Mexico topped the list at No. 1.
If you're longing for sunny warmth, sand beneath your feet, crystal-clear blue water, and a beverage adorned with a small umbrella, it seems you urgently require a beach getaway . But you shouldn't settle for just any old beach. Instead, you should head to one of the cleanest beaches in the world. And that may just be closer than you think.
One straightforward method to recognize an eco-friendly coastal destination is by checking for the Blue Flag certification, described as a "voluntary accolade awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainably operated tour vessels." To earn this distinction, these locations have to satisfy and uphold several strict standards related to ecology, instruction, security, and accessibilities. However, achieving such status isn’t solely dependent on maintaining cleanliness but also involves enlightening visitors regarding the delicate ecosystem. According to their official webpage, “In addition to hosting ongoing environmental education programs, sites must provide continuous displays detailing aspects like local flora and fauna, ecological systems, and natural occurrences.”
Although Blue Flag beaches can be found globally, Mexico steals the spotlight in North America, with an impressive number of them. 77 Blue Flag-designated beaches .
Related | Top Beaches in Mexico — Ranging from Serene Getaways to Surfers' Havens and Party Destinations | Find Out More
This listing encompasses 25 Blue Flag sites in Los Cabos as well as popular tourist locations such as Zihuatanejo, boasting five beaches; Puerto Vallarta, featuring four Blue Flag beaches; Isla Mujeres, also home to an additional four; and Puerto Morelos, which boasts two of these distinguished shores.
Indeed, it’s worthwhile to search for beaches awarded the Blue Flag status because these locations mandate both community sustainability and guest amenities. Among the 33 standards required for this certification are displaying water quality data, maintaining cleanliness on the beach, providing sufficient waste receptacles, and ensuring an appropriate quantity of toilets or restrooms for tourists’ use. However, the most crucial requirement is that “public access should be free.”
As for how the U.S. and Canada compare, our northern neighbors have seven Blue Flag beaches, while in the U.S., there are just two: Delray Beach in Florida And Westward Beach in Malibu, California.
Locate all the Blue Flag beaches worldwide here. blueflag.global .
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