Two St. Thomas beaches have earned Blue Flag certification for the 2025 to 2026 season, the Virgin Islands Conservation Society announced in a press release in partnership with the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association.
The internationally recognized eco-label is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats that meet strict environmental and safety standards, according to the press release.
The certified St. Thomas beaches are Emerald Beach Resort at Lindbergh Bay and The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas at Great Bay. Both locations have eliminated Styrofoam and are certified VI Clean Coasts, the press release stated.
According to the release, the Blue Flag program requires each certified site to provide information year-round on local ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality, and environmental challenges to help residents and visitors understand the natural resources they use.
VICS stated that the certification process requires a significant investment of time and resources. The organization thanked the Tourism Department for its longstanding support and recognized the agencies and partners who served on this year’s Blue Flag jury. Those groups include the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Virgin Islands Conservation Society, V.I. Waste Management Authority, Education Department, National Park Service, University of the Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association, the Hotel and Tourism Association and the Environmental Protection Agency.
This year also includes a new step in the program. Sapphire Marina is piloting the Blue Flag Marina Program to assess whether full certification is feasible. Marina participation supports improved water quality and responsible coastal tourism, the release stated.
The release noted that one of the most pressing gaps in the territory is the limited number of accessible boat pump-out facilities. Increasing pump-out availability is described as critical to reducing the discharge of untreated wastewater into coastal waters. VICS said it is seeking businesses, marinas, and private operators interested in expanding pump-out services.
Blue Flags were raised at both certified beaches on Dec. 1, marking the start of the season that runs through June 30.
Additional beaches and marinas have begun the multi-year process toward certification. Organizations interested in participating can visit viconservationsociety.org or contact blueflagusvi@gmail.com.
