Espadilla Sur, Costa Rica, a Blue Flag Beach with Three Stars
Espadilla Sur is located in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica and is designated a Blue Flag beach. We arrived at Espadilla Sur with our guide by foot after viewing wildlife in the Park. The beach was abuzz with activity. Monkeys, coatis, and raccoons galore were scrambling around the grounds, coexisting in harmony with the sunbathers, not harmful to people nor afraid of them. They were busy scavenging the bags of the sun bathers when their backs were turned. At first glance the pillaging looked haphazard but later, after putting my pictures together, I could see that the capuchin monkeys were using a clever strategy. The males struck fierce poses to grab the attention of the people, while the females, with their babies astride their backs, pilfered their lunch bags. The Mama snagged a bag of cookies and in the next few minutes, we saw both Mama and Baby enjoying cookies in the branches of a nearby tree. The animals on Playa Espadilla Sur are pure entertainment!
The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Espadilla Sur, like many beaches in Costa Rica, is a Blue Flag beach, considered a clean beach! Under The Blue Flag Ecology Program, officials from various public and nongovernmental agencies evaluate the cleanliness of a beach using strict criterion. The area must score 90% on water quality of the ocean, drinking water, waste disposal, sanitary facilities, signage, tourist safety, environmental education and involvement of the community in beach maintenance. Beaches awarded the Blue Flag are monitored on monthly basis for sustained maintenance. Local communities strive to achieve and maintain this designation. The Blue Flag Ecology Program is worldwide program. It is an important way to educate and involve in preserving our natural environment and our threatened wildlife, and to inform beachgoers that they are using a clean beach. Read more about the Blue Flag Ecology Program at http://www.blueflag.global.
