Cancun Earns 16 Eco Seals, 7 Platinum Beach Awards

Cancun now boasts 16 sustainability certifications across its public beaches, strengthening its position as a leader in eco-conscious tourism in Latin America. On July 29, Benito Juárez Municipal Mayor Ana Patricia Peralta shared that Cancun had achieved seven “Blue Flag” certifications, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). These certifications recognize excellence in environmental education, water quality, safety, accessibility, and responsible management. The seven Blue Flag certified beaches are Playa Delfines, Playa del Niño, Playa Las Perlas, Playa Chac Mool, Playa Marlín, Playa Ballenas and Playa Coral.

In addition, seven public beaches have earned “Playa Platino” distinctions, granted  by the Mexican Institute of Norms and Certification (IMNC). These awards evaluate ongoing cleanliness, infrastructure quality, trained lifeguards, and effective water monitoring systems. Two beaches—Playa Delfines and Playa Las Perlas—have also received the White Flag certification, confirming compliance with more than 70 criteria outlined in the Mexican standard NMX-AA-120-SCFI-2016 for sustainable beach management.

Juan Pablo de Zulueta, Cancun’s Secretary of Tourism, said the certifications validate a public policy centered on responsible tourism development. “Each award represents standards that enhance the visitor experience and ensure safe, high-quality beaches for all,” he said.

Peralta described the achievement as the result of close coordination between public authorities and private sector stakeholders. She credited daily maintenance by municipal services and manual sand screening for microplastics conducted by hotel personnel as key actions contributing to these recognitions. “This leadership in certifications is not coincidental; it is the result of deliberate and sustained public policy efforts,” she noted.

Cancun’s recent wave of certifications follows announcements by Jalisco authorities that Puerto Vallarta is also pursuing Blue Flag status for 12 of its beaches.