La Chiva Beach—often called Blue Beach—is one of the most breathtaking stretches of sand on Vieques Island. Tucked inside the former U.S. Navy lands that are now part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, La Chiva is known for its electric turquoise water, wide shoreline, and a “you found the secret” feeling that’s hard to match anywhere else in Puerto Rico. If you’re planning a beach day on Vieques and want the kind of scenery that makes your camera roll look unreal, La Chiva belongs at the top of your list.
What makes La Chiva Beach so special?
La Chiva’s beauty is the combination of clear, shallow water, bright sand, and the sense of being far from the crowds. It’s not a commercial beach—there are no kiosks, no vendors, and usually plenty of space to spread out. On calm days, the water can look like a gradient of blues: pale aqua near the shoreline and deeper sapphire farther out. The beach is also long enough that even when a few groups arrive, it rarely feels packed.
How to get to La Chiva Beach
La Chiva is located on the eastern side of Vieques inside the wildlife refuge. Most visitors reach it by rental car, Jeep, or golf cart (depending on current access conditions and your comfort level). The road can be bumpy in sections, and conditions change after rain—so if you can, choose a vehicle with decent clearance. If you’re mapping out your day, start with the essentials in the Vieques Travel Guide, which can help you plan timing, supplies, and the best order to visit beaches and towns.
Once you arrive, you’ll see simple parking areas near the sand. From there, it’s a short walk onto the beach. Because the area is protected, it’s important to stay on established paths and avoid stepping on dunes or vegetation.
La Chiva Beach (Blue Beach) · ⭐ Popular on Vieques
Vieques, PR 00765 · Famous for clear turquoise water, soft sand, and one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
Best time to visit
For the calmest water and the most vibrant colors, aim for morning to early afternoon on a day with light wind. Sunrise and earlier hours can feel especially peaceful, and you’ll usually have more choice of where to set up. If you’re visiting during peak travel periods, arriving earlier also helps with parking and keeps your day relaxed.
Swimming, snorkeling, and safety
La Chiva is generally a great beach for swimming when conditions are calm. The water is often gentle near shore, making it comfortable for families and casual swimmers. That said, Vieques is still an open-ocean island environment—currents and waves can change quickly. Use common sense: if the surf looks rough, stay close to shore and avoid long swims.
Snorkeling can be excellent in the right spots, especially near rocky areas where fish tend to gather. Visibility varies by weather and swell. If snorkeling is a major priority, pair La Chiva with other Vieques water activities and guidance on the Things to Do in Vieques page so you can choose the best conditions and locations.
What to bring (La Chiva is unspoiled, so come prepared)
Since there are no facilities on the beach, packing smart makes all the difference. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Water + snacks (and extra if you’re staying for hours)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
- Shade: umbrella or lightweight pop-up (wind permitting)
- Snorkel gear (optional, but worth it on calm days)
- Trash bag: pack it in, pack it out
- Cash/card for after-beach food stops back in town
After your beach session, you’ll appreciate knowing exactly where to refuel. If you want an easy plan, browse Food & Drinks in Vieques and pick a spot in Esperanza or Isabel Segunda for a late lunch, seafood, or a sunset drink.
Where to stay near La Chiva Beach
While La Chiva itself is inside a protected area, you can stay conveniently in either of Vieques’ main hubs: Esperanza (great for walkable dining and sunset views) or Isabel Segunda (close to the ferry dock, shops, and local life). For beachfront stays, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals, start with Where to Stay in Vieques. A good lodging choice will also make it easier to plan early beach mornings and biobay nights without feeling rushed.
Don’t miss Mosquito Bay after La Chiva
If La Chiva is the “wow” moment of your daytime, Mosquito Bay is the “how is this real?” moment at night. Many visitors pair a La Chiva beach day with an evening bioluminescent tour for a perfect Vieques itinerary. See the latest planning tips and tour ideas on the Vieques Tours page, and consider booking ahead in busier seasons.
Responsible travel tips
La Chiva’s magic depends on staying clean and protected. Please take all trash with you, avoid disturbing wildlife, and keep music respectful (or skip it). Reef-safe sunscreen is a small choice that helps preserve the water quality and marine life. If you’re exploring multiple beaches, spread out your impact: rotate where you set up and avoid sensitive dune areas.
Quick FAQs about La Chiva Beach
Is La Chiva Beach the same as Blue Beach?
Yes—La Chiva is commonly referred to as Blue Beach because of its intense turquoise water.
Are there bathrooms or food vendors at La Chiva?
No. It’s a natural, uncommercial beach inside protected lands. Bring what you need and pack out all trash.
Is La Chiva good for families?
It can be, especially on calm-water days. Just plan ahead with shade, water, and snacks since there are no facilities.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach La Chiva?
Not always, but higher clearance can help depending on road conditions and recent weather. Check conditions locally if you can.
Want to keep exploring? Head back to the Travel Guide homepage for more beach guides, trip planning tips, and local recommendations.
