Los Cabos is trying to add another dozen beaches to its Blue Flag list in 2026. The municipality already has 27 certified beaches, one of the largest counts in Mexico. The new applications come as beach officials continue audits tied to cleanliness, water quality, safety, accessibility, and environmental education. If approved, the additions would expand a program that has become a visible part of how the destination manages its most visited coastal areas.
Los Cabos pushes for more Blue Flag beaches
Los Cabos is seeking 12 additional Blue Flag beach certifications in 2026, bringing the total to 27 beaches certified under the international program.
The effort was outlined by Rafael Guillermo Álvarez Munguía, coordinator of the municipal Federal Maritime Zone office, known as Zofemat. He said the 12 beaches are in the certification process this year.
The Blue Flag program recognizes beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats that meet standards in several areas. Those include water quality, environmental management, safety, services, accessibility, and environmental information.
Los Cabos already has many certified beaches, including well-known areas such as El Chileno, Santa María, Palmilla, Las Viudas, and several sections of El Médano.
What the certification requires
A Blue Flag beach must meet standards that go beyond basic beach cleanup.
The program looks at regular water testing, waste management, environmental education, safety equipment, first aid, sanitation, and access. Certified sites must also provide information to beach users and maintain environmental management systems.
Blue Flag Mexico describes the program as covering six areas: environmental information and education, water quality, environmental management, safety and services, social responsibility, and sustainable tourism.
International Blue Flag criteria also include accessibility, pollution management, biodiversity management, and emergency planning.
Audits continue during 2026 season
The certification work is part of a broader review of existing Blue Flag beaches in Los Cabos.
Zofemat began control and follow-up visits in May to review compliance with the program’s standards. The checks were scheduled from May 12 to May 28 and included criteria linked to environmental education, water quality, management, safety, and services.
Earlier review work also used the Beach Litter Measuring System. That system measures sand cleanliness on a scale from A+ to D and looks at waste such as microplastics, cigarette butts, and glass fragments.
The audits are part of the maintenance side of the program. Blue Flag certification is not permanent by default. Beaches must continue meeting standards to keep the flag.
Tourism and beach management
Municipal officials said that around 1.5 million visitors use the beaches in Los Cabos each year.
The certification effort is being presented as part of the municipality’s beach management strategy. It also gives travelers a visible sign that a beach is subject to outside standards for cleanliness, services, and safety.
The 12 pending certifications have not yet been reported as approved. If granted, they would raise the municipality’s Blue Flag beach count from 27 to 39.
