Sustainable tourism in St. Maarten just reached a new level.

IGY Simpson Bay Marina and IGY Yacht Club Isle de Sol have officially earned the Blue Flag certification, one of the most respected environmental awards in the world for beaches and marinas.

This recognition isn’t easy to achieve. Blue Flag requires strict standards across water quality, environmental management, safety, and education - and those standards must be maintained year-round.

For Simpson Bay Marina, this marks its first-ever certification, while Isle de Sol continues a legacy of environmental leadership in the region.

This milestone is especially meaningful given the history. After Hurricane Irma halted eco-label programs in 2017, St. Maarten has spent years rebuilding. Now, with the EPIC Sint Maarten Foundation once again leading these programs locally, in partnership with the international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the island is continuing to invest in sustainable tourism.

What this means:

• Cleaner, safer waters for visitors and residents
• Stronger environmental accountability in tourism
• A global signal that Caribbean destinations are serious about sustainability