Island Global Yachting (IGY) Simpson Bay Marina and IGY Yacht Club Isle de Sol Marina on the island of St. Maarten are proud to announce that they have been awarded the internationally recognized Blue Flag—one of the world’s most respected voluntary eco-labels for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism operators. The Blue Flag Program is locally operated by Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Sint Maarten Foundation and internationally overseen by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The program sets stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria and is awarded only to locations that continuously maintain these high standards. Blue Flag aims to connect the public with their coastal environment while promoting education, sustainability, and responsible tourism.
“Receiving the Blue Flag is a tremendous honor for our team,” said Andy Caballero, General Manager at Simpson Bay Marina & Yacht Club Isle de Sol. “This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainability, responsible marine operations, and protecting the natural environment that makes Simpson Bay such a special place. We’re proud to uphold these world-class standards and continue improving the guest experience for everyone who visits our marina.”
Fleur Hermanides, President of EPIC St. Maarten’s Board, added: “We’re delighted to have both IGY marinas now accredited by Blue Flag. Back in 2008, IGY Isle de Sol was our first Blue Flag site on Sint Maarten. Sadly, Hurricane Irma in 2017 put a halt to all local eco-labels while the island rebuilt and later overcame the pandemic’s impact. This is therefore quite a milestone, overcoming all setbacks, especially considering that accreditation criteria have become more stringent over the years. We would also like to recognize IGY for its support of EPIC throughout the years—not just with the eco-labels, but also as a valued partner on many of our projects. In addition, EPIC would like to extend gratitude to the Ministry of VROMI for its support of eco-labels on Sint Maarten.”
Simpson Bay Marina is especially proud to receive the Blue Flag certification for the first time, marking an exciting milestone in the property’s commitment to environmental excellence. This achievement reflects the collective dedication of staff who continue to elevate standards, enhance sustainable practices, and strive for continuous improvement. It also underscores Simpson Bay Marina’s growing leadership in sustainable marina operations and its commitment to protecting the natural beauty of the bay while delivering an exceptional guest experience.
This recognition also builds on the strong environmental track record across IGY Marinas’ broader portfolio, as Yacht Club Isle de Sol has previously earned the Blue Flag award. By continuing to uphold the rigorous criteria that define the program, Yacht Club Isle de Sol demonstrates consistent excellence year after year. Its ongoing commitment and repeated recognition help set a benchmark across the region and reinforce the company’s long-term dedication to responsible marine stewardship.
“We are incredibly proud of the Simpson Bay Marina team for earning this prestigious recognition,” said Brian Deher, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Marina Operations. “The Blue Flag award underscores our company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, operational excellence, and delivering a best-in-class marina experience. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff and reinforces our promise to uphold the highest standards across all our properties.”
Nestled in the vibrant dual-nation island of St. Maarten, Simpson Bay Marina offers access to one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and desirable destinations. St. Maarten is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, thriving marine life, rich cultural diversity, and exceptional dining and nightlife. Whether visitors arrive by land or sea, the island offers a unique blend of Dutch and French heritage, a warm tropical climate, and an array of activities—from sailing and snorkeling to shopping, spa experiences, and scenic island exploration—making it a standout destination for boaters and travelers worldwide.
About IGY Marinas
IGY’s worldwide network of marina destinations sets industry-leading standards for service and quality in nautical tourism. IGY is the only global portfolio of premium yachting destinations, serving more than 10,000 annual customers across 24 destinations in 14 countries.
IGY’s unprecedented collection of marinas spans the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, serving a variety of vessel types and acting as the favored port for many of the world’s largest yachts. IGY’s Trident Club further elevates superyacht services as a groundbreaking invitation-only membership club offering valuable benefits such as guaranteed dockage. As a proud subsidiary of MarineMax, a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HZO), IGY Marinas benefits from its affiliation with the world’s largest recreational boat retailer and other MarineMax companies, including Fraser Yachts and Northrop & Johnson. MarineMax not only holds a dominant position in boat sales but also excels in yacht brokerage, charter services, and overall maritime support.
About Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Sint Maarten Foundation
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Sint Maarten Foundation is an affiliate founded in 2007 of the independent non-profit EPIC, with the mission of protecting the Caribbean environment through research and community-based action. EPIC is a results-driven organization that works on challenging, under-addressed issues through holistic programs resulting in strategic community-based solutions. By recognizing the connections between ecological health, economic vitality, and quality of life for Sint Maarten residents, EPIC’s work supports the vision of Caribbean communities leading the way toward a more resilient and sustainable future for everyone. To learn more about EPIC and its Caribbean initiatives, visit EPIC Islands.
