Playa del Carmen’s 8 Beaches Earn Blue Flag Certification

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awarded Playa del Carmen eight Blue Flag certifications and eight flags, recognizing the quality of water, environmental management, safety, and services at the destination’s beaches for the 2025–2026 season.

A Commitment to Cleanliness and Sustainability

The ceremony took place at Punta Esmeralda Beach, where Mayor Estefanía Mercado received the A+ and A certifications for "clean and very clean" beaches and raised the Blue Flag.

“This rating confirms that our coasts are not only naturally beautiful but also well-maintained and protected for the enjoyment of the community and visitors,” Mercado stated.

In addition to Punta Esmeralda, the certifications were granted to Montecarlo, Pelícanos, Petrel Norte, 72, 88, Cisne, and Xcalacoco beaches.

The mayor emphasized that this recognition solidifies Playa del Carmen’s position as a leader in Quintana Roo and across Mexico. She noted that the municipality has 20 public beach access points—the highest number in the state—reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and open access to natural spaces.

Acknowledging the Guardians of the Coast

Mercado thanked the team responsible for beach maintenance, including Samantha Álvarez, Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, and Irving Rafael Lili Madrigal, Director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat), along with their staff, for their daily efforts to uphold the standards that make these beaches a point of pride.

“You are the guardians of this natural treasure. Let’s continue working together so that every flag on our shores serves as a reminder that we are doing things right. Playa del Carmen is not just a paradise—it’s an example of responsibility, sustainability, and love for our land and sea,” she concluded.

Rigorous Standards and Continued Excellence

Joaquín Díaz, Executive Director of the FEE, commended the municipal government’s dedication to maintaining the beaches as a key environmental asset. He noted that these eight certifications have been upheld since the 2017–2018 season and are renewed annually through a rigorous evaluation process.

Díaz highlighted initiatives such as underwater cleanups, which promote awareness about consumption habits and proper waste disposal.

A Shared Responsibility

During the event, Irving Rafael Lili Madrigal, Director of Zofemat, stressed that the Blue Flag certification serves as a permanent reminder of the shared responsibility between authorities and the community to protect the beaches.

Attendees included Eduardo Asencio, Honorary President of the Municipal DIF; Councilman Fernando Muñoz Calero; Samantha Álvarez, Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change; and Guillermo Brahms, Chief Administrative Officer, among other guests.

With this renewal, Playa del Carmen reinforces its leadership in coastal sustainability while projecting an image of a world-class destination committed to environmental stewardship and accessibility.