twenty-six Blue Flag beaches in nearby Guanacaste alone, and thirty-nine more in Puntarenas just a short drive away.
Each BAE designation not only upholds Costa Rica's environmental standards but also ensures that beachgoers can enjoy safe, beautiful, and ecologically sound coastal areas.
The Rigorous Process of BAE Certification
Every year, the BAE certification celebrates the dedication of Costa Rica’s beaches to environmental sustainability by awarding the Blue Flag certification to beaches that uphold a rigorous standard of public health, safety, water quality, and conservation of local habitats.
The BAE evaluation process involves regional ICT and AyA offices conducting thorough assessments of each beach three times per year. After the evaluation period, the committees compile their reports for final review, along with AyA-conducted laboratory tests on water quality.
The Goal of the BAE
The overall goal of the BAE isn’t to rank or exclude any beaches, but rather to provide a gold standard for every local community to strive for. Visits from evaluators aren’t simply opportunities to identify flaws, but rather to provide evaluators a chance to regularly examine the annual goals of each local committee, oversee improvements, and offer technical and administrative guidance.
After all, each of these certified beaches is supported by local committees working year-round toward sustainable and ecologically mindful practices, which can be varied, complex, and require buy-in from both their communities and local businesses. More minds working towards this process is a good thing, and the results are clear.
In 2024, 151 beaches across the country achieved this mark, an increase from the previous year’s 136, another step as Costa Rica emerges as a leader in sustainability.
BAE Beaches Near Las Catalinas
An exemplary Blue Flag recipient is Samara Beach in Guanacaste, just a two-hour drive from Las Catalinas, which achieved an impressive score of 91 points due to the Samara Tourism Board's commitment to environmental excellence, and there are many more Guanacaste communities working to reach this impressive standard. See below for a map to explore a range of beautiful, Blue Flag-certified beaches nearby.
Gateway to Blue Flag Beaches
For travelers in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica’s Blue Flag beaches offer a helpful reference to discover the country’s most well-preserved coastlines, each protected by a vibrant local community dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Ready to experience it all? When you book your next Costa Rican vacation with us in Las Catalinas, our concierge team can help organize a perfect day trip to nearby Blue Flag beaches—complete with transportation, food, and personalized recommendations for the best tides and times.
Start planning your dream trip today! Chat with us below or email us to discover stunning beaches and unforgettable adventures in Costa Rica.