Costa Rica Area Info:

Costa Rica's Ecological Blue Flag Awards 2007  

The Costa Rica awards come after a year-long evaluation of 84 beaches and 40 non-coastal communities. Only 50 beaches and 15 inland communities were praised for their accomplishments and then officially given the “Blue Flag” Award. Flamingo Beach in Guanacaste and Piñuela Beach in Osa re-earned their ecological blue flag during their last evaluation. First Time winners this year are: Camaronal Beach and Dulce Vida Beach in Puntarenas.

According to the Minister of Tourism, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, this recognition represents a very important tourism accomplishment in Costa Rica.

“It is not an award easy to obtain, actually, it is rather difficult. Due to the program’s high standards of compliance, the award symbolizes prestige and helps to maintain the quality that we all desire,” stated Benavides.
 

These awards were categorized in a three-tier rating system.

A - Beaches with a Minimum score of 90% that include basic services such as potable water and waste facilities.
AA - Beaches with a score of 100% that include the presence of lifeguards during high season and rip-tide warning signs.
AAA - Beaches with a score of 100% that include the presence of lifeguards and first aid trained personnel, access for the disabled, tourist information, sanitary services and showers.