admin When I first arrived at Fantasía Beach, the scenery looked nothing like it does today. The place was beautiful—but the shore was covered in trash, plastic, logs, and debris that the tide had carried in. Still, I immediately sensed there was something magical about it.
With a group of dedicated people, we took action. We started a long journey of transformation that lasted more than two years.
A Team Effort to Bring Fantasía Beach Back to Life
We returned to the beach day after day. We cleaned up tons of debris, built waste management systems, and set up recycling stations. We also educated our visitors and partners about the importance of protecting this special place. Slowly but surely, Fantasía Beach began to recover.
Eventually, our hard work paid off. Today, we proudly fly the Ecological Blue Flag.
What the Blue Flag Really Means
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the Ecological Blue Flag Program (PBAE) award this certification to places that meet strict standards. It’s not just about having a beautiful beach—it’s about sustainability, education, and community involvement.
Here’s what it takes to earn the Blue Flag:
Seawater quality: We test the water often to make sure it’s clean and safe for swimming.
Environmental management: We handle waste properly, recycle, and protect biodiversity.
Environmental education: We run awareness campaigns for tourists and the community.
Safety and services: We provide safe access, signage, restrooms, and emergency support.
Community participation: Locals actively take part in preserving the area.
Thanks to this approach, Fantasía Beach stands as a model of sustainability—a natural paradise we protect every day.
A Unique Natural Treasure
You can only reach Fantasía Beach by boat. It’s part of the Ara Macaw Wildlife Refuge, an area with no nearby houses or buildings. Our beach sits within the only transitional forest in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, where dry and humid forest species blend to create a diverse ecosystem.
The nearby coastal rock system supports coral reefs, algae, mollusks, echinoderms, and at least 55 species of fish. Scientists continue to study this rich habitat, and we do everything we can to keep it healthy.
The Dream Was Worth It
Earning the Blue Flag took a lot of work, consistency, and love for nature. But every time I see a family enjoying the ocean or a child learning about marine life, I know we did the right thing.
Fantasía Beach is no longer just a dream. It’s a reality—one we’re proud to share with the world.
