Quintana Roo has the most Blue Flag beaches of any state in the country. The Blue Flag certification is an environmental award given by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-governmental, non-profit organization with a goal to recognize sustainable development in coastal areas. Locations are considered for Blue Flag certification based on criteria in four different areas: water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management, and safety and services.
In the Mexican Caribbean, we have eight beaches with Blue Flag certification. These include: Chac Mool, Delfines, Las Perlas, Marlin, Playa Ballenas and Playa del Niño in Cancún; the public beach in Bacalar; and Playa Centro in Isla Mujeres.
The award is only valid for one year and local authorities must reapply every year. The national committee of the FEE reviews each beach in detail and has the right to reject applications, while the international committee is authorized to give the award.
