Brazil's coastline just got a whole lot more impressive. The country has earned a record 75 Blue Flag certifications for the 2026-2027 season, a 25% jump from last year. That puts Brazil firmly at the top of South America and second across the Americas for internationally recognized sustainable beaches and marinas.
The new list includes 63 beaches and 12 marinas across seven states, up from 60 certified locations in 2025-2026. Blue Flag status isn't handed out lightly. It requires rigorous checks on water quality, environmental management, safety, infrastructure, and education, with regular testing and audits throughout the season. For travelers, it's a reliable stamp of a beach that's clean, safe, and cared for.
Some names on the list are old friends. Tombo Beach in Guarujá, São Paulo, has held the flag for 17 consecutive seasons, a favorite among surfers for its consistent waves and green hillside backdrop. Rio's Prainha, tucked away from the city's chaos, has earned 14 awards, known for white sand and dramatic cliffs. Three beaches have each racked up 11 recognitions, including Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe in Salvador, Lagoa do Peri in Florianópolis, and Praia Grande in Governador Celso Ramos.
Newcomers add fresh reasons to explore. In Santa Catarina, Florianópolis's Daniela, Açores, and Moçambique beaches all earned their first flags. Itapema do Norte, Molhe, and Mar Grosso also joined, with Mar Grosso becoming the first beach on the state's southern coast to get the nod. Santa Catarina now leads the country with 38 certified locations, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 20 and Bahia with seven. São Paulo has five, Alagoas three, and Ceará and Paraná one each.
What makes these spots special goes beyond the flag. Lagoa do Peri, for instance, is a freshwater lagoon where you can swim, hike, and spot otters and capuchin monkeys. Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe sits on Ilha dos Frades in the Bay of All Saints, with warm, clear waters perfect for swimming and diving. For a different vibe, check out how other destinations are managing beach crowds to see what sets Blue Flag places apart.
Bruno Reis, president of Brazil's tourism promotion agency Embratur, sees this as a big win for the country's appeal. "Brazilian beaches are among the most extraordinary in the world, with crystal-clear waters, natural pools and a diversity of landscapes that few destinations can match," he said. "Recognition of our beaches' quality strengthens the country's competitiveness in the international market."
The certification process involves national and international assessments, with final approval from an international jury. Awards last just one season, so every destination must keep meeting the standards to stay on the list. That means the flag is a living promise, not a one-time trophy.
This year also marks 20 years of Blue Flag in Brazil, and the national awards ceremony is set for 6 November 2026 at the Santa Catarina Yacht Club in Florianópolis. If you're planning a beach trip, the 2026-2027 season runs from November to April, the prime time to enjoy these certified shores. And with warming seas affecting beaches worldwide, choosing a Blue Flag destination is a smart way to ensure your swim is both safe and sustainable.
Whether you're chasing waves at Tombo, diving into the bay at Salvador, or hiking around Lagoa do Peri, Brazil's Blue Flag beaches offer more than just a pretty view. They represent a commitment to keeping the coast healthy for generations to come. Plan your trip around these certified spots and you'll experience the best of Brazil's sun and sea, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the water is clean and the environment is protected.
