Playa del Carmen Renews 15 Blue Flag Certifications for 2026-2027 Season

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Playa del Carmen has renewed 15 international Blue Flag certifications for the 2026-2027 season, eight of them for public beaches managed by the municipality and seven for beaches operated by the hotel sector, officials announced.

The renewal marks a decade of consecutive certification for the seaside resort city and reflects what officials describe as an ongoing commitment to environmental quality, safety and sustainable tourism.

Mayor Estefanía Mercado received the certificate from the Foundation for Environmental Education Mexico (FEE) during a ceremony at Playa 88, where she raised the blue flag that designates a clean beach. The eight certified public beaches are Punta Esmeralda, Montecarlo, Pelícanos, Playa Cisne, Petrel Norte, Xcalacoco, Playa 72 and Playa 88.

Sargassum makes the distinction harder to hold

Mercado said keeping the certifications is a collective effort, made more difficult by the recurring arrival of sargassum and the constant work needed to keep the shoreline in good condition for residents and visitors.

“This year the recognition has even more value because of the challenge we face with sargassum,” she said. “Those of us who live here know the worry of people who depend on tourism, and the daily effort required to take care of our coastline.”

The mayor credited cleaning crews, lifeguards, security personnel and staff from various municipal departments who start work early each day to remove sargassum, keep the beaches clean and provide safe spaces for beachgoers.

“These flags also carry the name of their work,” Mercado said. “My recognition goes to the cleaning staff, our lifeguards and every area that helps keep our beaches in good condition.”

Certification requires international standards

Diego Díaz Hernández, director of operations and finance at FEE Mexico, congratulated the municipality on renewing the eight distinctions for its public beaches, which have held the certification consecutively since 2017.

“Blue Flag is not only a distinction, it is a permanent commitment that requires meeting international criteria on water quality, environmental management, education, safety and services,” he said.

Kandy Mendoza, secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, said beach conservation is a shared responsibility and a fundamental condition for protecting coastal ecosystems, strengthening tourism and preserving the municipality’s natural heritage.

The event was attended by Rear Admiral Óscar Antonio González Huerta, commander of the Cozumel Naval Sector, along with hotel industry representatives, members of the city council and Carlos Montesinos García, secretary of Municipal Public Security, among other officials.