Blue Beach (Vieques)

Blue Beach, better known as La Chiva Beach (Spanish: Playa La Chiva), is a popular beach on the southern coast of Vieques in barrio Puerto Ferro. The beach is considered one of the best in both Vieques and Puerto Rico for its breathtaking scenery, its soft sand and crystal clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.^[1][2][3] The beach is known as La Chiva Beach by locals, and its English name originated as a nickname that was given to it by members of the US Navy.^[4] The area was formerly used by the Navy but it has been declared safe for visitors; however, beachgoers are prohibited from entering La Chiva Key due to the risk of unexploded ordnance.^[4] The beach was closed for a time after the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 but it reopened the next year.^[5]

The beach after a sargassum inundation.

The beach is part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and it offers gazebos for picnics, restrooms and trash bins. It is located approximately 20 minutes by car from the Vieques Ferry Terminal and 25 minutes by car from the Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport.^[6]

Panoramic view of Playa La Chiva.

References

1. "La Chiva Beach "Blue Beach", Vieques, Puerto Rico". BoricuaOnline.com. 2019-08-30. Retrieved 2021-10-12.
2. "Vieques Beaches". The Blue Horizon Boutique Resort. Retrieved 2021-10-12.
3. "Playa La Chiva | Puerto Rico Attractions". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2021-10-12.
4. "La Chiva Beach "Blue Beach" – Vieques, Puerto Rico | Vieques". Retrieved 2021-10-12.
5. "Playa La Chiva (Puerto Ferro) - 2021 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)". Tripadvisor. Retrieved 2021-10-12.
6. "La Chiva (Blue Beach), Vieques | Top 10 Puerto Rico". 2018-02-11. Retrieved 2021-10-12.

18°6′47″N 65°23′15″W