Brazil has just received 60 Blue Flag certifications for the 2025/2026 season, including 50 beaches and 10 marinas. This national record reflects the country’s steady progress in the sustainable management of its coastal areas in recent years: 31 beaches were certified in 2023, followed by 38 in 2024.
This achievement was made possible thanks to collaboration between authorities, local communities, and environmental organizations, which have made sustainability a cornerstone of tourism development.
What does the Blue Flag represent?
This international distinction, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognizes beaches and marinas that meet strict standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility, and education on these topics.
It is one of the world’s most recognized eco-labels and a key reference for travelers seeking environmentally friendly destinations.
In Brazil, the program is coordinated by the Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR) and has helped establish a true culture of responsible coastal management, encouraging sustainable planning in states heavily reliant on beach tourism.
Santa Catarina, the driving force
The state of Santa Catarina, in the south of the country, stands out as the national leader with 31 certified sites, followed by Rio de Janeiro (19), Bahia (5), São Paulo (4), and Alagoas (1).
The municipalities of Bombinhas and São Francisco do Sul stand out with five certified beaches each, along with several certified marinas.
Our article: The 10 Best Beaches in Rio de Janeiro: Part 1
Among the new entries are José Gonçalves (Armação de Búzios), Foguete (Cabo Frio), and Vermelha (Penha) — destinations that combine environmental commitment with natural beauty.
The full list is available on the official Embratur website.
A label that strengthens the country’s international image
According to Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur, these results consolidate Brazil’s position on the global tourism stage:
“Having 60 certified beaches and marinas proves that Brazil is aligned with global sustainability goals and that its coastline has become a symbol of environmental excellence.”
The awards will be officially presented on October 31 at the Clube Náutico de Santos, in Guarujá (São Paulo), during a ceremony bringing together representatives of the winning destinations.
But beyond the numbers and labels, this dynamic reflects a sustainable vision of Brazilian tourism: that of a country betting on the preservation of its coasts as a lever for attractiveness and competitiveness.
Each Blue Flag represents a collective commitment — from municipalities, communities, and industry stakeholders — to make Brazil’s coastline a model where quality, nature, and hospitality progress together
