A 25 Per Cent Jump
Brazil now holds 75 Blue Flag certifications for the 2026-2027 season, up from 60 the year before. The tally covers 63 beaches and 12 marinas spread across seven states, according to the Foundation for Environmental Education, which administers the programme globally. That puts Brazil second in the Americas for sites meeting the Blue Flag standard, which measures water quality, waste management, visitor safety and environmental education.
The certification requires regular testing of coastal water, proper rubbish disposal systems and maintained facilities. Sites must reapply each season, meaning the designation is not permanent.
Seventeen Seasons and Counting
Tombo Beach in Guarujá, São Paulo, has earned the Blue Flag for 17 consecutive seasons, the longest streak in the country. The beach sits between green hills and draws surfers year-round for its steady waves. Prainha in Rio de Janeiro has held the flag for 14 seasons. Tucked away from the city centre, it offers white sand, steep cliffs draped in forest and surf breaks that pull in both locals and visitors.
Three other beaches have each earned 11 certifications. Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, located on Ilha dos Frades in Bahia's Bay of All Saints, is known for warm, clear water that suits swimming and diving. Lagoa do Peri in Florianópolis offers a freshwater alternative, with hiking trails and sightings of otters and capuchin monkeys. Praia Grande in Governador Celso Ramos rounds out the trio.
Santa Catarina Leads the Count
Santa Catarina holds 38 of the country's 75 certified sites, the most of any state. Rio de Janeiro follows with 20, and Bahia has seven. São Paulo accounts for five, Alagoas three, and Ceará and Paraná one each.
Several beaches in Santa Catarina earned their first Blue Flag this season. In Florianópolis, Daniela, Açores and Moçambique beaches all received certification. So did Itapema do Norte, Molhe and Mar Grosso. Mar Grosso is the first beach on the state's southern coast to meet the standard.
What the Standard Measures
The Blue Flag programme sets thresholds for water quality, environmental management, safety infrastructure and public education. National and international assessors review each site, and an international jury makes the final decision. Sites that fail to maintain the criteria lose the flag the following season.
Bruno Reis, president of Embratur, the country's tourism promotion agency, said the certifications strengthen Brazil's appeal to travellers looking for clean water and protected coastlines. He noted the diversity of landscapes, from natural pools to forested cliffs, and the role of local culture and food in shaping the beach experience.
Twenty Years in Brazil
The Blue Flag programme has operated in Brazil for two decades. The national awards ceremony for the 2026-2027 season is scheduled for 6 November 2026 at the Santa Catarina Yacht Club in Florianópolis.
The increase in certified sites reflects sustained effort by local authorities and beach managers to meet the programme's requirements. For travellers, the Blue Flag serves as a reference point for beaches and marinas that have passed independent environmental and safety checks. The list changes each year, so a site certified this season may not appear in the next if standards slip.
