Two St. Croix beaches and one marina recently received the blue flag honor from the Foundation for Environmental Education for their dedication to sustainable ecotourism:
- The Palms at Pelican Cove Beach
- Tamarind Reef Beach
- Green Cay Marina
To achieve the blue flag, the beaches must meet or exceed 32 compliance criteria including:
- Offer / promote environmental education activities
- Display info on bathing water quality
- Showcase info on environmental phenomena and local eco-systems
- Display a beach map showing various facilities
- Comply with water safety standards (tested frequently)
- No industrial / waste-water / sewage can affect the beach area
- A beach management committee must be established
- Cleanliness of the beach is imperative
- Natural debris (including algae) should remain on the beach
- Trash cans must be located on / near the beach and emptied regularly
- Clean restrooms must be located nearby the beach
- Driving / dumping / camping are disallowed on the beach
- Access to the beach by dogs or other domestic animals must be supervised
- Coral reefs / sea grass beds nearby the beach must be monitored
- Sustainable transportation should be promoted in the beach area
- Public safety measures must be implemented
- Keep first aid equipment available at the beach
- Plan for emergency pollution situations
- Supply drinking water at the beach
- Provide access for the physically disabled
The Blue Flag is recognized by environmentalists worldwide. The parent Foundation for Environmental Education is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Ready to frequent award-winning beaches? St. Croix is home to many environmental activists who strive to preserve our paradise. Contact Chris and Kerri Hanley today to find your ideal home or condo on St. Croix or St. Thomas. As the top broker on-island year after year, Chris is the authority on Virgin Islands real estate. Start by downloading their free St. Croix Event Guide to find the perfect time for an extended trip: