Costa Rica Rallies 51 Sites for Ocean Cleanup Saturday

Costa Rica is rolling out its biggest coastal cleanup yet, with volunteers gathering at 51 locations this Saturday to keep trash out of the ocean.

Fundación Operation Rich Coast and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute are organizing the sixth National Ocean Cleanup, timed to celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8 and the 30th anniversary of the country's beloved Bandera Azul Ecológica environmental program.

The cleanup spans four regions. Puntarenas leads with 33 sites, including popular destinations like Jacó, Manuel Antonio, and Playa Uvita. Guanacaste hosts seven points from Tamarindo to the protected turtle nesting area at Playa Ostional.

Limón's Caribbean coast will see action at eight beaches, including the stunning black sand shores of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Even the Greater Metropolitan Area is joining in with three inland sites, tackling waste before it flows downstream during rainy season.

The timing matters beyond the calendar. Costa Rica's beaches and coastal ecosystems draw visitors from around the world, but plastic waste, abandoned fishing gear, and rainy season runoff constantly threaten these treasured spaces.

The Ripple Effect

This cleanup connects to something bigger than one Saturday morning. The Bandera Azul Ecológica program started in 1996 as a simple idea: recognize communities that voluntarily protect their environment.

Three decades later, it's become one of Costa Rica's most successful grassroots movements. The blue flag now waves over beaches, schools, neighborhoods, and sustainable transport projects where locals take ownership of their environmental future.

Saturday's event brings together that same spirit. Bandera Azul committees, nonprofits, businesses, and everyday citizens will work side by side removing immediate threats while building long-term environmental awareness.

Anyone can participate by connecting with Operation Rich Coast to find their nearest cleanup point and contact the local coordinator. Organizers suggest bringing water, sun protection, and reusable items.

The cleanup offers something rare: a chance to make visible progress in just a few hours while supporting the coastal communities and marine life that define Costa Rica's environmental identity.