Costa Rica Travel – Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches are near large hotels. They are Matapalo, El Madero and Playa Blanco, near RIU, Barceló and Punta Leona hotels respectively.
They each achieved the highest possible score, a five star rating by the Ecological Blue Flag Program.
Elsewhere in the country four beaches got three stars and 89 got one star.
The program assesses water quality, waste separation, signage, access, and availability of showers, bathrooms and lifeguards.
The big hotels have money to ensure public health, something most coastal communities don’t have.
The community often wants to help keep the beaches clean. Cesar Vargas, of the Punta Leona committee, integrates the community with workshops and tours to educate children and adults.
It is important to create awareness of beach safety and cleanliness, organize the community in partnership with businesses and hotels, and protect and sustain the local resources.
