Playa Bandera Azul
An international award granted each season to beaches, marinas and boats that meet water quality, safety and environmental management criteria. In Puerto Rico a handful of beaches hold it each year and the list changes from season to season. It does not mean the prettiest beach, it means the best managed by those criteria.
Example
A blue flag at the entrance tells you there are lifeguards, water testing and services, not that the sand is the island's best.
Best tours and tickets
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Related terms
Coast and sea
Balneario (playa pública)
A government run public beach with restrooms, showers, parking and lifeguards during set hours. There is usually a...
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Corriente de resaca
A narrow channel of water rushing back out to sea that drags swimmers away from shore. It is the real hazard on north...
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Sargazo
A brown seaweed that arrives in floating mats from the Atlantic and piles up on the shore, mostly between spring and...
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Bahía bioluminiscente
An enclosed bay where the water lights up blue green when disturbed, thanks to a dense population of light emitting...
Frequently asked questions
How many beaches have it in Puerto Rico?
A handful each season, and the count varies. The official list is published yearly, so check the current one.
Does it guarantee clean water?
It guarantees that water is tested and management criteria are met. After heavy rain any beach can face a temporary closure.
